Peavine Falls
Alabama • 65 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
1.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Peavine Falls
Peavine Falls is an approximately 65-foot, rain-fed waterfall in Oak Mountain State Park near Pelham, Alabama. Several park trails lead to it, and the climb down to the pool at the base is steep. Flow depends on recent rainfall, so it can be thin in dry spells.
The Setting
Peavine Falls sits at 843 feet within Oak Mountain State Park, in the foothills of Alabama. The falls drop 65 feet.
Height: 65 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 1.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Peavine Falls is a moderately challenging hike with some steep and rocky sections. The path winds through a dense forest and leads to the base of the waterfall, where visitors can enjoy the scenic views and sounds of cascading water.
What to Expect
The falls drop 65 feet. 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 Peavine Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fees are required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Peavine Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit Peavine Falls, as the water flow is typically stronger during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The rocks around the waterfall can be slippery, so exercise caution when near the falls. Be aware of your footing, especially after rain. Carry plenty of water to stay hydrated during the hike.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Buck Creek, 4 miles away, not on Peavine Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
17 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
4.07 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge BUCK CREEK NR PELHAM, ALA (6 km away).
Today
Moderate
17 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
17 cfs
8/10Tue
Moderate
17 cfs
8/10Wed
Moderate
17 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
17 cfs
8/10Fri
Moderate
17 cfs
8/10Sat
Moderate
17 cfs
8/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, widespread frost then mostly sunny (trip score 8/10).
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 Pelham hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Peavine Falls Frozen?
Updated about 16 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Peavine Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 52°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
- 16 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 shows the creek losing roughly 149 feet through Peavine Falls over a long run of ledges. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 65 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 832 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 76 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 91 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 832 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 149 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Catches soft morning light.
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
Peavine Falls is located within Oak Mountain State Park, near Pelham, Alabama. Visitors can access the falls via the Peavine Falls Trail or other connecting trails within the park.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the North Trailhead or near the Peavine Falls trailhead within Oak Mountain State Park. A park entrance fee is required.
Elevation
843 feet above sea level
Coordinates
33.305668° N, -86.756932° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be rocky and uneven. Bring water and snacks, especially during warmer months. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds on weekends.
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With 1.6 miles and 200 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Hampton Inn & Suites Birmingham-Pelham - I-65
La Quinta by Wyndham Birmingham Hoover
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Birmingham Pelham/I-65
Spark by Hilton Pelham Birmingham I 65
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.
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Oak Mountain State Park offers other attractions such as hiking trails, mountain biking, a lake for fishing and boating, and a wildlife rehabilitation center.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious of snakes, especially in warmer months.
Cities near Peavine Falls
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