High Falls
Alabama • 35 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.3 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About High Falls
High Falls sits in DeKalb County, Alabama, inside High Falls Park and is known for a broad, photogenic cascade that spans roughly 300 feet across. The waterfall itself drops about 35 feet and is framed by rocky ledges and a natural bridge formation carved by the stream — a memorable spot for photographers and anyone who appreciates geology and scenic water features. Visitors often describe the setting as peaceful and well worth the short hike to reach the viewpoints. The falls are a popular local destination for a half-day outing or an easy afternoon escape. A moderate out-and-back trail of about 2.4 miles (with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain) leads from the trailhead to the main viewing area, making the route suitable for hikers who want a bit of exercise along with great river- and waterfall-side scenery. Expect clear viewing platforms and plenty of opportunities for photos and brief exploration around the cascade.
The Setting
High Falls sits at 1,253 feet along the Big Wills Creek, in the foothills of Alabama. The falls drop 35 feet.
Height: 35 feet
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to High Falls is an out-and-back route about 2.4 miles round trip with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate. The path is generally well-maintained and leads steadily toward the river and waterfall viewpoints; while it’s not technically difficult, the distance and grade warrant sturdy footwear and moderate fitness. The trail ends at established viewing areas where you can see the 35-foot drop and the broad, 300-foot-wide cascade up close.
What to Expect
The falls drop 35 feet. Swimming is permitted. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at High Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at High Falls?
✅ Swimming is allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to seasonal rainfall. However, High Falls is a year-round destination with its own charm in every season.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Rocks near the waterfall can be slippery, so visitors should exercise caution when walking near the water. During periods of heavy rain, water levels may rise quickly, creating strong currents. Always supervise children and pets closely.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 28.5 miles away
4 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 24 years of record
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge BIG WILLS CREEK AT STATE HWY 35 NR FORT PAYNE, AL (46 km away).
Today
Low
5 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Low
5 cfs
6/10Tue
Low
5 cfs
6/10Wed
Low
5 cfs
6/10Thu
Low
5 cfs
6/10Fri
Low
5 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
5 cfs
5/10Best window: Tomorrow — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early February to early April, peaking in March.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Trenton hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 113 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 35 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 1,253 feet.
The ground changes about 37 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 43 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing northeast, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,253 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 113 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
High Falls is located within High Falls Park, near the town of Geraldine, Alabama. The park is accessible by car, and the waterfall is a short walk from the parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area at High Falls Park, which is free to use.
Elevation
1,253 feet above sea level
Coordinates
34.837302° N, -85.641635° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during weekends and holidays. Wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring water and snacks if you plan to stay for an extended period. Be cautious near the water, as rocks can be slippery.
Where to Stay
Dogwood Cottage with Private Fire Pit & Sleeps 6
The Hickory Tiny Home in Menlo
Cloudland at McLemore Resort Lookout Mountain, Curio by Hilton
The Fox Tail Pine Treehouse at Treetop Escapes
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Chickamauga Battlefield Group Campground
22.3 miles away · 9 sites
Overview THIS IS NOT A PUBLIC CAMPGROUND. SCOUTS AND CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS ONLY. These sites are for overnight camping by organized non-profit (501c) youth groups (scouts, church youth groups) under adult supervision for the purpose of education of the historic resources of the battlefield. Due to limited space and facilities, camping for solely recreational purposes is not allowed. Groups must choose sites according to the size of their group. Recreation Hiking, biking, and horseback riding are p
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include DeSoto State Park, Little River Canyon National Preserve, and the town of Fort Payne, which offers additional outdoor activities and dining options.
Wildlife
The area around High Falls is home to various bird species, small mammals, and aquatic life. Visitors may spot turtles, fish, and frogs near the water.
Cities near High Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named High Falls
31 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
-
01
Bridgeville
Current flow 230 ft³/s -
02
Copenhagen
-
03
Cranberry Lake
Current flow 120 ft³/s -
04
Grahamsville
-
05
Lake Placid
Current flow 0 ft³/s -
06
Lyon Mountain
Current flow 37 ft³/s -
07
Lyon Mountain
-
08
Philmont
Current flow 143 ft³/s -
09
Prospect
Current flow 11 ft³/s -
10
Rochester
Current flow 586 ft³/s -
11
St. Regis Falls
Current flow 84 ft³/s
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