Kinlock Falls in Bankhead National Forest is a favorite hangout spot among locals. There are four developed campgrounds, all of which meet the selection criteria. Explore the most popular waterfall trails in William B Bankhead National Forest with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Depending on water levels, there may be several, smaller pools above the main hole. Natural features you'll find at Houston Recreation Area and Campground. Alabama's first national wilderness area. ... Kinlock Falls, Bankhead National Forest. ... Tucked... 3. But most hikers stop at the falls 1 mile in—leaving the off-trail extension deeper into the canyon all for you. Located in Bankhead National Forest, Corinth is a popular recreation area on Lake Lewis Smith. The pool makes a fantastic swimming hole and you can walk behind the falls relatively safely. There really is no excuse not to stop and see this waterfall. Bankhead National Forest Bankhead Ranger District Andy Scott, District Ranger 1070 Highway 33 Double Springs, AL 35553 205-471-7724 Email. Beach. This is a high traffic area. This is one of my favorite videos because it include two things I love, my Lovely Bride... youtube.com. Swimming holes and shallow pools filled with aquatic life, the sandy river bank and a deep, cool sandstone canyon with rock shelters and a waterfall make this area perfect for playing, exploring and learning about the Black Warrior watershed. The trail starts at the end of the roundabout, to the right of the pavilion. ... Kinlock Falls, Bankhead National Forest. One of the most recognizable, and arguably the most photographed, waterfalls in the Bankhead National Forest is Caney Creek Falls, a stunning 30-foot-tall punchbowl waterfall that spills down over the top of a rock ledge into a mesmerizing turquoise pool. About a 1.5 mile hike, off the beaten path hidden within the Bankhead National Forest is a hidden waterfall along Caney Creek! The Bankhead National Forest and Sipsey Wilderness have so much to offer, and we enjoyed our short hikes to these three (slightly) hidden treasures. Waterfall. ... Nice waterfall hidden on Key mill Branch in Bankhead national forest. Located atop Lookout Mountain, north of the actual park lies one of our favorite spots for summer swimming. The water levels are high enough to give you more options than in the summer when some streams really start to dry out. Caney Creek Falls Trail [PRIVATE PROPERTY]. Hipcamp makes it easy to find unique camping experiences. Hipcamp makes it easy to find unique camping experiences. To give you a head start, we’ve selected four of our favorite swimming holes. Live like a Birmingham local whenever, wherever, Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive outdoor events. 34.283, -87.39683. William Bankhead National Forest: Lots of trails! Arenas. Further southwest on Cranal Road, you can head north of the road down Eagle Creek to see Eagle Creek Falls. More Similar Arenas Near Sipsey River: Swimming Holes Canoeing Areas Kayaking Areas Things to … Trailhead at pull off to park inside campground or park at park entrance and walk to trailhead just inside campground gate. WARNING: This is an unofficial trail and there is no legal parking for this trail. The Bankhead National Forest features several scenic campgrounds such as, Houston and the newly renovated Corinth and Clear Creek Campgrounds. Two of the three campgrounds, Corinth and Clear Creek, offers camping units with … A waterfall spills into a large, sandy pool surrounded by high, mossy cliffs. Little River Canyon—Eberhart Point. All facilities are designed with forest users in Natural features you'll find at Houston Recreation Area and Campground. Excellent swimming hole, it is steep in some places, crowded with a heavy carbon footprint good place for a day trip, the water is extremely cold even in late May, like most everything in the park there is no ADA for people who may require it, we will revisit Facilities for camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking, and swimming are abundant. It is not an easy find, but so worth the … The Bankhead National Forest features several scenic campgrounds such as, Houston and the newly renovated Corinth and Clear Creek Campgrounds. Bankhead National Forest is located in northwestern Alabama and is comprised of 180,581 acres. Bankhead National Forest Decidedly a nice place to stay, the Corinth Recreation Area is a small gem within the Sipsey Wilderness of William Bankhead National Forest. Kinlock Falls in Alabama’s Bankhead National Forest is a very accessible cascade that’s great for a couple of hours of fun just off of a park road. Use the rope on the right hand side to ascend the water fall. The area surrounding the trailhead and the beginning of the trail is private property. Located in the William B. Bankhead National Forest. This is not an official trail, so this route involves bushwacking and route-finding. ... Nice waterfall hidden on Key mill Branch in Bankhead national forest. Please pick up all of your trash. It’s only a short walk from your car, and the short hike down to the falls can be a bit tricky and technical, so be careful. One of our favorite swimming holes hidden deep in Bankhead Forest. Tucked into the dense overgrowth in the Bankhead National Forest, just on the edge of the Sipsey Wilderness , Kinlock Falls is Alabama’s worst-kept secret. 