Cheaha State Park

Cheaha State Park

Difficulty: Easy to Difficult depending on trail
Distance: Depends on the trail

Entry Fee*:
Adults Age 12+: $5.00
Ages 4-11: $2.00
Seniors 62+: $2.00
Active Military: $2.00
Kids 3 and under are free

Annual Park Pass:
Individual: $105.00
Family: $155.00
Senior/Disabled: $55.00

Cheaha State Park is located just south of Anniston, AL in Delta. Click this link for directions.

Tallest Point in Alabama

Mount Cheaha has the highest point in the state of Alabama at 2,413 ft. At the highest point is an observation deck that offers 360 degree views. Click here for directions here. The parking lot is about 50 ft from the observation tower and is fairly easy to navigate, although the observation deck has sever flights of stairs.

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Pulpit Rock

The trail to Pulpit Rock is fairly short, less than 1 mile roundtrip. It is moderately rated. There is a very small parking area here (link), alongside the road. The hike offers a beautiful view.

Rock Garden

Rock Garden is a very short, 0.5-mile roundtrip hike and is rated moderate to difficult. This short hike starts with views from the parking lot next to Cheaha’s amazing cabins and ends with some of the best views in Alabama. After a rain, you can see Angels Falls running. The trail continues downhill to Cheaha Like. You can find parking here. 

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Little River Canyon

Little River Canyon

Difficulty: Easy to Difficult depending on the hike
Distance: Each hike differs
Entry Cost: Free except Canyon Mouth Park and Congo Falls

Little River Canyon is located just east of Fort Payne, AL and is the largest canyon in the state. This canyon’s max depth is over 600 ft in some areas and provides incredible waterfalls, views, and rock features.

Find nearby hikes:
Desoto Falls
Griffin Falls
Yellow Creek Falls

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Map directions to Little River Canyon

Little River Canyon is located a little around 1.5 hours from Huntsville, but can be a bit further depending on where you go in the preserve.

Click here for directions to the main parkway. GPS locations for each site are tagged in the sections below under the corresponding picture.

Little River Falls

I have a complete guide to Little River Falls located here.

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Hippie Hole

Hippie Hole Swimming Area

I have a complete guide to Hippie Hole located here.

Hippie Hole Swimming Area

Little River Falls Overlook

The overlook is a quick stop for snapping pictures of Little River Falls along the rim right off the road.

You can park here.

Canyon Overlooks

There are 6 marked overlooks into the canyon. As you go further south, the deeper the canyon gets for these marked overlooks. Below I have them listed in order from the furthest north to the furthest south. Click on the name for a link to google maps.

My favorite 2 are Eberhart Point and Wolf Creek.

Lynn Overlook
Hawks Glide Overlook
Canyon View Overlook
Wolf Creek Overlook
Crow Point Overlook
Eberhart Point Overlook

 

Brooks Branch Falls

Looking down onto Brooks Branch Falls is accessible by parking at Lynn Overlook and following the canyon south, or downstream until you hit this waterfall. 

Where I’m standing to get to this waterfall is very difficult and dangerous. I do not recommend for people without expert hiking and climbing skills. You can still see the waterfall from the top without any skills required.

Lynn Overlook Parking

Mushroom Rock

The Mushroom Rock is a famous rock in the middle of the road. If you drive the rim of the canyon, you will pass this. There’s a nice boulder field you can walk around right next to it.

Mushroom Rock Directions

Grace’s High Falls

Grace’s High Falls is the tallest ABOVE GROUND waterfall in the State of Alabama with a height of 133 ft.

This is just a stop for the overlook. It is possible to hike to the bottom of the falls, but I have not done it. Until I do, here’s Southern Outing’s blog on it. I cannot speak for their accuracy, but it looks good from a quick review!

Lynn Overlook Parking

Dee’s Branch Falls

Dee’s Branch Falls has no trail and a steep incline to get down to it. It is short, but you will be bushwhacking and have a risk of sliding the entire time. 

Parking for Dee’s Branch Falls

Congo Falls

Congo Fall’s (Also known as Johnnie’s Creek Falls) is a short stop along the Rim with a waterfall. This stop requires a paid permit which you can get here.

Congo Falls Directions

Canyon Mouth Park

Canyon Mouth Park is a great swimming hole in the summer, has a mile of parking, bathrooms, and other features like picnic tables and grills.

This area does cost (updated (4/13/2023) $15 per car.

You can find out more about Canyon Mouth Park here.

Canyon Mouth Parking

That Spot You Cannot Miss

This is one of my favorite spots in Alabama. There’s no marker, no trailhead, nothing but a spot where you can fit 1 car next to the side of the road. When you park and walk 20 ft it opens up to this view. There are bolts here for either climbers or rappelers. This is an absolute must-stop.

Directions here.

