Mize Mill Falls is the first stop on a trip into the Sipsey Wilderness on the way to Turkeyfoot Falls just west of the Sipsey River. You can hear the falls from the road, so it's an easy trek for all ages to view from top. It's a challenge to descend into the canyon.
At a Glance
- 0.25 mi round trip
- Nice View
- Not for Kids
Not for Dogs
Gear: Our favorite snacks and camera gear
Gallery: Check out the pictures here
Mize Mill Falls - Trip Details
Mize Mill Falls is just off of the road east of the Sipsey River on Cranal Road. You can hear the waterfall from the road, and the trail begins just across from a dirt road less than 1/2 a mile past the day use parking area near the river.
After crossing the road, you'll follow the path downhill and end up right at the top of the falls. If you follow the side of the canyon down about 50 yards, a trail will lead of to the left down into the canyon at a short scramble. We managed this with kids, but be warned that there is a rope here and dogs and small children will not be able to get down on their own.
After the first scramble down, you can descend (again, pretty steep) to your left directly to the falls. From there, you'll have to cross the creek to get back to the flat area in front of the falls.
If you have kids or pets with you, I would recommend following the east side of the canyon north towards Turkeyfoot Falls first. The waterfall is a few hundred yards north of this spot. Plus, the path to the bottom of the canyon is more gradual this way, and you can easily backtrack to see Mize Mill Falls after taking in the view at Turkeyfoot Falls.
The canyon is a site to see in itself, and the shade of the walls and moisture at the canyon floor keep things cool on your hike. And if you're visiting in the cooler months, there will be water dripping down the sides and moss almost everywhere you look.
The main waterfall itself is about 20 feet and tumbles into a rocky basin that makes for a secluded spot to enjoy the waterfall.
More Waterfalls around Bankhead National Forest
Bankhead National Forest and the Sipsey Wilderness are full of opportunities for hikes and waterfall viewing. Near the Sipsey River and Mize Mill Falls, you can also find Turkeyfoot Falls.
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.
East of the Sipsey River, Holmes Chapel Falls and Coal Mine Branch Falls are just south of Brushy Lake. And, Sougahoagdee Falls is south of those off of Hickory Grove Road.
Mize Mill Falls, Directions, and Resources
Directions
Get DirectionsParking
-GPS Coordinates
34.283737, -87.4064785
3 Comments on “Mize Mill Falls”
Beautiful! Can’t believe I’ve lived in AL my whole life & missed this!
That first shot of Mize Mill Falls is mine not Lane Leopards. I dont remember giving you premission to use it.
Hey Steve, I’m sorry about the mix-up. Great work, by the way! If you have a site you’d like me to promote with this picture or others, I’m glad to provide a link and help out fellow photographers.
Regardless, I’ve replaced your image with one of mine.