Note: There are questions about access in the comments below but no official source about this being private yet.
Falling Rock Falls is about half an hour south of Birmingham on Cahaba WMA in Shelby County and an impressive site after a rain. Plus, it's an easy hike in for dogs and older kids (you may want to take a stroller for young kids). Just keep young kids and pets away from the top of the falls
At a Glance
- 0.8 mi round trip
- Nice View
- Kids OK
Dogs OK
Gear: Our favorite snacks and camera gear
Gallery: Check out the pictures here
Falling Rock Falls - Trip Details
Falling Rock Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the state of Alabama under the right conditions and is just a stone's throw away from Birmingham. The waterfall is located on Cahaba WMA at the end of a longer but easy walk.
When you get to the trailhead, park near the gate and begin walking down the road. Take the first road on the left about 0.5 miles in and then follow the road to the next right turn. After walking about another 1/4 mile, take the road to the left with the dirt mounded in front of it down the hill to the falls.
Once you get there, you'll be able to hear the falls. USE CAUTION! You will approach from the top of the falls and the edge of the cliff can sneak up on you.
From there, you can follow the trail on the right to the bottom of the falls and explore the cavern behind the falls.
More Waterfalls around Birmingham
On your trip south of Birmingham to see Falling Rock Falls, you may want to also consider a couple of other falls that are close by:
- Moss Rock Preserve - Take the trail down Hurricane Branch to a small cascading waterfall
- Peavine Falls - This 65 foot waterfall in Oak Mountain State Park makes for a nice day trip
Falling Rock Falls Map, Directions, and Resources
Directions
Get DirectionsParking
-GPS Coordinates
33.166028, -86.899500
Weather - Upcoming Forecast
Don't get lost in the woods!
6 Comments on “Falling Rock Falls”
This is a wonderful waterfall but some graffiti is starting to show up again. More roads are being cut in the area making the directions a bit confusing. Also, no cell signal on some providers out there so GPS is sometimes useless. For those who want solid directions and a recent video of the falls here is a link that gives step by step exact directions and current video .https://youtu.be/-9q2RUKDknM
Thanks for the video, Doug!
The falls address is good, but do not use the GPS coordinates. They are not exact and will not take you to the falls. Follow the trail highlighted on the map. The fall is beautiful! Highly recommend. The final stretch of the trail is a little steep and slippery so be careful. If you take the trail to the bottom of the falls it is extremely steep. Just a warning.
Thanks, Emily. Did you happen to get updated coordinates? I can update the notes above if so!
Falling Rock Falls is no longer part of the wildlife management area. It is now private property. If you trespass be prepared to bail yourself out of jail.
Falling Rock Falls is CLOSED! This is no longer part of the Wildlife Management Area.