The Lost Sink Trail

Are you looking for the best waterfall hike near Huntsville, Alabama? Then look no farther than The Lost Sink Trail located in the Keel Mountain Nature Preserve. The Lost Sink Trail is rate moderate has a gradual elevation gain and is relatively short in length. Known for its unique water fall this trail provides a nice diversity of terrain, wildlife and fauna.

Trail Location

The trailhead to the Lost Sink Trail is located on Mc Mullen Road near Gurley, Alabama. At the trailhead is a small gravel parking lot with a sign designating the area as the Keel Mountain Nature Preserve. The Keel mountain nature preserve is located on the south-west slope of keel mountain and is a 310 acre track of land, operated by the Nature Conservancy.

Trail Description

The trail starts in the southeast corner of the gravel parking area. The beginning the trail is level and follows a small stream on the right. There were several side trails leading closer to the stream if you would like to get your feet wet or just kick back and listen to the water flow over the rocks.. After .1 miles the trail starts a steady climb to the waterfall. The elevation change is gradually as it weaves through the forest and over the rock formations.

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Small yellow placards are used to mark the trail. The distance between each placards can be a bit sporadic, which created some confusion but with patience and careful observation it is easy to avoid getting lost.

Birds and Fauna

Along the way I saw a few flower and heard the songs of many familiar birds. One of the birds that I was most excited to hear was the Northern Parula. He/she is one of the first Warbles to appear in the spring and I believe will stay in these North Alabama woods through the summer. Additional, birds seen on the hike included the sassy Blacked-capped Chickadee, the Tufted Titmouse singing “Peter Peter Peter” and the White Breasted Nuthatch with its characteristic upside down walk on the tree trunk.

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There were not many wildflowers blooming do to the time of year. However there was one exception, the Woodland Pinkroot (Spigelia marilandica). These bright red tubular flowers with yellow tops were abundant along the trail. This was the first time seeing them them and I was impressed with their bold red blooms.

At the 1 mile mark, the trail gets steeper as it starts its final push to the waterfall. Although steeper, most skill levels will have no issues reaching the summit. Keep a keen ear at this point as you should begin hearing the waterfall uphill in the distance.

Lost Sink Falls

Once at the waterfall you will notice that Lost Sink Falls is unlike most waterfalls. In general most waterfalls are surrounded on 3 sides with the water flowing out on the fourth. However this waterfall has no definite open side and is surrounded on all sides with steep cliffs as it falls about 40′ into a “hole” or the bottom of the sink. It is this characteristic shape that gives the falls its name, Lost Sink Waterfall. Due to this feature I would say this falls is very unique and possibly the best waterfall hike in Huntsville area.

There is a small trail to the right that leads along the top of the sink and provides additional views .

There is also an unestablished trail to the bottom of the falls, but I did not take it because the trail was steep and there was other hikers at the bottom. If ambitious and curious as to where the water goes after its drop, this vantage point could provide answers. It is probably worth the effort.

Final Thoughts

Lost Sink trail is one the best waterfall hike in the Huntsville area. The hike to the falls is short with a moderate rating. Round trip was 2.8 miles with a minimal elevation gain (531 feet). Total time moving for this hike was 1 hour and 30 minutes. However, depending on your fitness level or time available you could spend more or less time on trail. I tend to gawk and stop to smell the flowers, so your hike could take much less time. Once there take time to sit back and enjoy the fall as it is truly unique and probably the best in the Huntsville area. The trail continues past the falls but based on the reviews posted on Alltrails there didn’t seem to be much to see so I started my return. I will leave that exploration to you.

How to get there

From Huntsville take US 72 East toward Scotsboro. Take a slight right turn onto Rock Cut Rd (@11 miles). Turn right onto Little Cove Rd (. 5 miles). In 0.9 miles Turn Left onto Mc Mullen Rd. Continue on Mc Mullen road for 3.2 miles where you will take a slight left. In less than a mile you will reach the parking area on the left.