Moss Rock Preserve and Falls
“Are you kidding me?” explorers often say on their first visit. “This is not a city park.” Yes, it is, but not just any city park. Moss Rock Preserve and Falls might be the best kept secret in Hoover. Hiking, rock climbing, rare plants, and waterfalls are nestled in 349 acres within Hoover City Limits. The secret is out. “It is great for an afternoon hike or allday adventure,” says Hoover resident and photographer, Ty Evans. “It has good trails, easy to walk, and not far from the parking area. Lots of local residents park and hike for a quick retreat or long lunch break.” Others stay longer. Ken Wills is president of Friends of Moss Rock Preserve. “The preserve has rare plants, which change colors – golds and deep blues – with the changing seasons. It’s beautiful,” he says. “As for the falls, the middle of winter to late spring usually results in the best water flow.”
PHOTO BY TY EVANS
Chewacla State Park
Something doesn’t feel right at Chewacla State Park. Oh, it feels good – hiking forest trails and climbing rocks at the foot of a cascading waterfall. But it doesn’t feel like this 696-acre wilderness is 15 minutes from downtown Auburn. It is. “I can have a fancy meal at one of Auburn’s fine restaurants or attend an Auburn University sporting event and within 15 minutes, be back here. It does not feel like you are so close to town,” Park Manager Joshua Funderburk says. Chewacla’s waterfalls include natural and man-made. A most popular natural one is around 20 feet tall. It is one of the smaller tributaries in our list which allows a more up close and personal experience. The trails to and from the scenic falls include a 26-acre lake, swimming areas, birdwatching, forest walking, rustic camping to easy living cabins with electricity and TV. About 30 miles of hiking and biking trails are available including paths leading to the falls. Chewacla offers the best of both worlds: A wilderness wonderland six miles from Jordan Hare Stadium. PHOTO BY MARK STEPHENSON
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Dismals Canyon Rainbow Falls
Quite simply one of the most eerily beautiful places I have seen. You descend the Phil Campbell, Alabama, canyon by stairway. Almost immediately you hear the sound of roaring water and then, wow, there it is. Under a canopy of jungle-like trees, framed by minivan-size boulders is Rainbow Falls. Sprays bouncing off the prehistoric tributary project rainbows in the mist. Hence the name, “Rainbow Falls.” The vista is accompanied by visitors’ oohs and ahhs. For a moment in time we forget about COVID-19. God is in control and He loves color. Other falls cascade down mammoth rocks throughout the canyon too. Camping and cabins are available and so is a restaurant and gift shop. Plan on spending the morning or afternoon to fully explore. Rainbow Falls’ creation took a million years. You can spare three hours.
PHOTO BY EMMETT BURNETT
Mardis Mill Falls
The final venture is a little waterfall hidden off 546 Mardis M i l l Road in Blountsville. Mardis is not famous like state neighbors Noccalula and DeSoto. Nor is it a big waterfall, about 35 feet wide, the width on Grave’s Creek. The falls’ water pours down 16 feet. “But it is a beautiful, restful place,” adds Ty Evans. “Just park and walk a short trail.” Nearby are various covered bridges, including Horton Mill Bridge, built in 1935. At 70 feet above Little Warrior River’s feeder bends, it is the highest covered bridge above a waterway in the U.S. Save the bridge for last. Visit Mardis Falls first. Like the other six, Mardis Mill Falls pleases the eye, lifts our spirits, and calms wayward blood pressure.
PHOTO BY TY EVANS
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5/18/21 10:12 AM