Are there fees or permits required for Thompson Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Thompson Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Thompson Falls.

Live Conditions · 0 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Thompson Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Thompson Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Thompson Falls.

Alabama

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 2 other waterfalls also named Thompson Falls, see below

Photo Credits (3)

Matson Collection Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Raidarmax CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Shyamal CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

About Thompson Falls

Thompson Falls in Alabama is a tucked-away cascade prized for its peaceful, wooded setting and relatively low visitation. The name “Thompson Falls” can refer to multiple places, and this entry covers the Alabama waterfall reached via a managed hiking route: the approach is an out-and-back hike of 2.4 miles with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. That short climb rewards you with a quiet falls and a shady approach that feels a world away from busier parks. The hike is best for visitors who enjoy a mellow, moderately paced outing rather than a strenuous climb. Bring sturdy footwear and water, and allow extra time to soak in the scenery at the cascade — the trail’s modest length and gain make it a great half-day escape for hikers looking for a less-crowded Alabama waterfall experience.

The Setting

Thompson Falls sits at 876 feet along the Cotaco Creek, in the foothills of Alabama.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Trail type: out-and-back; Length: 2.4 miles; Elevation gain: ~350 ft; Difficulty: Moderate. Specific USFS trail number, surface/grade, and official class information are not provided for this route. Expect natural, potentially uneven footing and short, steady climbs; appropriate footwear and basic hiking supplies are recommended.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful natural setting with a cascading waterfall surrounded by forested areas. The flow of the waterfall may vary depending on recent rainfall.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Thompson Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Thompson 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 rainfall.

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 stay on marked paths if available and avoid visiting during heavy rain or storms.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

Based on a USGS gauge 16.6 miles away

0 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1 1 56 626

Based on 5 years of record

2.27 ft

Water depth at gauge

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.

COTACO CREEK AT FLORETTE AL

USGS 03576148

16.6 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

Barely Flowing right now

0 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

3/10

Sat

Low

0 cfs

4/10

Sun

Low

0 cfs

4/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).

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

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.

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 195 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 877 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 21 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 142 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing northeast, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Thompson Falls near Arab, Alabama, showing about 195 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 877 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 195 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northeast; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

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

Thompson Falls is located near the town of Guntersville, Alabama. Access may require navigating rural roads, so using a GPS or detailed map is recommended.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear, but visitors may need to park along nearby roads or at designated areas if available.

Elevation

876 feet above sea level

Coordinates

34.314538° N, -86.422208° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Check weather conditions before visiting, as rainfall can impact trail conditions and the waterfall's flow. Bring water and snacks, and ensure you have proper footwear for hiking.