Aerial Adventures

Holmes Chapel Falls offers a scenic 60 foot drop into a bowl carved into the sandstone. The hike is relatively flat and enjoyable along the creek to the main fall, with moss and boulders around every turn. Holmes Chapel Falls is located approximately a quarter mile west of Rush Creek Bridge on Mt. Olive Road. It's one of Alabama's simple, yet stunning, waterfalls. Holmes Chapel Falls is an easy three or four minute walk from the road.

Rickwood Caverns State Park is a publicly owned recreation area and natural history preserve located 7 miles north of Warrior, Alabama. The 380-acre state park offers tours of the caverns with illuminated limestone formations estimated to be 260 million years old. The park features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, picnic area with shelters, hiking trails, playground, campground, panning for gemstones and gift shop. Described as "mysterious and beautiful", the caverns feature guided tours of the so-called "miracle mile" of active "living" formations, old fossils which are clearly visible in the soft limestone walls, spring-fed pools, and other curiosities. The caverns were brought to public attention by Eddie Rickles and Sonny Arwood who combined their own names to create the name "Rickwood." Rickles had come across the caves in the early 1950s as the leader of a Boy Scout troop exploring the area. If you’re looking to cool off from the sweltering summer temperatures or warm up during those cold winter months, the underground wonder maintains a constant 58-62 degree temperature year round as you travel 175 feet beneath the earth.

Green Mountain Nature Trail a.k.a. Madison County Nature Trail, is the perfect place to encounter the elusive beauty of nature in her undisturbed state. This trail features a 16-acre lake, wooded paths, picnic pavillion, chapel, covered bridge and an outdoor classroom for students. The Nature Trail is open to the public, at no charge, every day (including holidays) from sunrise to sunset. The Nature Trail is recognized as a Treasure Forest by the Alabama Forestry Commission. It is also considered a Wildlife Sanctuary. Green Mountain Nature Preserve has streams and waterfalls that flow most of the year. I found a hidden waterfall off trail close to the Rainger Trail. It was not marked on the map but it was incredible.

The William B. Bankhead National Forest is one of Alabama's four National Forests, covering 181,230 acres. As you hike one of the 90 miles of recreational trails past tall moss-covered bluffs, beneath deep rock shelters, and alongside the many rivers and streams that vein through the land carving out an incredible canyon, it literally looks like there is a waterfall tumbling down the sandstone walls around every bend. Some are named; most are not. Bankhead National Forest is sometimes referred to as the "Land of a Thousand Waterfalls.” These waterfalls are perhaps some of the most exquisite waterfalls in the world. Shangri-la Falls is a secluded waterfall in Bankhead National Forest located off of Collier Creek. It is surrounded by crystal clear blue water and luscious Hemlock trees providing this unique tropical setting. This picturesque waterfall feels like paradise. If you hike downstream about 1/2 mile you will reach Collier Creek Falls. The waterfall was once the site of a large gristmill. Two huge stone columns approximately 20 feet high held a waterwheel and are still presently intact. The columns date back to the early 1900’s.

The City of Childersburg, AL acquired the Kymulga Grist Mill and Park in June 2011. It is operated and managed by The Childersburg Historical Preservation Commission as a tourist attraction and venue for recreation, education, events and family fun. Proceeds from the park itself, fundraising events and donations are all used in maintaining, restoring and preserving this historical landmark. Listed on the National Register of Historical Places, the Kymulga Grist Mill, Covered Bridge and Park is a unique and special place in our community. We invite you to come explore it's natural beauty, learn about it's history and see the exciting changes taking place. The Kymulga Grist Mill was built around 1860. Timber for its construction came from the nearby forest, and machinery to operate it was made in a foundry in North Carolina. Powered by water turbines, the mill was capable of grinding both wheat and corn. The covered bridge, located a few hundred feet upstream from the mill, was built the same year, in 1860. It provided access to the Georgia Road, a Native American trade route used by frontiersmen and settlers coming into the area. The park is primarily a wooded area with walking trails and campsites near the creek. Over twenty-five varieties of hardwood trees and approximately fifteen ground plants located along the trails have been identified and marked by professional foresters. Included among the trees are the largest sugarberry tree in Alabama and the largest cluster of white oak trees east of the Mississippi River. Another unique feature of the park is the large stand of Paw Paw trees. Native Americans used the fruit of the Paw Paw tree for food and medicine. The park is a protected area, with an abundance of food, water, and natural cover for wildlife. Among the animals found there are deer, squirrels, raccoons, and opposums. Turkey, quail, ducks, and a variety of songbirds are evident. The creek contains several types of fish and helps provide a habitat for frogs and turtles. The area affords many educational opportunities. Guided tours of the mill allow visitors to observe its structure and machinery and the grinding of corn. Physics and engineering students might profit from a study of the utilization of water and electrical power in the operation of the mill. Studies of the structure of the mill and bridge would also be beneficial to persons in the building and preservation trades. Carpentry classes from Central Alabama Community College have already taken advantage of this opportunity. The unique ecology of the park makes it ideal for nature study. A stroll along the trails allows observation of plants and animals in their natural habitats. The creek and its shoreline provide for the study of aquatic life. Biology and environmental science students could learn much by working here. The land adjacent to the mill was once populated by Native Americans and later by farmers and craftsmen who settled there. Over the years, farms and communities developed. In 1941, this land was acquired by the United States government for the Alabama Ordinance Works, and all families living there were relocated. The tract, of which Kymulga Park is now a part, has remained largely undisturbed for more than 60 years; therefore, on a hike into the woods beyond the bridge, one may find artifacts, evidence of old home sites, or traces of the path of the Georgia Road. The part of the park near the bridge offers a venue for musical performances. In addition to the historical and educational opportunities, the area provides a place for recreation. Camping, hiking, canoeing, picnicking, bank fishing and birdwatching.

