Bethel Spring Nature Preserve on Keel Mountain offers hikers two miles of free trails to explore as well as one of Madison County’s largest waterfalls. The waterfall is impressive enough above ground but continues its descent into a cave below, flows downhill underground, and exits through a spring at the base of the mountain. All the trails create a 1.3 mile loop leading to and from the waterfall. This hike is difficult due to change in elevation and some slippery and/or rocky areas. Trail map and information available at landtrustnal.org/bethel-spring-preserve.

DeSoto Falls is one of the most photographed points of interest in Alabama, DeSoto Falls is also one of the tallest (107 ft.) and most visited waterfall locations in the state. It also features numerous smaller falls. The waterfall has a concrete dam above the falls, which was built in 1925 for Alabama’s first hydroelectric power plant, which is of historical significance. 

Dry Falls is located in Huntsville, AL on the Monte Sano Nature Preserve owned by the Land Trust of North Alabama. While there are several ways to arrive at the waterfall, the recommended way is to park at 3 Caves parking lot and follow Waterline Trail. Along this trail is 3 Caves (an old limestone quarry) and a heavily wooded trail. This waterfall is very dependent on recent rain.

Located within the 14,000 acres Little River Canyon National Preserve is Grace’s High Falls. Though only seasonal, this waterfall is one of Alabama’s highest waterfalls. At over 133 feet high, the waterfall features a view you can’t find anywhere else. When rainfall is high, a significant amount of smaller creeks and waterfalls can be seen while exploring the area.

Kinlock Falls is a 0.3 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Haleyville, Alabama that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round.The falls are less than 100 feet off the road. Great spot to hang out for the afternoon or just visit as you are passing through. Note: There aren't really any signs around, just park on the side of the road South of the bridge, and head down one of the paths to the trail. Don't expect to have cell coverage in the area. Located along Hubbard Creek in the Bankhead National Forest.

Mize Mill Falls is located in Bankhead National Forest. This enchanting area is covered in luscious green moss and evergreen trees. There are two ways to get to the falls but no official, marked trail. One is a difficult short hike and the other is a moderate 2-mile round trip hike. Turkey Foot Falls is downstream from Mize Mill Falls and well worth a stop.

Located deep in Bankhead National Forest is a beautiful waterfall surrounded by luscious green trees, falling into a gorgeous pool of blue water. The hike is three miles roundtrip and is moderate for most of the hike. It can be difficult getting into and out of the canyon. This waterfall is seasonal and the best time to visit is in the winter or spring.

Walls of Jericho is a part of Alabama’s Forever Wild Land Trust. This hike is 7-miles round trip and is rated difficult. The trail is lined with woods, springs, caves, bluffs and rivers. At the end is a beautiful swimming hole with a small waterfall. Continuing upstream is a cave with a river flowing from it as well as another larger waterfall.

White Creek Falls is located in Bankhead National Forest and is a difficult 5-mile round trip hike. White Creek Falls has an upper and lower waterfall. The upper waterfall is a shorter waterfall with a unique heart-shaped pool also known as the “Valentines Pool.” The lower waterfall is much taller and settles into an impressive canyon.