Where? This is in Gurley, Al which is in Madison County.
1787 McMullen Rd, Gurley, AL 35748 will get you there.
What is it? Keel Mountain is a nature preserve, which is part of The Land Trust of North Alabama. The trails are blazed, plus a creek runs through it along with a waterfall and other cool features.
How many miles? This is a 3 mile round trip. Pro tip: The trail is blazed and it’s a very well-worn path. If you find yourself walking down a very narrow pig trail, that’s not the way. Ask me how I know.
How hard we talkin’? It will have you renewing your gym membership. Okay, it’s not quite that bad, but at least a mile of this trail is a leg burner. If you’re used to hiking-you will be fine.
Can I swim there? Nah.. you could wade in the creek I guess.
Any other details? There is a map at the start of the trail that allows you to scan a QR code and download the preserve map. Pretty cool feature! Or you can go low-tech and take a picture with your phone. Or no-tech and follow the trail blazes. The trees are very clearly marked.
You can hear the water before you see it. This is one of my favorite features of a good waterfall hike! The way down to the bottom of the falls is insanely slippery-like banana peel x 30. That being said, some kind soul has tied off two climbing ropes, one with loops in it, so you can hold on while you walk to the bottom of the falls. One could still find a way to slip and fall. Again…ask me how I know. There are lots of salamanders at the bottom of these falls, making it even more worth the trip, plus-small snakes! If that’s not enough to get you there this weekend, then WHAT does it take? Snakes are everywhere, so don’t let that scare you. Follow the trail above the falls to see where the water is coming from. It plays hide and seek before plummeting back into the great unknown.
? Tag me in your pictures when you go, or better yet, invite me along!
Leave no trace: This preserve is very clean. Please do your part to help keep it this way!
Lost Sink Falls