Eagle Creek Falls is an off-the-beaten-path destination in the Sipsey Wilderness area of Bankhead National Forest. Bankhead National Forest is filled with moss covered rock formations, tropical ferns and beautiful hemlock trees. The canyon and creek offer a chance to see multiple waterfalls. This is a tough hike and I would rate it as moderate. There are multiple creek crossings required and the trails are not marked well in some areas. As long as you follow the creekbed downstream you will manage to find your way to the top of the waterfall. Eagle Creek Falls is a gradual cascade of about 20 feet with a small pool at the bottom. You can get to the bottom of the waterfall by going around the ridge to the right. If you hike downstream from Eagle Creek Falls you will find several other waterfalls. One of them is Deer Skull Falls. Deer Skull Falls is actually two waterfalls that come together beside each other. Deer Skull Falls is unique because of it's glowing orange color "iron ore" that bleeds out through the rock. The second waterfall beside Deer Skull towers up about 80 feet and drops by steps as it cascades down the canyon. A little further you will see Walden Falls, Hemlock Falls, Fern Glad Falls, and Wolfpen Falls. There are multiple campsite along this trail perfect for an overnight adventure.

Natural Bridge Picnic Area is the oldest national forest recreation site in Alabama. A paved trail (approximately 3/8 mile) leads to this natural rock archway deep in a forest of hardwoods, quaintly-positioned in Bankhead National Forest.

Stephens Gap is one of the most beloved caves in the Southeast, with a beautiful 143-ft pit that cavers love and a huge walk-in entrance that draws hikers, photographers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. The view of the pit from the walk-in passage is one of the most photographed wild cave scenes in North America. Located in the heart of Jackson County, AL, Stephens Gap, is SCCi’s 30th cave preserve. By acquiring this preserve, SCCi ensures that it’s protected and preserved for future generations of cavers, hikers, and photographers. Stephens Gap is located on private property and requires permit access through the Southeastern Cave Conservancy. A Short and easy hike to a huge cave with a waterfall is an unreal experience and a must-see hidden gem in Alabama. The hike is 2 miles round trip. It starts from the open space where you park. (Details on where to park when you email in the permit). There is a sign labeled as the trailhead. Trail is easily visible, but just in case you can't follow it, they have marked it with yellow flags on trees. The trail and area was recently purchased by the SCCI and is still being worked on. There are two entrances into the cave - A walk down entrance and an entrance to rappel. The cave can be very wet and slippery and the walk down entrance can be pretty steep so watch your step. The cave features a natural pedestal to stand on which is great for pictures and is also a great spot to rappel onto. There is about a 30ft drop off the backside of the pedestal so be careful getting up and down. The cave can be very loud if water is flowing. For rappelling directly onto the pedestal, there is a keyhole that if you rappel into, will drop you directly onto the pedestal. The keyhole is a small hole on the upper side of the pit.