34.283, -87.39683. One of our favorite swimming holes hidden deep in Bankhead Forest. Lake. Swimming. Forest. The Bankhead National Forest might be considered a multi-camping experience forest. Bankhead National Forest, Winston County Rd 23, Double Springs, AL 35553, Double Springs, Alabama. Before we know it, thick curtains of humidity will drape over the land. Once you've made it to the river, hike upstream about a quarter of a mile and you can’t miss it. Visitors can go down the falls on their kayaks and jump from various rock ledges into the pool below. There are six recreation areas scattered about the Bankhead National Forest, each offering a unique experience of its own. Late spring is a great time to visit these spots. Hikers from around the country, and even world, are attracted to this scenic area because of its high volume of waterfalls. No matter how tempting the cobalt-blue waters look, they are not safe for swimmers. Note: There aren't really any signs around, just park on the side of the road South of the bridge, and head down one of the paths to the trail. Additionally, it is minutes away from other swimming holes and trails off of the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway including Looking Glass Hike and Falls. Beach. This allows for a day full of fun adventures. Saying Alabama is 'unique' is a gross understatement, so get out and enjoy it in the most youthful-pastime way possible—cooling off in a natural swimming hole. A reader says the swimming hole is at the spring that feeds the river. - See 52 traveler reviews, 98 candid photos, and great deals for Double Springs, AL, at Tripadvisor. #6 - Caney Creek Falls Trail [PRIVATE PROPERTY]. Wildlife watching. A shallow cascade suddenly drops off a ledge in a free-fall a little wider than it is high, with most of the water coming down on the right side looking up. The falls are less than 100 feet off the road. The forest encompasses 180,000-acres of mixed woodlands, 25,000 of which have been set aside as a true wilderness area called the Sipsey Wilderness. If you pass the parking area for the shelter you’ve gone too far. Visitors can go down the falls on their kayaks and jump from various rock ledges into the pool below. Terrain. The climb down to the pool can be difficult; we recommend only confident scramblers attempt to access this pool. This is one of my favorite videos because it include two things I love, my Lovely Bride... youtube.com. Swimming hole. Forest. 2. Google/Ben Roussel. ... At about 6:30 p.m. over Bankhead National Forest, something horribly went wrong while in the air. Only a short 90-minute drive northwest of Birmingham, Alabama there is an incredible wonderland -- the Bankhead National Forest. With the growing popularity of this spot, take a trash bag to pick up any trash left behind to help preserve this area. The rock ledge is deep and tall enough for you to walk behind the curtain of water. While you're out and about, remind yourself how lucky you are to live in such a beautiful and botanically exuberant state—where every plant found in the Eastern US grows, where waters flow with more species of fish (450) than any other place in North America, and where there are plant and animal species not found anywhere else in the world. Terrain. Please stay out of the quarry that borders the property. Stuff To DoThings To DoSweet Home AlabamaGulf Of MexicoNational ForestSavannah ChatPlaces To GoFloridaUnited States It's a great place to hang out for a hot afternoon! Near the Sipsey River, you can find Mize Mill Falls and Turkeyfoot Falls. Bankhead National Forest Bankhead Ranger District Andy Scott, District Ranger 1070 Highway 33 Double Springs, AL 35553 205-489-5111 Email Conecuh National Forest Conecuh Ranger District Tim Mersmann, District ... hiking, and swimming are abundant. Although DeSoto Falls is considered a part of DeSoto State Park, it’s not technically within the park and is located 7 miles north, towards Mentone, AL, near the small town of Valley Head. One of our favorite swimming holes hidden deep in Bankhead Forest. Eberthart Point is our favorite, due to small crowds and the rocks that skirt the edge of the pool, which are perfect for jumping and sunbathing. It's a great place to hang out for a hot afternoon! Many draw the curtain in the comforts of recycled cooled air, but why