17 Alabama Waterfall Routes Where Leashed Dogs Can Join The Hike

Alabama hides more waterfalls than most people ever guess, and many of them sit at the end of trails where dogs are welcome. Some tumble off sandstone cliffs on Lookout Mountain.

Others whisper through mossy canyons deep in the Bankhead National Forest. The best part is that a few take ten minutes to reach, while others earn their splash with a real workout.

Grab a sturdy leash, because the routes ahead range from easy boardwalks to wild wilderness paths.

1. DeSoto Falls Bottom and Bluff Overlook Trail in Mentone

Picture a 104-foot curtain of water roaring off Lookout Mountain. DeSoto Falls sits at the DeSoto Falls Picnic Area near Mentone, apart from the main park.

The short Bluff Trail, about 0.32 miles, gives a quick overlook. The River Trail runs 1.4 miles round trip and gets steep and rocky.

Bring a few dollars for the small vehicle fee. Visit after a good rain for the biggest show.

Leashed pups are welcome.

2. Lost Falls Trail at DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne

Some waterfalls play hide and seek, and Lost Falls lives up to its name. This little 5-foot drop sits inside DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne.

The trail is short, about 0.4 miles round trip, yet mildly strenuous. Your dog can sniff around big boulders and small rock caves along the way.

Summer often dries it up. Plan a winter or spring visit to catch the falls actually falling.

3. Laurel Falls via Orange Trail at DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne

Mountain laurel blooms and splashing water make a sweet pairing here. Laurel Falls waits about 0.75 miles from the DeSoto Country Store and Information Center.

Follow the Orange Trail through rugged, moderate terrain with a few uphill pushes. Your pup will feel like a true trail boss.

The falls stand just 6 feet tall, but they sparkle in winter and spring. Pack water, since the climbs can make everyone thirsty.

4. Indian Falls Footpath at DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne

Got ten minutes and a restless pup? Indian Falls is your quick fix in DeSoto State Park, Fort Payne.

The footpath is only about 0.1 miles long. It starts right across the road from the Talmadge Butler Boardwalk trailhead.

A wooden footbridge crosses the top of the 20-foot falls. Pause there and watch the water slip into the ravine below.

Older dogs and little legs handle this stroll with ease.

5. Azalea Cascade via Talmadge Butler Boardwalk at DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne

Smooth boards, blooming wildflowers, and zero mud on the paws. The Talmadge Butler Boardwalk in DeSoto State Park stretches about 360 yards.

It was built for all abilities, so strollers and wheelchairs roll along easily. Leashed dogs are openly welcome too.

At the end, a 20-foot octagon deck overlooks Azalea Cascade. At just 3 feet, it is the park’s smallest waterfall.

Birders love this spot, so bring binoculars.

6. Little Falls Trail (Martha’s Falls) at Little River Canyon National Preserve

Count along with your pup: there are 137 stone steps between you and the water. Little Falls, also called Martha’s Falls, hides in Little River Canyon National Preserve.

The moderate 0.75-mile trail brings you close to powerful rushing water. Wear grippy shoes, since the steps get slick after rain.

Take the climb back up slowly. Short rest breaks keep both humans and dogs happy.

7. Cheaha Falls via Chinnabee Silent Trail in Talladega National Forest

The trail name hints at a neat history bit. Chinnabee Silent Trail was built by a Boy Scout troop of deaf scouts.

It leads to Cheaha Falls, a 30-foot beauty in Talladega National Forest. Reach it from the Turnipseed camp area or the Talladega Scenic Byway parking.

Expect hardwood forest and bold rock outcrops. Longer versions reach 5.7 miles round trip, so pack snacks for two.

8. Peavine Falls and Peavine Gorge Trail at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham

Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham is Alabama’s largest state park. Peavine Falls is one of its shining stars.

The 65-foot falls drop into a rocky gorge. The hike is about 1.2 miles with a steep descent and some scrambling.

Hungry for more miles? A 5.4-mile loop links the green and white trails.

