Along the Alabama-Tennessee border where Davy Crockett used to hunt, there is a magical hike to a stunning waterfall. The trail to the Walls of Jericho is an out an back, 6.6 miles total with an elevation gain of 1350’ from the Alabama side.
It’s a great challenge for beginners and moderate for seasoned hikers with its rolling hills. The path starts by descending into the valley. On a lovely spring day there were so many wildflowers.
Trillium.
Violet.
Also, a wealth of young growth.
A garter snake fled from the path as our boots stomped by,
while butterflies seemed not to worry about our presence.
A horse left behind its shoe.
The trail bottoms out at an enchanting river, there are a few crossings equipped with bridges.
Pass by a small family cemetery and then up and down some hills.
The way is always well marked and follows the creek.
Those hills create some wonderful cascades along the way,
growing in size as you make your way closer to the falls.
Almost out of nowhere great limestone walls appear nestling you in between the rock and water.
At what would seem like trails end appears a wonderful little waterfall spilling into a green pool.
It is not obvious to go on unless you know what you are looking for, but would be a shame to stop here. Find some rocks to skip over or take off your shoes and carefully walk in the shallow creek barefoot. Another treat! Climb past this second little waterfall, you will have to hoist yourself up a rock wall.
Find yourself in the bowl shaped amphitheater with 200’ walls all around and the roar of a waterfall in the near distance.
The falls at the Walls of Jericho was so powerful during the spring,it is possible to climb down and get an even closer look.
The noise was deafening, the whole world disappeared outside of this eroded out nook.
Make your way back the same that you came.
It will be a more difficult hike on the return to hike to gain back the elevation you look on the initial descent.
Good to know:
+If you’re hiking on foot, park in the hikers lot
+Equestrians are welcome on the trail with an additional parking area