Ditto Falls

Ditto Falls

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 0.5 miles of trail total
Entry Cost: Free

Congrats on finding this hidden guide! I purposefully made this guide hard to find on my website. If you found it, you must have been digging through my website. This is because places like this only stay open as long as they are not overrun with litter and people. PLEASE follow leave no trace principles and pack your stuff out.

Ditto Falls is located on private property south of Huntsville in Lacey Springs. It is easy to find if you know where to look. It is absolutely a hidden gem. Let’s keep it that way.

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Ditto Falls is located south of Huntsville in Lacy Springs.

If you Google Ditto Falls, you can find around the location of the waterfall, but click here for where to park.

Parking Lot / Trailhead / Pavilion

Parking is just pulling off of the road. There’s a very clear trailhead that looks like a few jeeps have driven down. There’s a sign (As of 5/29/2021) that asks you to park off the road and politely asks you not to litter. Please. Don’t litter.

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Trails

There is only a hit of a trail. But all you need to do is find the cliffside. If you follow the cliffside to the left you will go to the top of the waterfall. To get to the bottom, follow the cliff to the right and find a place to climb down. Then follow the cliff back towards the waterfall (looking downhill it’s to your left). If the water is flowing and the wind is still, you should be able to hear it. 

Waterfall

The waterfall is actually very easy to find and is very pretty. In late spring when there is plenty of rain, I bet it would make a great swimming hole!

Please again, pack out your trash and respect the property!

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Bankhead Waterfall Tour

Bankhead Waterfall Tour

Difficulty: Easy to difficult
Distance: 6.5 miles
Fee: Free
Leave no trace.

Bankhead is full of beautiful Waterfalls. This guide is dedicated to helping you find an easy way to tour several waterfalls in 1 trip. In this guide we will explore 8 named waterfalls with about 6.5 miles of hiking.

This is JUST a TASTE of Bankhead. Be sure you check out other Waterfalls in the area!

This area is part of dispersed recreation in Bankhead National Forest. There is NO MAINTAINED TRAIL. Please note that dispersed recreation sometimes has a “social trail” that you can follow. Some of these are easy to follow and some of them you cannot follow. Please note that these trails can change very quickly and may be easy to follow one season and completely overgrown the next. Always bring a map, compass, and GPS with you while hiking Bankhead National Forest.

Bankhead is located about an hour southwest of Huntsville, though most of the parking spots are about 1.5 hours from Huntsville.

Kinlock Falls

First stop: Kinlock Falls
Parking: Directions
Hike Distance: 100 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Guide: Not necessary

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Parker Falls

Second stop: Parker Falls
Parking: Directions
Hike Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty:: Moderate
Guide: Should read

Eagle Creek Falls

Third stop: Eagle Creek Falls
Parking: Directions
Hike Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Guide: Should Read

Mize Mill Falls and Turkeyfoot Falls

Fourth stop: Mize Mill Falls and Turkeyfoot Falls
Parking: Directions
Hike Distance: 0.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Guide: Should read

Be sure you see BOTH waterfalls here!

Coal Mine Branch Upper and Lower Falls

Fifth stop: Coal Mine Upper Falls and Coal Mine Lower Falls
Parking: Directions
Hike Distance: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Guide: Must Read

Be sure you visit BOTH waterfalls!

Holmes Chapel Falls

Sixth and final stop: Holmes Chapel Falls
Parking: Directions
Hike Distance: 0.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Guide: Not Necessary

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Desoto State Park

Desoto State Park

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.5 miles
Entry Fee: Free

Desoto State Park is a secluded park in Northeast Alabama near Desoto Fall. It offers plenty of hiking trails and several waterfalls.

All pictures were taken by: Renee Stokes
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Find nearby hikes:
Desoto Falls
Talmadge Boardwalk
Little River Canyon

Be comfortable in your own skin. Here’s our choice of the best underwear for adventuring.

