Discover Picturesque Waterfalls in Northeast Alabama

by

Nova Sisk

Northeast Alabama is home to several of the state s most picturesque waterfalls. Many of them are located in the mountainous terrain of Lookout Mountain and the southern Cumberland Plateau. Some waterfalls are relatively easy to access; however, others will require hikes of varying degrees of difficulty. All of them will reward viewers with spectacular scenery.

A number of picturesque waterfalls may be viewed in DeSoto State Park and Little River Canyon National Preserve on Lookout Mountain in DeKalb County. Visitors to DeSoto State Park will find trails leading to Laurel Falls, Indian Falls, Lodge Falls, Lost Falls, and the Azalea Cascade. Indian Falls is easily reached, as is Lodge Falls, located behind the park s lodge. The Azalea Cascade Boardwalk Trail is handicapped accessible. Laurel Falls is a moderate .75 mile hike, and Lost Falls will require a moderately strenuous hike to reach. The best time to view the falls in the park is in late fall, winter, or spring. The spectacular DeSoto Falls is six miles upriver from the state park. The scenic Little River drops 100 feet into a gorge. The 1920s era dam above the falls was the first hydroelectric dam in Alabama.

The Little River Canyon National Preserve begins just south of the state park. The centerpiece of the preserve is the Little River, which drops 1,350 feet over the course of twelve miles. Canyon Rim Drive provides views of several waterfalls. The canyon begins at Little River Falls, which makes a 45 foot drop. A highlight of the drive is Grace s High Falls, which drops a spectacular 133 feet.

Another waterfall in DeKalb County worth a visit is High Falls, near the town of Geraldine. Town Creek falls 35 feet here on its descent into Lake Guntersville. At times of heavy rain the falls may measure 300 feet across. The falls may be viewed at High Falls Park off Highway 227. Visitors may also enjoy the park s picnic area and trails. Admission to the park is free.

Pisgah Falls, in Jackson County, is accessed from Civitan Park in the town of Pisgah. Three creeks form a canyon as they drop 1,000 feet into the Tennessee River. Two falls may be viewed from trail overlooks. A view of a third falls requires a rather steep descent into the gorge. The canyon is beautiful in the late spring when the rhododendron and mountain laurel are in bloom.

The Walls of Jericho, in northern Jackson County, contains lovely waterfalls in its grotto area. The trailhead is accessed off Highway 79 near the Hytop community. Access to the waterfalls in this rugged area of the southern Cumberland Plateau will require a strenuous six hour round trip hike. Those who can make the trip will be rewarded with spectacular views of the cathedral-like grotto and its waterfalls.

Northeast Alabama s picturesque waterfalls are worth seeking out. The most popular ones are easily accessible from developed parks. The more remote waterfalls will allow the hiker to explore some beautiful natural areas that are not heavily visited. The viewer is rewarded with stunning scenery either way.

Nova Sisk is the director of sales for Hampton Inn $ Suites

Scottsboro Alabama hotel

. The Hampton Inn & Suites Scottsboro hotel in Alabama is located in the mountain/lakes region of northern Alabama surrounded by majestic mountains and rich valleys, located minutes from Lake Guntersville. For more information visit: http://www.hamptonscottsboro.com

Article Source:

Discover Picturesque Waterfalls in Northeast Alabama