Kinlock Falls
Alabama • 15 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.3 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Kinlock Falls
Kinlock Falls is a charming 15-foot cascade tucked into the William B. Bankhead National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The falls spill over a broad rock ledge into a shallow pool framed by the creek, creating a photogenic spot that draws day hikers and photographers alike. The setting feels intimate and forested, with the sound of Hubbard Creek underscoring the short walk in. While the pool at the base of the cascade invites photos and wading in warmer months, expect a moderate hike through the forest to reach it—making Kinlock Falls a rewarding half-day outing for hikers who want a relatively short but scenic trek on U.S. Forest Service land.
The Setting
Kinlock Falls sits at 643 feet within William B. Bankhead National Forest, in the foothills of Alabama. The falls drop 15 feet.
Height: 15 feet
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Difficulty: Moderate. The trail follows Hubbard Creek toward the falls and ends at a 15-foot cascade that spills into a shallow pool. Surface and formal trail class/grade are not specified in the available USFS data; hikers should anticipate a maintained forest trail with typical natural features (roots, rocks) and prepare accordingly.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 15 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 Kinlock Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Kinlock Falls?
✅ Swimming is allowed
When to Visit
Spring and summer are the best times to visit Kinlock Falls, as the water flow is typically strong, and the weather is ideal for outdoor activities.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with William B. Bankhead National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 48°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Rocks near the waterfall can be slippery, so exercise caution when walking or swimming. Be aware of changing water levels, especially after heavy rain. Cell service may be limited in the area.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Sipsey Fork, 6.1 miles away, not on Kinlock Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
10 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 60 years of record
2.90 ft
Water depth at gauge
48°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 48 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge SIPSEY FORK NEAR GRAYSON AL (10 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
10 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
10 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
10 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
10 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
11 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
13 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
14 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to late March, 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 Haleyville hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Kinlock Falls Frozen?
Updated about 16 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Kinlock Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 50°F to 36°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 10 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.
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.
1-meter lidar measures about 157 feet of descent through Kinlock Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 15 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 629 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 116 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 131 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southeast, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 629 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 157 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Kinlock Falls is located off Kinlock Road in the Bankhead National Forest. It is accessible via a short walk from the parking area, which is located near the bridge over Hubbard Creek.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available near the bridge on Kinlock Road. Spaces are limited, so arriving early is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Elevation
643 feet above sea level
Coordinates
34.308432° N, -87.502800° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends and summer months. Wear sturdy shoes as the rocks near the waterfall can be slippery. Bring water and sunscreen if visiting during the summer.
Where to Stay
Home2 Suites By Hilton Decatur Ingalls Harbor
Sleep Inn & Suites Cullman I-65 exit 310
Hampton Inn & Suites By Hilton Decatur
Comfort Suites Cullman I-65 Exit 310
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Sipsey Wilderness, which offers extensive hiking trails and additional waterfalls, and the Natural Bridge of Alabama.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also encounter insects such as mosquitoes, so bug spray is recommended.
Cities near Kinlock Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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