Are there fees or permits required for Ragsdale Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Ragsdale Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Ragsdale Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Ragsdale Falls.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Ragsdale Falls near Arab, Alabama, showing about 124 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing northeast

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Nearby gauge (Cotaco Creek) · 11 ft³/s · About average

Ragsdale Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Ragsdale Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Ragsdale Falls.

Alabama

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

About Ragsdale Falls

Ragsdale Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Alabama, known for its serene surroundings and natural beauty. It is a lesser-known destination, making it a peaceful spot for visitors seeking a quiet retreat in nature.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Specific details about the trail leading to Ragsdale Falls are not well-documented. Visitors should expect natural terrain and prepare for potential challenges such as uneven paths or unclear signage.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful natural setting with a scenic waterfall. The area may have limited amenities, so plan accordingly.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Ragsdale Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Ragsdale Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and fall are typically the best times to visit, as the weather is mild and the waterfall may have a stronger flow due to seasonal rains.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and uneven terrain on the trail. Always inform someone of your plans before heading out.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Moderate

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Cotaco Creek, 16.8 miles away, not on Ragsdale Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

11 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1 0 33 318

Based on 5 years of record

2.52 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

This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.

COTACO CREEK AT FLORETTE AL

USGS 03576148

16.8 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 136 sq mi

Altitude: 560 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge COTACO CREEK AT FLORETTE AL (27 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

11 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

11 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

11 cfs

9/10

Tue

Moderate

11 cfs

9/10

Wed

Moderate

11 cfs

9/10

Thu

Moderate

13 cfs

9/10

Fri

Moderate

402 cfs

9/10

Sat

Moderate

427 cfs

9/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, widespread frost then mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to mid April, peaking in January.

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 Arab hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Ragsdale Falls Frozen?

Updated about 16 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Ragsdale Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 49°F to 39°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 11 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 laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 124 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Elevation at the pin is about 808 feet.

The ground changes about 30 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 73 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing northeast, the falls catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Ragsdale Falls near Arab, Alabama, for comparison with the lidar view

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 808 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 124 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northeast; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

The exact location of Ragsdale Falls is not widely documented. Visitors are advised to consult local resources or hiking groups for directions and access details.

Get Directions on Google Maps