Coal Mine Branch Falls is on the eastern end of Bankhead National Forest in the Brushy Creek area. The waterfall requires a bit of a hike, but the protected bowl at the base of the falls coupled with the bright green moss makes this a cool scene. You’ll start your adventure at the end of Holmes Chapel Falls Road. It's an easy trail with a length of 1.5 miles round trip. Although the trail is short and sweet, the waterfall at the end makes the hike well worth it. It's stunning, especially with its pool of turquoise water below. Hike through the field, into the forest and down a steep hill. At the bottom of the hill follow the creek downstream and will come across the top of Lower Coal Mine Branch Falls. If you follow the ridge to the right, you can find a hill down to the bottom of the falls. Return to the top of Lower Coal Mine Branch Falls and head upstream following the main creek and will find Upper Coal Mine Falls. These waterfalls are seasonal and should be viewed in the Spring and Fall.

A perfect balance of nature and community, Moss Rock Preserve is a beautiful 349 acre nature preserve abundant with forest systems, large rock outcroppings, streams, waterfalls, wildlife, and other unique natural features. Currently, Moss Rock Preserve is home to six rare species of plants and a rare variant of Little River Canyon Sandstone Glade that is thought to be one of only 35 occurrences known around the world! Nearly 12 miles of hiking trails exist within the boundaries of Moss Rock Preserve. These trails allow visitors to witness the beauty of Moss Rock up close and personal. There are many waterfalls and cascades at Moss Rock Preserve. Another unique area at Moss Rock Preserve is its magnificent boulder field. Traces of prehistoric Native Americans have been found here and a natural rock shelter in the field was used as a campsite for ancient hunters. The availability of game, plant life and fresh water was obviously a factor in their use of the shelter. Other features of the park include a massive rock formation called the "Great Wall," Tugboat Rock, Window Rock, Turtle Rock and a Natural Bridge. Some of these massive rocks are more than two-stories tall. The City of Hoover is fortunate that these and other natural features exist in Moss Rock. As such, Moss Rock Preserve has been dedicated as a nature preserve in order to insure its long-term health and sustainability. 📷: iPhone 12 Pro 📷: Mavic Mini 📷: Mavic 3

The Southeastern Cave Conservancy protects caves and karst landscapes throughout the southeastern US through conservation, education and recreation. Anderson Cave is a maternity roosting site for bats. It is closed March through October and requires a permit to visit.

One of the most recognizable, and arguably the most photographed, waterfalls in the Bankhead National Forest is Caney Creek Falls in Double Springs, Alabama. The Caney Creek Falls Trail will lead you to this stunning 30 foot-tall waterfall spilling down over the top of a rock ledge into a mesmerizing turquoise pool. The rock ledge is deep and tall enough for you to walk behind the curtain of water. This waterfall is also one of Alabama's best swimming holes. This waterfall is usually referred to as Upper Caney Creek Falls. To experience more beautiful scenery, you'll want to continue hiking down the creek to Lower Caney Creek Falls. It’s about a mile downstream and leads to 3 waterfalls diverging into a single pool.

Welcome Falls is located close to the town of Fairview, Alabama. It’s a short hike off of Welcome Falls Road. Once you reach the falls you can cross over the stream and climb your way down to the bottom. Be careful, it’s a long drop down.

Little Ugly Creek Falls is located just above Deer Skull Falls in the Sipsey Wilderness. It’s a fitting destination in this magical part of Bankhead National Forest. To get there, you can climb up the side of the canyon and cross the creek that feeds Deer Skull Falls B and continue upstream along Little Ugly Creek. The canyon is full of character, with rock walls, moss, and clear water around every bend as you follow Little Ugly Creek upstream to Little Ugly Creek Falls.

Mize Mill Falls is located in the Sipsey Wilderness section of the Bankhead National Forest in southeastern Lawrence County, Alabama. This short hike will lead you to an amazing waterfall. The waterfall itself is about 20 feet and tumbles into a rocky basin that makes for a secluded spot. The falls are in a magical setting. Moss-covered rock faces line both sides of the creek, while sunlight streams through the treetops. If fairies existed, this’d be where they hang out. Turkey Creek Falls is located a few hundred yards away.

If you’re looking for a easy hike in Bankhead National Forest, then Turkey Foot Falls is your best destination. You can reach this beautiful waterfall with a 15 minute hike. This forest is known as the Land of a Thousand Waterfalls, and for good reason. Turkey Creek Falls is tucked away in a little dark green moss-covered alcove of the gorge that has been carved by the creek over the centuries. It's considered one of the most beautiful spots within the Bankhead National Forest. Mize Mills Falls is located a few hundred yards away.

