As the weather gets hotter, if you’re like me, you may be thinking about going to waterfalls and playing in the water. It’s a great way to go out into nature, but still stay cool. Don’t forget about #YOSH and check this item off the scavenger hunt list. Here are five Alabama waterfalls I have visited recently: two for hikers, two for strollers, and one homemade.

Peavine Falls at Oak Mountain State Park

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200 Terrace Drive, Pelham, AL 35124

Trails: Green Trail > Green-White Connector > White Trail
Distance 1.6 miles | Elevation: 377 feet

Peavine Falls is a stunning 65 foot waterfall in Oak Mountain State Park. The trail leads you to the bottom of the waterfall where you can play in the pool below. There are nice boulders that make great spots for resting and snacking. The best time to visit is after a heavy rain. And you can learn more about this hike on my blog.

Bethel Creek Falls at Bethel Springs Nature Preserve

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2641 Cherry Tree Road, Gurley, AL 35748

Trails: Bethel Spring Loop Trail to Mill Trail to Falling Sink Trail to Carpenter Trail to Bethel Spring Loop Trail
Distance: 1.6 miles | Elevation: 400 feet

On the newest Land Trust nature preserve, Bethel Springs has one of Madison County’s tallest waterfalls. The twin cascades that makeup this waterfall plunge over rocks then continue to flow underground to a cave. There are very nice trees for hammocking nearby too. The hike to the falls is very steep, but worth the effort. When you are hot from the butt-burning climb and you want to cool down, stand in front of the waterfall for a good misting.

Desoto Falls at Desoto Falls State Park

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7104 DeSoto Parkway NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967

Trails: Drive up!

DeSoto Falls is a colossal, plunging waterfall with a large dam upstream. A good thing about this place is that you don’t have to hike to see the waterfall, but you can walk on a path along the bluff to get a different view. If you get close to the edge, be careful and stay behind the rails. While you are at Desoto Falls, consider visiting the other waterfalls nearby like Laurel Falls, Azalea Cascade, and Indian Falls. If you enjoy DeSoto, there is another place called Little River Canyon, which is part of the National Park system.

Pisgah Gorge Falls

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650 County Road 374, Pisgah, AL 35765

Distance: less than 100 yards | Elevation: negligible

I have to admit, this place is quite superior and my favorite on this list. The mountain laurels are gorgeous right now, but even if they aren’t in bloom, you should still go. It’s a short walk along a flat gravel walkway from the parking area to the viewing platform. From there, you get the best view of a 100 ft, huge, plunging waterfall. If you want to hike down to the creek to play in the water, follow the trail to the left side of the waterfall, you will see the remnants of the old mill here and slow moving water where you can play. If you are up for a longer hike, you can visit the lovely overlooks with views of the falls and valley by following the trails to the right of the viewing platform. This is a very nice place to have a snack break.

Make your own waterfalls!

It’s quite simple. All you need is a hose facing up like a sprinkler. Make sure you wear goggles so the water doesn’t get into your eyes. And have lots of wet, splashy fun!

Alright, I hope y’all think about going to these places and playing there. During your visit, you can try your hand at waterfall photography. Make sure you stay healthy and safe with social distancing. Please don’t lick the rocks. Just kidding. OK, maybe not. Just don’t lick them . . . please. Ever.

Onward!

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• Beginner hikes in North AL for kids & families

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