Caney Creek Falls Trail

Caney Creek Falls Trail

ATTENTION: (Update 8/9/2021) The guide underneath the attention section is for the old parking, which has had issues with being towed. I HAVE NOT been to the new location, but several people have suggested to park at a home here. Please note that this is PRIVATE PROPERTY and you are only allowed to park their if the owner is still allowing it. PLEASE respect the property as they are allowing you to go onto their land to get to Caney Creek Falls.

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.7 miles
Entrance Fee: Free

Caney Creek Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Bankhead National Forrest Southwest of Huntsville.

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.

More Waterfalls

Caney Creek Trail is an hour and a half drive from Huntsville and is on the Southwest side of Bankhead National Forest.

Google Maps Caney Creek Falls Trailhead or look at our map above!

Trailhead

GPS coordinates mark this trailhead well, but the trail is not physically marked well. If it wasn’t for GPS we would have driven right past the parking spots. The trailhead is a logging road. The road is blocked off to vehicles, but it makes the hike very easy.
NOTE PLEASE READ: Bankhead National Forest does not have any recommended parking here. Bankhead does not own the property that we have tagged for parking, but the road is theirs and the waterfall is on Bankhead National Forest property. Typically roadways have 5ft on each side that are a part of the road owners that is your best bet for parking, but we are not sure if this would actually hold up in court if you are towed/ticketed. Please know that you are parking at your own risk.

Check out our Gear suggestions!
Summer Hiking Essentials
Summer Camping Essentials 
Outdoor Sandal

Trail

The trail is well marked and easy to follow without any forks right until you get close to the waterfall. At that point you should be able to hear the falls and make your way down to the waterfall. If you can’t hear the falls, just head straight until you reach the top of the valley/short cliff face. You should be able to find an easy trail down to the waterfall.

Waterfall

The waterfall is at the bottom of the trail. Feel free to play in the waterfall and swim around. Be careful and look for snakes. When you get done, follow the trail back to the trailhead.

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Durango, CO

Durango, CO

Durango is a fantastic small town located in southwest Colorado with so much to do. There is no way we can cover everything here, so we will focus on some of the highlights of our trip.

Going to Durango, CO for a long weekend? Follow our footsteps! Above is a Map of places we visited! Everything shown here is within a couple hours’ drive from Durango.

Purgatory Ski Resort

This is a great place to set up your base camp. The ski resort had several events going on while we were there during the summer. Our guess is that it’s a solid place to ski in the winter! Our hotel had access to an included sauna and hot tub. Durango is an expensive town and we found summer prices at Purgatory were less compared to Durango.

Ouray, CO

Ouray, CO is the farthest north we cover. Ouray is known as the “Swiss of the Americas” and didn’t disappoint. The area has some incredible mountains, beautiful waterfalls, and awesome hot springs. They have dedicated pool areas for the hot springs so bring a bathing suit!  Cascade Falls (pictured) was one of the hikes in the area.  Cascade Falls is a short hard hike, but it follows a picturesque creek and has an option to continue to climb higher for more views. Free parking is provided.

Bear Creek Falls (View Only)

This view is right outside of Ouray. It is a quick park and stop along the highway for some amazing pictures. Free Parking is provided.

Little Molas Lake

Little Molas lake is right off the main highway. It is a small lake nestled in the mountains and is incredibly beautiful. There are several hikes that start here with camping spots along the way. We suggest that you take time to find a path to hike. Free parking is provided.

Molas Pass

Molas Pass is another quick stop along the highway. There are free public bathrooms here for anyone to use. Take a moment to take a few pictures of this amazing view! Free parking is provided.

Our picture provided was from a different trip we took in April the year before.

Potato Lake

MUST SEE (If road allows):

Potato Lake (or Spud Lake) is one of our favorite hikes in Durango. The trailhead is located 2.8 miles down Lime Creek Road which is a rocky dirt road. We suggest getting a crossover sized vehicle or larger to attempt this road. There are plenty of rocks to bottom out your vehicle and plenty of opportunities to get your vehicle stuck in the mud if the road is wet.

The trailhead parking lot is not well marked but is still very apparent. There are plenty of places to park for free off to the left of the road. The trailhead and trail are both well marked and Once you get on the trail, you will see forest area, small creeks, views of the surrounding mountains, and at the top a beautiful view of the lake (pictured). The trail is an easy to moderate hike and is 2 miles round trip.

