Coal Mine Branch Falls is a decent hike into Bankhead National Forest, but the features of the canyon and the beauty of the destination makes this one worth the trip!

• 1.5 mi round trip
• Nice View
• Kids OK
• Dogs OK

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Coal Mine Branch Falls is on the eastern end of Bankhead National Forest in the Brushy Creek area.  The waterfall requires a bit of a hike, but the protected bowl at the base of the falls coupled with the bright green of the moss in warmer weather make this a cool scene.

One word of caution: this one dries up in the depths of summer, so stick to this hike in the winter or shoulder seasons after some rain.

The hike itself is pretty typical of those in Bankhead National Forest or the Sipsey Wilderness.  You should expect a couple of stream crossings in shallow water before you get to your destination.  And, getting in and out of the canyon can be a bit steep in places, though there aren't any huge elevation changes here.

Bankhead National Forest and the Sipsey Wilderness are full of opportunities for hikes and waterfall viewing.  Near the Sipsey River, you'll find Turkeyfoot Falls and Mize Mill Falls just west of the river.

Further southwest on Cranal Road, you can head north of the road down Eagle Creek to see Eagle Creek Falls.  Following the creek, you can also make your way further into the wilderness to see Deer Skull Falls and Little Ugly Falls.

On the southwestern edge of Bankhead National Forest, one of the most well-known waterfalls in the state is Caney Creek Falls.  There are actually two falls in this area, but the lower falls are much further downstream than the upper falls.

Also nearby is the Parker Cascades, also known as Parker Falls and Kinlock Falls, a popular summer swimming hole just off of Kinlock Road.

Near Coal Mine Branch Falls, Holmes Chapel Falls is also worth a stop south of Brushy Lake.  And, Sougahoagdee Falls is south of those off of Hickory Grove Road.

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