Desoto State Park is located a little over an hour’s drive east from Huntsville. It is located near Mentone, AL.

Click here for directions to Desoto State Park!

Trailhead/Parking Lot

The parking lot is well marked. There are plenty of parking spots as well as a bathroom. The trailhead is marked and across the street from the parking lot.

Trail

The trail continuously changes between dirt, rock, and even some bridges. There are arrows pointing you down the path. The orange arrows will take you from waterfall to waterfall. 

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Lost Falls

Following the Orange arrows, hike for about a little over a half-mile. Lost Falls is not on the trail, but about 100 ft off of the trail. Continuously be looking off down to the right for the waterfall. It is a small, but pleasant waterfall.

Laurel Falls

Laurel Falls is a bit more hidden than Lost Falls. After about a mile into the hike, there is a small unmarked trail off to the right. It is well worn and heads downhill. This is the path to Laurel Falls.

Azealea Cascades

Along the Orange Trail almost to Indian Falls there is a nice cascade running.

Indian Falls

Toward the end of the hike, you will come across a road. You can also park here. Cross the road and finish the hike by following the trail downhill to Indian Falls. Return to the car by following the orange trail back.

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Natural Bridge

Natural Bridge

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Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 0.25 mile
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12, 5 and under free
Hours (Open – Close): 
Mon – Thurs 8am – 4pm
Fri – Sun 8am – 5pm

Natural Bridge is a beautiful large natural bridge located in Natural Bridge, AL. It is a short easy hike and despite not being located in Bankhead National Forest, it will give you a taste of the forest.

You can likely get to the natural bridge with a cane or walker.

Find nearby hikes:
Little Natural Bridge
Caney Creek Falls

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Natural Bridge is located 1.75 hrs southwest of Huntsville (West of Bankhead National Forest). 

Google Maps Natural Bridge Park or click on our map above!

Parking

There is plenty of parking spot available (I didn’t get a picture but click the picture and it will take you to the google photosphere). Proceed to the shop to pay for your visit. The entrance is on the other side of the shop.

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Natural Bridge

There honestly isn’t a ton to this park, but the main attraction (the natural bridge) is a wonder itself. There are some interesting rock formations and a long trail included, so back your bags and explore!

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Fall Creek Falls

Fall Creek Falls

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Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 1-mile round trip
Entry Cost: Free

Fall Creek Falls is a beautiful waterfall in Tennessee. Fall Creek Falls is the tallest free-falling waterfall east of the Mississippi.

Find nearby hikes:
Rock Island State Park
Greeter Falls

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Fall Creek Falls is located a little over 2 hours Northeast of Huntsville.

Google Fall Creek Falls or click the map above!

Parking Lot / Trailhead / Pavilion

There are plenty of parking spots. The parking lot itself holds a few dozen cars. There is a pavilion available as well as picnic tables and a bathroom.

Overview/Handicap Accessible

The overview is arguably the best view available. It is accessible by wheelchair and is a short walk from the parking lot.

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Trail down to the Bottom

The trail down to the bottom is moderate. It is slick in some spots and steep in others. The trail is well maintained, but you will be walking down less than ideal slopes and will need to be careful with your footing. The hike back up is technically easier, but more difficult cardiovascularly!

Bottom of the Falls

The waterfall is over 200′ drop and is absolutely beautiful. There is plenty to see at the bottom. When you are done, hike back up the way you came down.

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White Creek Falls

White Creek Falls

What you need to know

Parking
Map It
Difficulty

Off-Trail, Difficult to Find

Point of Interest
Map to POI

Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 6 miles roundtrip
Entry Fee: Free

Upper and Lower White Falls is a secluded waterfall in the Bankhead National Forest. You will follow mostly marked trails but it is partially off-trail.