not cool off in some of the most scenic swimming holes in the Southeast instead? Cave. The water drops onto a flat rock and slides right into a huge, round, tea-colored pool. The large, deep pool at the base makes this a popular summer swimming hole. 6. FLAPPERS, DAPPERS, SWELLS AND DOLLS, LOAD UP THE BREEZER The birth of auto trails meant the birth of the road trip. This secluded waterfall might be small, but it flows into one of Alabama's most popular swimming holes. William Bankhead National Forest: Lots of trails! There are six recreation areas scattered about the Bankhead National Forest, each offering a unique experience of its own. - See 52 traveler reviews, 98 candid photos, and great deals for Double Springs, AL, at Tripadvisor. Bankhead National Forest—Kinlock Falls. These three campgrounds are open April through October. Bankhead National Forest and the Sipsey Wilderness are full of opportunities for hikes and waterfall viewing. © 2021 RootsRated, Inc. All rights reserved. The Bankhead National Forest and Sipsey Wilderness have so much to offer, and we enjoyed our short hikes to these three (slightly) hidden treasures. All facilities are designed with forest users in mind and provide varying challenges for everyone from the novice to the expert. Two of the three campgrounds, Corinth and Clear Creek, offers camping units with … 7 Days in the Land of Enchantment: The Ultimate New Mexico Road Trip, Start a New Tradition with a Campfire Holiday Feast. This historic route, established in 1919 and considered the first paved transcontinental highway, connected Washington, D.C. with San Diego as part of the National Auto Trail system. The Bankhead National Forest is located in North Alabama and covers 181,230 acres. It is well known for being a "water slide". How many kids swam in this hole while there fathers were at the mill waiting on the corn to be ground at the mill site. Twisted Falls and My Lovely Bride. Drive about one mile and look for the creek in the ravine on your right and trails leading down to the water. All facilities are designed with forest users in mind and provide varying challenges for everyone from the novice to the expert. At every turn, there is a landscape that you will want to photograph. Cave. Slide into the sweet serenade of cool, green waters and listen to the echoes of elated laughter bouncing off the canyon walls. To get here, stay on the main road and follow it for about two miles to the lower falls parking lot. Bankhead National Forest, Winston County Rd 23, Double Springs, AL 35553, Double Springs, Alabama. Best waterfall trails in William B Bankhead National Forest You will find picnic tables in nice shaded areas and are allowed to swim in the canyon swimming hole. Water spills over a rocky ledge, falling 104 feet into a deep and wide pool that looks as though it were straight from the set of The Goonies. #hiking , #bankhead , #camping , #waterfalls , #swimminghole , #nature , #forest A reader says the swimming hole is at the spring that feeds the river. Kinlock Falls in Bankhead National Forest is a favorite hangout spot among locals. Forest Information The (William B.) Don't expect to have cell coverage in the area. A cave cuts into the cliff behind the waterfall, creating a perfect place to rest with cooling mist from the plunging falls. Within the sprawl of the Bankhead Forest lies Caney Creek Falls, whose substantial flow and impressive height make it one of the most aesthetically pleasing waterfalls in the state. A beautiful swimming hole just up the branch that feeds the old Key Mill Site. Do not park on the paved county road at any time. Just past city limits are more than 180,000 acres of protected national forestland and a multitude of lakes, streams, and waterfalls. Alabama has more miles of rivers and creeks than any other state, which means plenty of options. Arenas. In the northeastern portion of the Bankhead National Forest,the 25-mile Owl Creek Non-Motorized Trail provides an opportunity to see beautiful waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, deep gorges, majestic hardwood trees, wildflowers, and an abundance of birds and animals. After publishing a list of six Alabama swimming holes worth a visit, I asked readers to tell me their favorite out-of-the-way, cool-off spots. Making your way into the canyon to Eberthart takes about 20-30 minutes, starting with a short downhill hike on a wide and well-marked trail. Conecuh National Forest Conecuh Ranger District Tim Mersmann, District Ranger 24481 Alabama Hwy 55 Andalusia, AL 36420 334-708-0595 Email. These three campgrounds are open April through October. One place in particular is the William B. Bankhead National Forest, which is simply known as the Bankhead National Forest. Bankhead & Sipsey Wilderness Located 45 miles north of Birmingham, this region offers visitors a small-town atmosphere