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Sauta Cave

Sauta Cave

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 0.5 miles round trip
Entry Fee: Free

Sauta Cave Wildlife Refuge is a Wildlife refuge with a giant cave located in east, AL a little over an 30 minutes away from Huntsville and is a great place to get out, hike and see a bit of Alabama’s biodiversity.

Find nearby hikes:
Cathedral Caverns
Walls of Jericho
Weathington Park

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Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge is located a little 30 minutes east of Huntsville, AL. 

Click this link or look at our map above!

Parking Lot/Trailhead

Parking is just alongside the easement on this road. There is a gate that should be locked that prevents you from parking closer to the cave. It is a short walk to the cave. Just follow the road and you will come across a boardwalk on your right.

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Cave

The trail is an easy, short walk to the cave and is very easy to find. There are signs along the boardwalk about the history and animals in this location. There are more hiking trails in this area that we didn’t explore. Head back to your car the same way you came.

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Indian Creek Greenway

Indian Creek Greenway

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.5 Miles of trail
Fee: Free

Indian Creek Greenway is a paved road built for walking and bikes in Madison. 

Find nearby hikes:
Rainbow Mountain
Beaverdam Swamp Boardwalk

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Indian Creek Greenway is located in Madison, 20 minutes from downtown Huntsville.

Google Indian Creek Greenway or click here for directions!

Parking

There is plenty of parking at the trailhead. The trail begins on a clearly marked walkway.

Walkway

The path is super easy to follow and is built for everyone of all ages and abilities. The trail is wheelchair accessible. When the greenway ends, you will come out the same way you went in.

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Fall Colors in Huntsville

Fall Colors in Huntsville

Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Distance: Depends on hike. Details for each hike below
Fee: Free except for Monte Sano
Leave no trace.

Here is an interactive map to show the BEST times to hike to see fall foliage. 

Huntsville, Alabama is home to one of the prettiest falls in America. Get out and explore local hikes with some fall colors!

This guide is JUST a TASTE of what you can find in the fall in Huntsville. Be sure you check out other Local Hikes in the area!

Everything in this guide is located in or around Huntsville. Parking is tagged for each location below.

Blevin’s Gap

Blevins Gap
Parking: Directions
Hike Distance: 3 Miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Guide: Follow “Certain Trail” and you’ll be fine. You can read this guide, but not necessary.

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Monte Sano Pavilion Overlook

Monte Sano Pavilion Overlook
Parking: Directions
Hike Distance: less than 100 yds
Difficulty: (Depends) Easy
Guide: No Guide. Overlook located here.

Monte Sano has entry fees you can see here

Monte Sano North Plateau Overlook

Monte Sano North Plateau Overlook
Parking: Directions
Hike Distance: No Hike
Difficulty: Easy
Guide: No Guide Necessary

Monte Sano has entry fees you can see here

Broken Road

Broken Road
Parking: Directions
Hike Distance: 2.5 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Guide: Not Necessary

Following the Broken Road you will end up at the Monte Sano North Plateau Overlook above.

Monte Sano has entry fees you can see here

Bethel Springs

Bethel Springs
Parking: Directions
Hike Distance: (Depends) 1.6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Guide: Should read

Beaverdam Swamp Boardwalk

Beaverdam Swamp Boardwalk
Parking: Directions
Hike Distance: 1 Mile
Difficulty: Easy
Guide: Not Necessary

Green Mountain Nature Trail

Green Mountain Nature Trail
Parking: Directions
Hike Distance: 1 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Guide: Not Necessary

 

Wildflower Trail

Wildflower Trail
Parking: Directions
Hike Distance: 1.25 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Guide: No Guide

Three Caves Loop

Three Caves Loop
Parking: Directions
Hike Distance: 0.25 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Guide: Not Necessary

Maple Hill Cemetary

Picture Source: Wikipedia
Picture taken by Scott Allman

Parking: Directions – Parking is along the street
Hike Distance: Stroll through the cemetery as far as you’d like
Difficulty: Easy 
Guide: No Guide

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Like this Tour? Check out our other tours!

Bankhead Waterfall Tour
Alabama Big Waterfall Tour
Fall Colors in Huntsville

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Cloudland Canyon

Cloudland Canyon

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 1.5 miles
Cost: $5 Parking fee

Cloudland Canyon is a beautiful state park in Northwest Georgia. It is a heavily trafficked state park but offers beautiful views and several waterfalls. This park is kid-friendly, though the hike down to the waterfalls is tough. The views are accessible but ONLY by a cane. 

Find hikes nearby:
Foster Falls
Rock City

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Cloudland Canyon is located a little over 1.5 hours east of Huntsville. It is a major state park in Georgia.

Google Maps Cloudland Canyon or look at our map above!

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Rock City Maps

You can find the park map here. Be sure to find the park signs and follow them!

