Bankhead National Forest Waterfall Tour - Sipsey Wilderness - Land of a Thousand Waterfalls

The William B. Bankhead National Forest is one of Alabama's four National Forests, covering 181,230 acres. It is home to Alabama’s only National Wild and Scenic River, the Sipsey Fork.

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.

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.

Kinlock Falls has a 15-foot drop and a span of more than 20 feet. It truly is one of Alabama's hidden gems. Other than its scenic beauty, one of Kinlock Falls best features is its pool at the bottom. Over the years, this spot has become one of the area's most popular swimming holes.

By following the trail further downstream, you'll experience a different view of Kinlock Falls and encounter another waterfall called Kinlock Chute.

Parker Falls is located within the Sipsey Wilderness area of the BNF. The trail begins on Kinlock Road near Kinlock Falls.

The Quillen Creek Trail is located near Mount Hope, Alabama. This is a difficult 4.9 mile hike that requires some navigation skills. There are multiple creek crossings, 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.

White Creek Falls is a secluded waterfall located in BNF. It consists of 2 beautiful waterfalls. You will follow mostly marked trails but it is partially off-trail. The Valentine Pool looks deep enough for a quick swim before heading back up the canyon.

Eagle Creek Falls is an off-the-beaten-path destination in the Sipsey Wilderness area of BNF. Eagle Creek Falls is a gradual cascade of about 20 feet with a small pool at the bottom. If you hike downstream from Eagle Creek Falls you will find several other waterfalls.

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.

Fall Creek Falls is a 25-foot-tall ribbon waterfall that tumbles down the sandstone wall of the canyon, crashing to a halt on the boulders below.

Mize Mill Falls is located in the Sipsey Wilderness section of the Bankhead National Forest in southeastern Lawrence County, Alabama. The waterfall itself is about 20 feet and tumbles into a rocky basin that makes for a secluded spot. Moss-covered rock faces line both sides of the creek, while sunlight streams through the treetops. If fairies existed, this’d be where they’d hang out.

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.

One of the most recognizable, and arguably the most photographed, waterfalls in the Bankhead National Forest is Caney Creek Falls. This trail will lead you to a 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.

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.

Coal Mine Branch Falls is located 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.

Sougahoagdee Falls is a 30 foot fall nestled in a hollow off of Brushy Creek. Bluffs rise from the creek to form a natural bowl with the falls spilling over from above at one end. Ferns and lush greenery make it feel a little like some kind of hidden paradise.

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.

Shangri-la Falls is 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.