Parker Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Parker Falls
Parker Falls is a peaceful, picture-ready cascade tucked into the William B. Bankhead National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The falls are modest in scale but framed by lush southern hardwoods and ferns, making them a favorite stop for hikers and photographers seeking a quiet woodland scene away from busier parks. The setting feels intimate and verdant, especially after spring rains when the forest floor and streambanks come alive. Access to the falls is via the USFS Rippey Wild Hiking Trail (Trail #201). Expect a moderately paced hike on a native-material surface with typical grades of 12–20%; the tread is generally well-worn but can be uneven and occasionally muddy after rain, so good footwear is recommended.
The Setting
Parker Falls sits at 686 feet within William B. Bankhead National Forest, in the foothills of Alabama.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Rippey Wild Hiking Trail (#201), a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is minimally developed (Class 1).
USFS Trail
RIPPEY WILD HIKING TRAIL #201
Trail Class
Minimally Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
2.29 miTrail Description
Follow the USFS Rippey Wild Hiking Trail (Trail #201) to reach Parker Falls. Trail class: 1. Surface: native material. Typical grade: 12–20%. Difficulty: moderate. Trail type: out-and-back. The path is well-trodden through forest, with some uneven sections and occasional muddy spots after wet weather; managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the William B. Bankhead National Forest.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Parker Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Parker Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are the best times to visit due to pleasant weather and higher water flow. Winter can also be a good time for a quieter experience, but trails may be slippery.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Fall, and Winter. 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.
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. The trail may become muddy and difficult to navigate after rain. Cell phone service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Sipsey Fork, 5 miles away, not on Parker 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 (8 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, widespread frost then mostly 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 Parker Falls Frozen?
Updated about 16 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Parker Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 51°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.
The ground through the falls loses about 130 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 688 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 124 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 70 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 688 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 130 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Parker Falls is located within the Bankhead National Forest. Visitors typically access the trailhead via County Road 2 or other nearby forest roads. The trailhead may not be well-marked, so using GPS coordinates or a detailed map is recommended.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available near the trailhead, but it is limited and may be unpaved. Visitors should plan to arrive early, especially during peak seasons.
Elevation
686 feet above sea level
Coordinates
34.303432° N, -87.483911° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be uneven or muddy. Bring a map or GPS as the trailhead may not be clearly marked. Arrive early to secure parking and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
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
Other waterfalls and trails in Bankhead National Forest, such as Caney Creek Falls and Kinlock Falls.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should also be aware of snakes and other forest creatures.
Cities near Parker Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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