and a selection of attractions, including Ave Maria Grotto, the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery, and Clarkson Covered Bridge. Be careful in high waters, as currents here can be dangerous and deceiving. Google/Evon Simpson. Just past city limits are more than 180,000 acres of protected national forestland and a multitude of lakes, streams, and waterfalls. Important to note: Always exercise caution, as Little River Canyon can be very dangerous during heavy rains and high water events. Upper Caney Creek Falls, located within the Bankhead National Forest, is one of Alabama's most beautiful waterfalls. There is no defined trail and only a few visible markers - first blue, then yellow, but we definitely suggest downloading the offline maps. Swimming hole. Paintball Fields ... swim Swimming Hole kayak Kayaking Area. Take route 117 out of town, and turn right onto 613 which should dead end into a viewing platform of the falls. Meadow Run- Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania (100-foot slide) She wrote: "Cold as heck and crystal clear." Two mile loop hike inside campground at Clear Creek Recreation. It is well known for being a "water slide". If you're looking for a bit of exploration and seclusion, you might try finding the rope swing and another swimming hole further downstream. Chances are you've driven on the Bankhead Highway without even knowing it. Campsites are just a short hike to Lewis Smith Lake where a boat launch and 100-person pavillion rave about a good time. Paintball Fields ... swim Swimming Hole kayak Kayaking Area. Not kid/pet friendly as there are snakes and bugs in the area. "The Land of a Thousand Waterfalls" is ideal for hiking, horseback riding, hunting, boating, fishing, swimming, canoeing. More Similar Arenas Near Sipsey River: Swimming Holes Canoeing Areas Kayaking Areas Things to Do. Facilities for camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking, and swimming are abundant. To find this escape, turn onto Kinlock Road (Forest Service Road 3434) from Cranal Road (Route 60), which is the southern boundary of the Sipsey Wilderness. The swimming hole is located 40 miles from downtown Asheville in Pisgah National Forest. Lake. Above the waterfall are a string of smaller pools, some of which are impressively deep. Waterfall. Twisted Falls and My Lovely Bride. Little River Canyon is full of places to swim, some more crowded than others. Located in Bankhead National Forest, both the upper and lower Caney Creek Falls cascade into lovely swimming holes. ... Kinlock Falls, Bankhead National Forest. Located just outside the Sipsey Wilderness in Double Springs, Caney Creek Falls and Upper Caney Creek Falls are among the most beautiful waterfalls in Alabama.Surrounded by moss-covered rocks and evergreen trees in a lush, secluded area at the head of Caney Creek, the year-round falls are reached by an easy 3-mile hike through dense woodlands and verdant undergrowth. Little River Canyon is full of places to swim, some more crowded than others. Steeped in folklore and history from Native Americans, Spanish explorers, and Union Calvary, day dreaming on the edge of this swimming hole can take you back in time. Wildlife watching. Swimming. The falls mark the beginning of Little River Canyon within the National Preserve of the same name. Bankhead & Sipsey Wilderness Located 45 miles north of Birmingham, this region offers visitors a small-town atmosphere and a selection of attractions, including Ave Maria Grotto, the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery, and Clarkson Covered Bridge. Hike further up or downstream to find more swimming spots depending on the water levels. 4 of the Finest Swimming Holes In Alabama 1. Just below the dam of the lake, water cascades over the spillway and carves an intricate path through boulders to meet a small feeder creek, which creates the perfect swimming hole. Hike down to the creek and follow the water downstream. Great spot to hang out for the afternoon, or just visit as you are passing through. A popular destination for the local university, the Lower Falls swimming hole at Chewacla State Park is perfect for aquatic exploration. The area below the falls provides a … It offers a day-use group picnic site, a campground and countless ways to enjoy the lake and surrounding area. She wrote: "Cold as heck and crystal clear." Upper Caney Creek Falls, Bankhead National Forest The swimming hole below 40-foot Caney Creek Falls is no secret. Devil's Den Falls is located within the Talladega National Forest in Clay County's Cheaha State Park. Bankhead National Forest and the Sipsey Wilderness are full of opportunities for hikes and waterfall viewing. The Winston County Sheriff is now towing all vehicles that park near the trailhead due to safety concerns. 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