Mesa Verde

MUST SEE:

Entrance Fee: $15 per Vehicle
Stop at the Visitor Center for a map and tickets to enter the cliff dwellings.

Mesa Verde is a National Park near Durango. The drive itself changes from a temperate forest to a semi-arid desert in just a 36 mile drive. The park is filled with amazing views and a fascinating history. The park was established in 1906 to preserve the archeological heritage of the Pueblo people.

In Mesa Verde, you can see overlooks of the beautiful surrounding area, amazing wildlife, and the archeological evidence leftover from when the Pueblos inhabited the area. The park protects 5000 archeological sites including 600 cliff dwellings.

Overlooks

There is no lack of views from Mesa Verde. Three of the main views are marked on the provided Mesa Verde map along the top. All of the marked views offer free parking, a restroom, and a short hike.

Balcony House

MUST SEE:

Ticket Fee: $5/person
Buy tickets at visitor center before entering the park.

The Balcony House is known as the adventurous cliff dwelling. You can see this cliff dwelling by tour only. You will be able to hike down below the cliff dwelling and climb a ladder to actually go into the dwelling. Parking to see this dwelling is free and you will meet your tour guide at the entrance to the hike.

Cliff Palace

MUST SEE:

Ticket Fee: $5/person
Buy tickets at visitor center before entering the park.

The Cliff Palace is a large cliff dwelling and is a spectacular visit. This is the largest cliff dwelling you can visit in the park. You will go down a large staircase into the dwelling and be able to see up close the archeological evidence of the Pueblos living there. You can see this cliff dwelling by tour only. Parking to see this dwelling is free and you will meet your tour guide at the entrance to the hike.

Our Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Durango around 3 PM. Grab rental car, grab lunch, stop by a grocery store, and head to the hotel for the night. Enjoy the scenery and hot tub.

Day 2: Head to Potato Lake. Spend the morning driving off road to the parking lot, hiking, and returning. Follow the highway up to Silverton. Along the way stop at Molas Pass for pictures. Stop for lunch in Silverton. Drive to Ouray and visit the hot springs and hike to Cascade Falls. Head to Bear Creek Falls for a picture.  Drive to Little Molas Lake and hike around. Return to the hotel for dinner, much needed rest, and the hot tub.

Day 3: Drive to Mesa Verde and stop at the visitor center. Mesa Verde takes a full day to explore! Take several tours of the Cliff Dwellings and stop for views at the overlooks.

Day 4: Spend the day celebrating a friend’s wedding!

Day 5: Head home.

Cost

Flights for us (HSV to Durango) (United): $270 x 2 = $540

Rental Car: $230

1 – 4 Night in Durango: $460 (Caught this on a special)(Purgatory Ski Resort)

Mesa Verde Park Pass: $15 per vehicle

Mesa Verde Cliff Dwelling Tours: $10 per person for 2 tours = $20

Total: $1265 for 5 Days/2 adults

 

Eat Like a Local

Places to eat: Suggestions from locals

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Walls of Jericho

Walls of Jericho

Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 7 Miles Roundtrip
Entry Cost: Free

Suggested footwear: Hiking Boots (please don’t wear “hiking” sandals) and preferably pack water shoes
Suggested water: 2.5 liters per person unless you are carrying water filters/water purification tablets (you can find this in our summer hiking guide)
Suggested food: Enough for lunch and 2 light snacks

Walls of Jericho is a heavily trafficked trail leading down into a beautiful valley where you can relax, swim, cave, or camp. It is a difficult hike back out, so bring some solid hiking boots!

Find nearby hikes:
Russell Cave National Monument
Cathedral Caverns
Sauta Cave

This is not an easy hike: Here’s the gear we suggest for hiking during summer.

More Waterfalls

Walls of Jericho is located North of Scottsboro. We typically drive straight down highway 72 and turn left onto highway 79. It is not the shortest way, but definitely the easiest way and only takes about 2 minutes longer than taking the winding back roads.

Google Maps Walls of Jericho or look at our map above!