Visit after rain for the most splash, and keep paws close on slick rock.

9. Falls and Creeks Loop at Chewacla State Park in Auburn

Old stone walls built by the Civilian Conservation Corps give this park storybook charm. Chewacla State Park sits just outside Auburn.

The Falls and Creeks Loop covers about six miles. You will pass the 30-foot Chewacla Falls, extra cascades, and a 26-acre lake.

Mountain bikers share some paths, so keep your pup close. Warm days call for cooling off near the falls.

10. Caney Creek Falls Trail in Bankhead National Forest near Double Springs

Ask Alabama hikers to name the prettiest waterfall, and many say Caney Creek Falls. It glows in Bankhead National Forest near Double Springs.

The hike runs about 1.7 to 3 miles round trip. Expect creek crossings, fallen trees, and an unmarked path.

The climb out of the canyon is a real leg burner. Parking sits on private land, so be kind and tidy.

11. Parker Falls Trail in Sipsey Wilderness near Haleyville

Quiet woods and a cheerful little cascade make Parker Falls a sleeper hit. It sits in the Sipsey Wilderness near Haleyville.

Start from Kinlock Road and walk about 1 to 1.7 miles one way. The path is unmarked but usually well worn.

Most of it feels easy, until a steep drop right at the end. Shorten the leash there so your pup does not tug you downhill.

12. White Falls Trail in Sipsey Wilderness near Double Springs

Ready for a full day out? White Falls Trail in the Sipsey Wilderness near Double Springs delivers about 7 miles round trip.

Much of the route follows a wide, flat old road. Then comes a 600-foot drop into the Sipsey Fork canyon.

Lower White Falls has a big overhang you can walk behind. Save energy for the climb out.

A side trip to Rippey Cabin adds history.

13. Turkey Foot Falls and Mize Mills Falls Trail in Sipsey Wilderness near Double Springs

Two waterfalls, one outing, and only a few hundred yards apart. That is a deal any pup would approve.

Turkey Foot Falls, named for its toe-like streams, needs an easy 0.3-mile round trip. Mize Mills Falls is shorter but steeper, dropping into a canyon.

Both sit in the Sipsey Wilderness near Double Springs. Expect a little scrambling, so a harness helps on tricky spots.

14. Sougahoagdee Falls Trail in Bankhead National Forest near Moulton

Try saying Sougahoagdee three times fast. Then go see it, because this 30-foot waterfall is worth every syllable.

It sits in Bankhead National Forest near Moulton and Houston. The hike runs about 4.5 miles round trip along Brushy Creek.

Mossy canyon walls keep things cool and green. Watch for creek crossings and fallen trees.

Your dog will love the splashy stretches.

15. Kinlock Falls Trail in Bankhead National Forest near Haleyville

Blink and you might drive past it. Kinlock Falls sits right off the road on Hubbard Creek near Haleyville.

This 15-foot waterfall spreads about 20 feet wide in Bankhead National Forest. The short loop runs around 0.3 miles and feels easy.

Reaching the water’s edge is steep, so go slow. Summer crowds love the swimming hole, so visit early for calm paw time.

16. Pisgah Gorge Trail in Pisgah

Here is a small-town surprise with a big view. Pisgah Civitan Park in Pisgah hides a deep gorge.

The rim trail is an easy 1.2-mile round trip. Overlooks show Upper Little Bryant Creek Falls, about 50 feet tall, plus a natural bridge.

Dog rules here can vary by area. Check posted signs before leaving the main overlooks.

Rim views alone make the trip worthwhile.

17. Mardis Mills Falls Trail in Blountsville

Save the easiest splash for last. Mardis Mills Falls drops about 10 to 16 feet on Graves Creek in Blountsville.

The falls stretch roughly 35 feet wide. The walk is only about 0.2 miles from near the bridge.

Paths are unmarked but easy to follow. Rocky shallows downstream invite happy paddling.

When it is time to leave, you may need extra treats to coax your pup back.