Parking

There’s plenty of parking in this state park with bathrooms nearby.

Click here for parking.

Trail

The trail down to the waterfalls is steep but has stairs. There are 600 stairs in this canyon and it is very strenuous. You can find the stairs following the ridgeline back towards to entrance of the park (staring at the view, to the left).

Cherokee Falls

Cherokee Falls is the first waterfall you come to heading down the stairs. There is a trail fork where you can go down to the right and continue down the stairs or to the left to the waterfall. This is the second fork you come to. If you do not know if you have hit the second split, look for the signs. The second split tells you there is a waterfall to the left. When you are done at the waterfall, come back up the path until you hit the split and continue to follow the path down the opposite direction.

Hemlock Falls

Continue to follow the path down. You’ll hit another fork. Take the left path to get to Cherokee Falls!

When you’re done here turn around and find your way back up to the fork. You can continue down the trail and find another smaller waterfall or you can head back out.

Cherokee Falls

The view at the top is no slouch either. You can get here from the parking area just by following the ridgeline all the way to the end!

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Weathington Park

Weathington Park

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: No Hiking
Cost: Free

Weathington Park is a small beautiful park with a view of Lake Guntersville.

This is more of a quick stop on your way somewhere rather than a trip in itself.

Find nearby hikes:
Pisgah Gorge
Bucks Pocket

Don’t sweat all night camping during summer. Find the essentials here.

Honeycomb Natural Bridge is located about 45 minutes east of Huntsville.

Google Weathington Park or click here for directions.

 

The Bridge

There isn’t a ton to this park, but it’s beautiful. There’s a bathroom and a few hiking trails to walk around on.

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Honeycomb Natural Bridge

Honeycomb Natural Bridge

 Difficulty: Easy
Distance: No Hiking
Cost: Free (Donations accepted)

Honeycomb Natural Bridge is a small beautiful natural bridge and waterfall. It is located on private property, but speaking with the owners they are fine with visitors. If you visit, the owners ask you to make a donation to the property for the cost of managing the property. You can make a donation here.

This property is also for rent on VRBO! You can also rent it for events as well like weddings, reunions, and birthdays.

Find nearby hikes:
Cathedral Caverns
Cave Mountain

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Honeycomb Natural Bridge is located about 30 minutes southeast of Huntsville.

Google Honeycomb Natural Bridge or click here for directions.

 

The Bridge

There isn’t a ton to this property, but it’s beautiful. You can walk down to the bottom of the waterfall, though be careful of the erosion and slippery rocks. You can also follow the path past the house to the right. There are some beautiful cascades. 

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Splash Pads

Splash Pads

Here are a few of the splash pads and waterparks around North Alabama.

Blue – Free
Green – Paid

Throw on those outdoor sandals for the spash pads and waterparks! Here’s the one we recommend

Want more kid-friendly activiteis?

Kid-Friendly

Bridge Street Town Center: Free – Website

Bicentennial Park: Free – Website

Everyone Can Play: Free – Website

Dr. Richard Showers: Free – Website

Hogan Family YMCA: $10 per Person or $30 per Family – Website

Huntsville Botanical Gardens: $14 adults, $9 for ages 3-18, $12 for Military/Students/Seniors, Free for 2 and under – Website

Delano Park (Decatur): Free – Website

SNAP Playground (Hartelle): Free, Donations accepted – Website

Scottsboro Rec Center (Scottsboro): Free – Website

River Heritage Park Splash Pad (Florence): Free – Website

Gattman Park (Muscle Shoals): Free – Website

Sportsman Lake Park (Cullman): Free – Website

Sloss Lake Splash Pad (Russellville): Free – Website

Sand Mountain Outdoor Aquatics Park (Sand Mountain) – $15 for ages 4 and up, Free for children under 4 – Website

Point Mallard (Decatur) – $28 for ages 12 & up, $23 ages 3-11, $23 ages 62+, Free ages 2 & under – Website

Spring Valley Beach (Blountsville) – $30 over 4ft tall, $24 Age 3 to 4ft tall, $24 ages 62+, Free for ages 2 & under ($15 parking charged for parking inside or free parking) – website

Fayette Aquatic Center (Fayette) –  $12 ages 2+, $8 ages 65+, free under 2 – website

Red Bay Water Park (Red Bay) – $8 per person (Mon – Sat), $6 per person (Sun) – $3 for Splash pad is for children under 48″ ONLY – website

Cullman Wellness and Aquatics Center (Cullman) – $30 over 4ft tall, $24 ages 3 to 4ft tall, $24 ages 65+, Free for ages 2 and under – website

Hartselle Aquatic Center (Hartselle) – $10 ages 13+, $8 ages 6-12, $5 ages 3-5, $8 ages 62+, Free ages 2 and under,  – website

 

 

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