Parker Falls is located within the Sipsey Wilderness area of the Bankhead National Forest. The trail begins on Kinlock Road near Kinlock Falls. The 1.7-mile trail has a moderate rating and offers lots of beautiful scenery along the way, including flowing creeks, massive rock boulders and lush forest. The initial part of the hike is flat and easy, mostly through a pine forest. The trail continues down a rocky, muddy slope. Once you get to the canyon, you will pass 5 unnamed waterfalls. A short walk upstream will lead you to Parker Falls.

Nectar Falls is a little-known waterfall in Cleveland, Alabama. It’s located off of Alabama Route 160. This stunning waterfall cascades down a drop of 40 feet. Below the waterfall is a pool which feeds a creek that eventually makes its way down to the Locust Fork onto the Warrior River. It’s a short and steep walk to reach the bottom. The area around Nectar Falls is home to three historic covered bridges, namely the Old Easley, the Swann, which is longest surviving covered bridge in Alabama, and Horton's Mills, which is the highest covered bridge over a river in the United States.

Falling Rock Falls is located within the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge near Montevallo, Alabama. This scenic trail has an easy rating and is 1.8 miles out and back. It's perfect for all skill levels. While hiking the Falling Rock Falls Trail, you'll encounter lots of scenery. However, it's the 90-foot waterfall at the end of the trail that makes the hike well worth it. When you get to the trailhead, park near the gate and walk down the road. Take the first road on the left about 0.5 miles in and follow the road to the next right turn. After walking another 1/4 mile, take the road to the left with the dirt mounded in front of it down the hill to the falls. Once you get there, you'll be able to hear the falls. USE CAUTION! You will approach from the top of the falls and the edge of the cliff can sneak up on you. From there, you can follow the trail on the right to the bottom of the falls and explore the cavern behind the falls. If you walk downstream from Falling Rock Falls you will see a second waterfall on the left. You don’t want to miss this.

The Quillen Creek Trail is located near Mount Hope, Alabama. This is a difficult 4.9 mile hike that requires some navigations skills. There are multiple creek crossings (one knee deep), boulder scrambling, and crawling under/over fallen trees. At times, there is no visible trail to follow so it’s very easy to get turned around. Overall, the scenery is very nice and there are several waterfalls and cascades worth seeing. Riddle Falls, Big Cascade, Keyhole Falls, and Quillen Cascade are a must see in the area.

It’s no secret that many amazing hiking trails are located throughout the South. While some trails are quite difficult to navigate, others are rather easy. One of Alabama’s easiest and most rewarding hiking trails is Alum Hollow Trail. Alum Hollow Trail is located near Huntsville, Alabama within the Green Mountain Nature Preserve. It's part of the Land Trust of North Alabama. This easy trail, which has a distance of 2.2 miles out and back, is a great hiking destination for all skill levels. It's also accessible year-round.

A remarkable number of waterfalls are scattered about the mountains and canyons of Alabama. High Falls is located on the south end of the Talladega National Forest in Lineville. This three-tier cascade is accessible via a short but moderate 1-mile out-and-back walk on the south end of the Odum Scout Trail. Each tier of the falls is 10 to 15 feet tall, and the rush of water become more impressive after rain, roaring down the hillside. The trailhead is located just off of Clairmont Springs Road in Lineville, and a single National Forest sign marks the turn-off. The first part of the hike traverses rocky, boulder-strewn terrain, but you then ascend metal stairs on the side of the falls to reach the top.

I want you to take a trip to a very enchanted and untraveled area of the Bankhead National Forest. Key Mill Branch Falls is located in the Northeastern part of BNF in the Brushy Creek watershed. During times of normal winter rainfall, there are close to a dozen waterfalls. Twisted falls is one of my favorites in this area. The water falls and then makes a 90 degree turn before falling again. There are many large and unique sandstone bluff shelter and beautiful views. The hike is mostly off-trail. The climb down into the canyon is steep and can be strenuous. There will be some narrow, shallow creek crossings but overall this area is worth visiting. This secluded area is rich in history, and sadly, a site of tragedy in the last few years. It is a historical site in many respects. Before it was engulfed into the United States National Forest program, it was an area where a family raised children and operated a grist mill for years. The grist mill was operating until 1953, and some of the remains of the water wheel mechanism can still be seen there. The founder of the grist mill died from injuries at the site in 1918. In 2007, a helicopter crashed on the ridge above Key Mill Branch claiming the life of a young pilot. If you look closely, you can still find pieces of the helicopter scattered among the forest canyon. Please remember LEAVE NO TRACE!