Hiking to the Walls of Jericho involves several switch backs that make going downhill/uphill a much milder incline. You can find several trails that are shortcuts but are much steeper and have several obstacles like downed logs in the way. Pretty much every trail going downhill before you hit Hurricane Creek takes you to the Walls of Jericho. The only major exception is the horse trail that crosses the hiking trail. This horse trail is wide enough to fit a car. If you find yourself on this path, you are on the wrong trail.

Parking

There are 2 parking lots for the Walls of Jericho. One is the parking lot for the horse trails and one is the parking lot for the hiking trails. We have made the mistake of hiking from the horse parking lot and never made it to the falls. Be sure to park in the hikers parking lot.

Trailhead

The Walls of Jericho Trailhead is clearly marked in the back left corner of the parking lot. There is a bathroom in the back right corner of the parking lot as well.

Trail Markers

The trail is clearly marked on the trees the entire way with a red rectangle. In some places, the trail is marked with reflectors. These reflectors make it easier to find your way when using a headlamp in the dark.

Summer Hiking Essentials
Summer Camping Essentials 
Outdoor Sandal

First Bridge Crossing

When you arrive at the bottom of the mountain, there is a bridge to your left to cross over the river. After you cross the river, go straight. 

Second Bridge Crossing

After the first bridge, you will follow a trail going straight. You will come to a fork with a path straight into the woods or a path to your right. Continue on the straight path into the woods. Follow this path and you will find the second bridge crossing. Cross the bridge and follow the path.

Rocky River

The second bridge leads you to the Primitive Campground. These campsites are free of charge and first come first serve. After you pass the campsites, you can choose between 2 paths. One of the paths leads straight to cross over the rocky river. This is great if the water level allows it. Or follow the South Rim Trail to the left next to the barbed wire. The South Rim Trail is a little bit longer and takes more time, but is available even when the water level is high.

The Walls of Jericho

When you first arrive at the Walls of Jericho, there is a place to rest and relax. This is a great time to put on your water shoes or go shoeless. You can swim in the water, rest on the rocks, or nap in a hammock if you brought one. Look right of the swimming hole and there is a path that will take you farther upstream. 

Upper Walls of Jericho

Hiking upstream to the top side of the falls leads you to a rock bowl. From here, explore your surroundings! Continue to climb upstream to discover a waterfall, find the cave of to the left to explore, or find a path uphill to find views from above!

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High Falls

High Falls

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 0.25 Miles

This is a great place to swim and get your adrenaline going jumping from the waterfalls. Be careful!

Love swimming holes? We do to. Check out local ones.

Swimming holes are a great place to wear quick-dry underwear and outdoor sandals. Find the ones we suggest.

More Waterfalls

High Falls is a great place to get out and Swim. It’s located near Guntersville and is about a 1.25 hour drive from Huntsville.

Google Maps High Falls or look at our map above!

Playground

This is a very easy and short stroll on a paved path to the playground. It is not a big playground, but a playground nontheless.

Check out our Gear suggestions!
Summer Hiking Essentials
Summer Camping Essentials 
Outdoor Sandal

Waterfall

WARNING: The current can be strong and jumping off the cliffs or waterfalls can lead to injury or death. Jump at your own risk.

Continue down the paved path to the waterfalls. There are places to waddle in the water. You can jump from the cliffs into the water below. After you jump, you can climb the rocks or go off to the side and follow the path up. It is a great place to 

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Iceland

Iceland

Iceland is absolutely stunning. I have never been somewhere where the landscape changes so quickly.

One moment you are on a glacier, the next on black sand beaches, and then you’re driving through a lava field.

Only a couple days in Iceland? Follow our footsteps! Above is a Map of places we visited!

Iceland is a very EXPENSIVE country to visit. Getting to Iceland can be very cheap, but staying there can be costly.

Most cars in Iceland are manual. If you can’t drive a stick, be sure to specify an automatic car when renting.

Weather in Iceland can be extremely unpredictable at any time of the year.  If you’re traveling in the “warmer” months be sure to bring a jacket and good shoes to keep in your car.

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is a bit pricy and is typically considered a tourist trap. It is a man made hot spring that is heated by the nearby geothermal power plant. The area can get crowded. It can still be worth your time, especially since it is close to the airport. We suggest other options without the hefty price tag.

Reykjavik – Downtown

Downtown center is a great place to grab some lunch or dinner and shop for Iceland gear. There are plenty of things to do and a bustling nightlife!

