University Falls (historical)
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (3)
About University Falls (historical)
University Falls is a historical waterfall site in Alabama that’s remembered more for its past presence than for a well-documented modern cascade. Historical references indicate the falls once drew local visitors, but contemporary reports are scarce and the feature may have been altered or no longer exists in its original form. For hikers interested in chasing local history and scenic creekside stretches, the site can still be a pleasant destination — just be prepared for limited signage and uncertain conditions at the actual waterfall location. Access to the area is typically made via a short, moderate out-and-back route that climbs through mixed hardwoods and riparian terrain. The nearest established campground is Deerlick Creek, roughly 12.1 km away for those planning an overnight or multi-day stay.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Difficulty: moderate. Trail type: out-and-back. No formal U.S. Forest Service trail name or number, surface type, or technical trail class is documented for the route to University Falls. Conditions and route markings may be limited, so hikers should be prepared with a map, good footwear, and basic navigation skills.
What to Expect
Visitors should expect limited or no access to the site, as it is considered a historical location. The area may have changed significantly over time.
Accessibility
Accessibility details are not available. The site may not be accessible to all visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at University Falls (historical)?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at University Falls (historical)?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is unclear due to the lack of current information about the site.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Visitors should exercise caution due to the lack of information about the site's current condition. Be aware of potential hazards such as uneven terrain, private property, or restricted access.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Black Warrior River, 2.4 miles away, not on University Falls (historical)'s own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
1,730 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 105 years of record
123.74 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 BLACK WARRIOR RIVER AT NORTHPORT AL (4 km away).
Today
Strong
1730 cfs
10/10Tomorrow
Strong
1994 cfs
10/10Tue
Strong
2009 cfs
10/10Wed
Strong
2023 cfs
10/10Thu
Strong
1994 cfs
10/10Fri
Strong
2067 cfs
10/10Sat
Strong
2859 cfs
10/10Best window: Today — strong flow, areas of frost then mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid January to early April, 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 Tuscaloosa hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is University Falls (historical) Frozen?
Updated about 16 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
University Falls (historical) is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 57°F to 37°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 506 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.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Specific directions to University Falls are not well-documented. It may have been located near a university or campus area in Alabama, but further details are unavailable.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking information is not available. Visitors should research nearby public parking options if planning to explore the area.
Elevation
128 feet above sea level
Coordinates
33.219840° N, -87.551117° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Research the area thoroughly before visiting, as access and conditions are uncertain. Consider contacting local authorities or historical societies for more information.
Where to Stay
Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown near University
La Quinta by Wyndham Tuscaloosa McFarland
Ambassador Inn & Suites Tuscaloosa University I-20
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Tuscaloosa
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.
Nearby Campground
DEERLICK CREEK
7.5 miles away · 47 sites
Overview Deerlick Creek Campground is located on Holt Lake on the Black Warrior-Tombigbee Waterway northeast of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The facility is in a beautiful forest along the shoreline, providing campers and day-use visitors with access to water sports, boating, fishing, swimming, hiking and biking.Recreation Campers can explore the lakeshore using the campground's hiking trails as well as a paved bicycle trail. The waterway is popular for fishing for bass, crappie, bream, catfish and more.
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions are not documented, but visitors may explore other natural or historical sites in Alabama.
Wildlife
No specific wildlife information is available for this location.
Cities near University Falls (historical)
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