The 2-Hour Road Trip Around Alabama's 'Waterfall Loop' Is A Glorious Adventure
Many waterfalls are located throughout Alabama, and there’s no better way to experience them than by taking a road trip. We’ve mapped a two-hour, ‘waterfall loop’ road trip below that’ll take you to five of Alabama’s most beautiful waterfalls. You’ll want to visit them all on this Alabama waterfall road trip!
Have you seen any of these five waterfalls up close and in person? Have you done this Alabama waterfall road trip? If so, please share your experience(s) with us in the comments below! And if you need some snack ideas, we love these road trip snacks.
Other Waterfall Road Trips in Alabama
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Alabama Waterfall Road Trip
Where is the biggest waterfall in Alabama?
The biggest waterfall in Alabama is Noccalula Falls, located in Gadsden. Noccalula Falls cascades approximately 90 feet (27 meters) down a rocky gorge, making it the tallest waterfall in the state by height. It is a popular tourist attraction and is situated within Noccalula Falls Park, which offers various amenities such as hiking trails, picnic areas, a botanical garden, and a historic pioneer village.
Noccalula Falls is not only known for its scenic beauty but also for the legend of Noccalula, a Native American princess said to have jumped to her death from the falls to avoid an arranged marriage. Today, the falls and park provide visitors with opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and enjoying the natural surroundings.
What waterfalls in Alabama have easy access?
Several waterfalls in Alabama offer relatively easy access, making them suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities. Here are some of our favorites:
- DeSoto Falls: Located in DeSoto State Park near Fort Payne, DeSoto Falls is one of Alabama's most visited waterfalls and offers easy access. Visitors can drive directly to an overlook near the falls, providing a panoramic view of the 104-foot (32-meter) waterfall cascading into a picturesque gorge.
- Noccalula Falls: As mentioned earlier, Noccalula Falls in Gadsden is easily accessible via Noccalula Falls Park. Visitors can walk along paved pathways to various viewpoints offering close-up views of the 90-foot (27-meter) waterfall. The park also features amenities such as picnic areas, playgrounds, and a botanical garden.
- Little River Falls: Situated in Little River Canyon National Preserve near Fort Payne, Little River Falls is easily accessible via a short paved walkway from the parking area. The waterfall plunges approximately 45 feet (14 meters) into a scenic gorge and is a popular spot for picnicking, swimming, and photography.
- Cathedral Caverns State Park: While not a traditional waterfall, Cathedral Caverns State Park near Woodville features a seasonal waterfall known as "Goliath Falls" within its spectacular cave system. Visitors can take guided tours of the cave, which includes a viewing platform overlooking the waterfall during periods of high water flow.
These waterfalls provide easy access for visitors seeking to enjoy Alabama's natural beauty without the need for strenuous hikes or extensive navigation.