Thingvellir National Park

MUST SEE:

Thingvellir is where continental plates divide. There are multiple parking lots where you pay to park. The top parking lot allows for a great view of the surrounding area. The bottom parking lot allows for you to walk through two completely separate tectonic plates (Seen in picture) – The Euroasian Plate and the North American Plate. There are hiking trails and wheelchair accessible paths. Take some time to enjoy a stroll and beautiful pictures!

Strokkur

MUST SEE:

Geysers are cool. VERY cool. If you haven’t seen a geyser, this one is very reliable and very entertaining. It erupts every 5 – 10 minutes. There is a parking lots where you pay to park. It is an easy stroll to the geyser and wheelchair accesible. Make sure to catch a video to show your friends!

Gullfoss

This is a massive breathtaking waterfall in the center of the country. There is a paid parking lot at the top and you can take a short hike down to the falls. It can get a little congested and some areas closer to the falls can be slippery. Make sure to hike down to the rocks for some awesome pictures.

Seljalandsfoss

This is a beautiful waterfall. Best part is you can hike AROUND the back side of it for some interesting pictures making it unique from most of the other waterfalls. Park in the paid parking lot and take a short hike to the waterfall. Be sure to get pictures from as many angles as you can! 

Skogafoss

This is another massive waterfall. Park in the parking lot and take a short walk down a gravel path to the waterfall. You can hike to the top of this waterfall for a view from above. There is a nice river at the top and a few places to hike!

Solheimajokull

MUST SEE:

If you haven’t seen a glacier, it is spectacular. There are guided tours on this that we didn’t take, but we highly suggest it. There is a parking lot nearby and its a short walk to the glacier. We snuck onto the glacier without the proper shoes, but we highly suggest getting the proper equipment to hike on the ice. 

Dyrholaey

MUST SEE:

“Dyrholaey” is actually the name of the lighthouse, but the whole area is beautiful. This area offers a breathtaking 360 degree view. From there you can see the mountains on the island, the rocky shores, and the black sand beaches. It can get a bit windy, so bring a jacket. There are multiple parking lots in this area, each one offering a different but spectacular view.

Reynisfjara Beach

There is a lot more on these beaches than just the unique rock columns. There are the black sand beaches and caves you can walk into. These beaches are a fantastic place to explore and take pictures! There is a parking lot nearby and its a short stroll to the beaches.

Our Itinerary

Iceland was a part of a larger trip. We went to Netherlands, United Kingdom, and Iceland on a single trip. Because of this we only had a couple days to see as much as we could in Iceland.

Day 1: Arrive in Iceland from United Kingdom around midnight. Grab rental car and head to the hotel for the night. View of Aurora Borealis from hotel.

Day 2: Head to Thingvellir National Park. Hike through the continental divide. Drive to Stokkur and watch the geyser. Head to Gullfoss for pictures. Drive to AirBnB dear Skogafoss for the night.

Day 3: Hike to the top of Skogafoss. Drive to Dyrholaey. Stop for pictures. Drive to the Reynisfjara Beach to explore the beach area. Return to Seljalandsfoss. Drive back to Reykjavik to spend the night in AirBnB and grab Iceland gear.

Day 4: Flight Home.

Cost

These are not exact costs. Everything is an Approximation. Flights are from our entire trip and not just to and from Iceland.

Flights and bags for Us (ATL > AMS  &  LGW > KEF > ATL) (Spirit/Wow Air): $800 x 2 = $1600
Generally you can find flights from HSV to Iceland for around $600 RT, but we have seen them as low as $266 on Delta.

Rental Car: $300 (Lagoon Car Rental – offsite from airport)

1 – 3 Night in Iceland: $330 (AirBnB)

 

Total: $2230 for 4 Days/2 adults (This included flights to mainland Europe)

 

Food in Iceland is very expensive. One meal for a small cheeseburger and fries cost $26. To save money we brought freezedried camping food (Backpacker’s Pantry). The camping food we brought needed boiled water, which we boiled at the AirBnB for breakfast and dinner. You can also buy hotdogs for around $7 at pretty much any gas station if you’re traveling on a budget.

Gas is also very expensive, so be prepared to spend $100+ on gas.

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