Most Waterfalls in North Alabama are seasonal and do not flow year around. The waterfalls in Alabama mostly rely on a steady flow of rain to keep the waterfalls flowing. Autumn is typically Alabama’s driest season, getting significantly less rainfall than any other time of the year. If you want to see a waterfall during fall, it’s important to know which waterfalls are flowing throughout the year.
Kinlock Falls
Kinlock Falls is in Bankhead National Forest. Although it’s just a short 100 ft hike from the parking area on Kinlock Road, the terrain around the waterfall is not a friendly, easy hike. This waterfall is a great place to explore offering rock shelters and a small waterfall across the creek. If you’re feeling adventurous, right down the street from Kinlock Falls is Kinlock Shelter. Kinlock Shelter is known for being the home of a Native American Winter Solstice sunrise ritual. It was first used by the Yuchi Tribe to draw patterns on the rock during a Winter Solstice Ceremony and was later used by the Cherokee.
Noccalula Falls
Noccalula Falls is located in Gadsden, AL and is one of the few waterfalls that has an entire park surrounding to it. A great family friendly option, Noccalula Falls Park offers miles of hiking trails, a ‘fat man’s squeeze’, train ride, petting zoo, playgrounds, and a campground. You can see the waterfall from above or you can hike down into the canyon and hike behind the waterfall. Nearby you can visit downtown Gadsden which is full of museums and is home to some amazing breweries.
Desoto Falls
Desoto Falls, located in Jackson County, is just south of Mentone, AL. Desoto Falls is an impressive 107 ft waterfall. There are 3 main views you can see Desoto Falls, the accessible view, the vantage point view, and the view from the bottom of the falls. The accessible view is at the top of the waterfall looking down into the canyon. Although this is not the best view of the waterfall, you get a closeup look at the lake and river that feeds Desoto Falls and a great vantage point to see the canyon. The vantage point view offers an incredible view of the falls from above. It offers a drone-like view with tree cover creating a perfect picture. The bottom of the falls offers a great place to sit and relax and view the falls and soak in how large the waterfall really is. Nearby is Desoto State Park, which offers plenty of hiking, and Little River Canyon.
Little River Falls
Little River Falls is located just east of Fort Payne in Little River Canyon. Little River Falls is one of the most accessible waterfalls in North Alabama providing a wheelchair accessible boardwalk to the beautiful overview of the falls. For those feeling more adventurous, you can find your way down to the bottom of the Little River Falls or take a 1-mile hike down into the canyon to visit Martha’s Falls or Hippie Hole. Nearby, you can drive the rim of the canyon for the most spectacular views in Alabama, see multiple waterfalls, and access even more hikes down into the canyon. The canyon’s maximum depth is 600 ft in some places and is one of the deepest canyons east of the Mississippi River. You can also visit Desoto State Park or Desoto Falls.
If you’re looking to get outside and enjoy the fall colors and changing leaves, these are great options for waterfalls that are flowing all year around.
