Peaks and Places | Travel and Adventure Blog

Located in northern Alabama, along the Tennessee border, the Walls of Jericho is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. This moderate hike is perfect for those seeking a bit of adventure combined with breathtaking natural beauty. With a length of approximately 3.5 miles each way, it’s a hike on the longer side, but trust us, it’s worth every step.

Note: there are two routes for this hike, we chose the shorter of the two that is located in Alabama rather than Tennessee.

The Walls of Jericho is renowned for its multi-level waterfall that seems straight out of a fairy tale. As you embark on this journey, the first 3 miles are fairly easy hiking through the forest. The final half mile is a bit more strenuous as you approach the falls. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the main waterfall cascading down rocks, creating a symphony of sights and sounds. The crystal-clear water flows into a refreshing pool below, inviting you to take a dip and cool off on a hot day. 

The main falls seemingly come out of nowhere, sprouting right from the wall itself. This section of falls originates from a cave. This area of Alabama and Tennessee is abundant with caves, many of which shallow entire creeks and discharge them sometimes miles from their source. The Walls of Jericho is one of these caves, where water has cut through the limestone over thousands of years. This keeps the water rushing around your feet icy and refreshing.

However, as enchanting as this initial waterfall is, the best part of the adventure is yet to come.

While it’s easy to get lost in the allure of the main waterfall, don’t forget to keep hiking past the walls, and up the now dry creek bed. As you continue your journey, you’ll need to traverse some ledges and rocks along the dry creek bed, be careful not to fall going up some of these areas (like I almost did). After a few hundred yards, you’ll stumble upon another waterfall that will leave you in awe.

 This second waterfall, standing around 30 feet tall, falls into a cool pool of crystal blue water, inviting you to take the plunge. This pool is the water source of the Walls of Jericho. somewhere in this pool, the water finds a path through the rock and emerges downstream. It’s an experience that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a secret oasis far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Just be cautious while exploring the area, as the rocks can be very slippery! 

This hike featured a wide array of wildlife, during our hike, we encountered a copperhead snake on the path. While this may sound intimidating, we gave it plenty of space, and it quickly slithered away, uninterested in us. Remember, when exploring the great outdoors, it’s important to respect the natural inhabitants of the area and maintain a safe distance from any wildlife you encounter.

To make the most of your Walls of Jericho adventure, we recommend staying in Huntsville, which is conveniently located about an hour away from the hike. Huntsville is not just a gateway to outdoor adventures; it’s a destination in itself.

This vibrant city offers a wide array of dining options, from delicious local cuisine to international flavors. If you’re a fan of craft beer, you’re in luck because Huntsville boasts some excellent breweries where you can savor unique beers. And for all the space enthusiasts out there, Huntsville is home to numerous space-related attractions and museums that will ignite your curiosity.

Overall, this was a gorgeous hike that I highly recommend. We went in April, before it was too hot, and the parking lot was crowded, but we were still easily able to find a spot. We started our hike around 11:00am and were on the road again by 3pm. We, of course, spent a good amount of time exploring the falls. There are also miles upon miles of horseback trails, as well as a parking lot specifically for horse trailers.