This area is part of dispersed recreation in Bankhead National Forest. There is NO MAINTAINED TRAIL. Please note that dispersed recreation sometimes has a "social trail" that you can follow. Some of these are easy to follow and some of them you cannot follow. Please note that these trails can change very quickly and may be easy to follow one season and completely overgrown the next. Always bring a map, compass, and GPS with you while hiking Bankhead National Forest.

If you are still using your phone for navigation. You should at least buy a power bank.

Bankhead Map
Buy a printed map here.

Find nearby hikes:
Mize Mill and Turkeyfoot Falls
Kinlock Falls
Parker Falls

Summer camping can get hot. Here’s the gear you need to stay cool.

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White Creek Falls is located an hour and a half’s drive southwest from Huntsville. It is located in Bankhead National Forest

Parking for here is at Randolph Trailhead. Google “Randolph Trailhead Bankhead National Forest” or click here for directions!

Trailhead/Parking Lot

The parking lot is well marked. The trailhead is well marked with a trail map at the entrance. There are several spots for parking. Be sure to follow the trail directly behind the trailhead marked “201”

201/202 Split

After a short hike through the woods, 201 and 202 merge on a gravel access road. After maybe a couple of hundred yards the trails split again. The gravel road is marked as 202 and the single trail that goes off into the woods is 201. Follow 201 into the woods.

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201/209 Intersection

After 2.2 miles you will hike to the intersection of 201 and 209. Follow 209 down the hill. You will come to a river. Turn right and follow the river downstream. When you turn at the river you will be off official trails. There are social trails here, but they are much more difficult to navigate. Be sure to bring a map and/or GPS for navigating off-trail.

Campsites

Along the river, there are a couple of campsites for overnight camping. 

Big Joes Falls

Joes Falls is located before you get to Lower White Creek Falls. Facing upstream, it will be in a valley to your right. It will be the only stream flowing down to White Creek before you see Lower White Creek Falls. 

GPS Coordinates: 34.314345, -87.467410

Lower White Creek Falls

You will follow the river until you come across a stream. The stream is White Creek. Follow this creek upstream. It will lead you to the bottom of Lower White Creek Falls. Bring a map or use GPS.

GPS Coordinates: 34.313148, -87.467160

Upper White Creek Falls

Upper White Creek Falls is not easily accessible. You will need to find your way around and up the hill. You start in an amphitheater with steep cliffs all around. You can go up and around either way. I went (facing upstream) to the left, but it looked like the to the right had social trails leading up there as well. The area is beautiful and the Valentine’s Pool looks deep! Go out the way you came in. 

GPS Coordinates: 34.313042, -87.467170

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Machine Falls

Machine Falls

Difficulty: Moderate – Difficult
Distance: 1-mile round trip
Entry Cost: Free

Machine Falls is a beautiful unique waterfall in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Be sure to stop by Jack Daniel’s Distillery located down the road!

Find nearby hikes:
Rutledge Falls
Foster Falls
Walls of Jericho

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Machine Falls is located an hour and a half North of Huntsville near Tullahoma, TN.

Google Machine Falls or click the map above!

Parking Lot / Trailhead

There are plenty of parking spots next to the water tower. The parking lot itself holds a couple of dozen cars but was full when I went and people were parking along the street. 

Trails

Follow “Machine Falls Loop” from the parking lot. The trails are well marked and well maintained. The hard part of this hike is going down and up a steep hill. There are staircases along the way to help you through the hardest parts.

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Machine Falls

Machine Falls is a beautiful waterfall. The water depth depends on water flow, but it appears the water won’t hold more than knee-deep and still be navigable. Head up the ledge on the right for a better view but be careful! The ground is not stable!

Busby Falls

This picture is taken from above Busby Falls, but from the bottom, you can find the bottom of this waterfall easily. Be sure to check out both Machine Falls and Busby Falls when you are in the canyon!

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Deer Skull Falls

Deer Skull Falls

Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 4 miles
Fee: Free

Deer Skull Falls is a secluded Waterfall in Bankhead National Forest. There are several other waterfalls along this creekbed so be sure to explore!

