Peaks and Places | Travel and Adventure Blog

If you’ve been following our journey, you’d know that our current exploration highlights the hidden wonders of Alabama. Having spent over three years in the picturesque landscapes of Colorado, we find ourselves captivated by the lush green of the Southeast. Among the waterfalls we’ve explored, Mardis Mills Falls stands out as a testament to Alabama’s natural beauty, and it has easily become one of our favorite destinations.

Just a short drive from Birmingham, in Blountsville, Alabama, Mardis Mills Falls is a stunning waterfall in the heart of Alabama. It is located on Grave’s Creek, which feeds into the Black Warrior River. Working your way down the trail leading to the falls feels like stepping into a different world. You’re surrounded by a canopy of green, and you can hear the roaring waterfall well before you see it. The best part? Getting there is relatively easy. A comfortable hike from the parking area leads you to the falls, promising an adventure suitable for just about anyone.

As you round the final bend, the magnificence of Mardis Mills Falls is truly a sight to see. While it might not be the tallest waterfall in the region, standing at around 15 feet tall, it is around 35 feet wide. We were fortunate to visit the day after a pretty heavy rainstorm, and the falls were absolutely roaring during our visit. From other pictures we’ve seen, there is always water moving down the falls, but how much water seems to vary greatly.

The pool beneath Mardis Mills Falls is an invitation to experience nature in its purest form. During these brutal Alabama summer days, there’s nothing quite like taking a plunge into the cold water. The pool, surprisingly deep, invited us to swim towards the falls. The current, however, certainly challenged us, creating an exciting adventure, and honestly, quite the workout! We had a lot of fun seeing how close we could get to being under the falls before the current would get too strong and push us back.

We found Mardis Mills Falls to be a popular spot for families. Everywhere you looked, people were enjoying the falls in their own ways—some along the riverbed, others in tubes, and many simply just swimming around. There was even a rope swing that kids were playing on and using to jump into the pool at the foot of the falls. Following the riverbed away from the falls led us to a section with some small rapids. Families were having fun floating down this natural waterway, getting out where the current slowed, hiking back up, and doing it all over again. it made us jealous, and we plan to buy some innertubes for the next time we visit. It was very entertaining and highlighted the endless possibilities for family fun in this natural playground.

Visiting Mardis Mills Falls isn’t just a day trip; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of Alabama’s natural beauty. So, grab your favorite people, pack your backpacks, and prepare your best picnic lunch. Mardis Mills Falls isn’t just a destination; it’s an adventure waiting to be embraced—a place where nature and fun come together, inviting you to experience the best of Alabama’s wilderness.