This guide is vague on purpose. These waterfalls are hard to find and you must be comfortable not following a trail to find them. The best way to find these waterfalls is by using GPS coordinates and planning your trip using a cartographic map, compass, and GPS.

This area is part of dispersed recreation in Bankhead National Forest. There is NO MAINTAINED TRAIL. Please note that dispersed recreation sometimes has a "social trail" that you can follow. Some of these are easy to follow and some of them you cannot follow. Please note that these trails can change very quickly and may be easy to follow one season and completely overgrown the next. Always bring a map, compass, and GPS with you while hiking Bankhead National Forest.

If you are still using your phone for navigation. You should at least buy a power bank.

Bankhead Map
Buy a printed map here.

Find nearby hikes:
White Creek Falls
Parker Falls
Kinlock Falls

Hammocks are a great way to stay comfy during a camping trip, but they aren’t always appropriate. Find out when you should use them.

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Deer Skull Falls is located southwest of Huntsville in Bankhead National Forest.

The parking lot is located along County Road 60. The closest landmark on Google Maps is Wolfpen Campground. Click here for directions to the parking lot.

Parking

There is a small pull-off lot available for a few cars. There are two trails from the parking lot. To get to Eagle Creek Falls, while facing the woods from the road, take the left trail (it is pretty much straight when you enter the parking lot).

Trail

The “path” I took isn’t super easy to follow. Be prepared for bushwhacking your way there. You will pass several waterfalls along the way (see interactive map above). I highly suggest bringing a map, compass, and GPS for this trek. You will need to follow the creekbed and will have to cut over the creek several times on the way to the waterfall.

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Deer Skull Falls

GPS Coordinates: 34.297241, -87.444089

You will walk right up to the bottom of two waterfalls.  When you hit the main branch you can take a left and then follow the next creekbed you find on the right up to Hemlock Falls (on the map).

Camping

There are backcountry primitive campsites available for use. This campsite is just upstream from Eagle Creek Falls and another downstream.

Thunder Falls

Thunder Falls GPS Coordinates: 34.292602, -87.445466

Eagle Creek Falls

Guide to Eagle Creek Falls

Hemlock Falls

Hemlock Falls GPS Coordinates: 34.295912, -87.438361

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Greeter Falls

Greeter Falls

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 1-mile round trip
Entry Cost: Free (Donation Box Available)

Greeter Falls is a beautiful waterfall in Tennessee. It is a part of a larger trail system in Savage Gulf State Natural Area. Greeter Falls is made up of an upper and lower fall. There is also a beautiful swimming hole that is accessible by the same trailhead.

Find nearby hikes:
Foster Falls
Machine Falls
Fall Creek Falls

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Greeter Falls is located an hour and a half Northeast of Huntsville near Altamont, TN. 

Google Greeter Falls or click the map above!

Parking Lot / Trailhead / Pavilion

There are plenty of parking spots. The parking lot itself holds a couple of dozen cars but was full when I went and people were parking along the street. This appeared to be within the rules since there were several park rangers present and did not say anything.

Trails

The trails are well marked and easy to follow. The trails have several splits in them. Be sure to follow the signs to Greeter Falls. The only confusing sign is the one called “Greeter Homeplace Trail”. This trail does not lead to the falls, go to the right. There is a staircase to help you descend into the canyon, but be careful of the rocks below the wooden staircase. The rocks are very slippery.

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Upper Greeter Falls

The Upper Falls offers a shelf with water flowing over it into a shallow pool. Be careful if the pool is deep with fast-moving water. The water leads 100 ft to the top of the lower falls and you would not want to get caught in the current.

Lower Greeter Falls

The bottom of lower Greeter Falls is beautiful and remind me a bit of Foster Falls, which is about 30 minutes from Greeter Falls. You can swim at the base or hike behind the falls!

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