Kinlock Falls: 8 Things to Know Before You Go!
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Summer and hot weather are here!   This means folks are looking for places to cool off. Kinlock Falls is a hotspot destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a place to swim, play and enjoy the beauty of Alabama's wild places. But there is a lot you need to know before venturing there. Here are 8 things you need to know before heading out with your swim trunks, floats and food.

1. Bankhead National Forest is traditional territory to indigenous peoples. Many locals still have a very strong connection to this place. The area should be honored and respected as such. 

2. Kinlock Falls is located on Hubbard Creek in the Bankhead National Forest. Hubbard Creek converges with Thompson Creek to become the Sipsey Fork, Alabama's only federally designated Wild & Scenic River. These headwaters are entirely within the Sipsey Wilderness.  Find out more about the Sipsey Wilderness HERE. 

3. Kinlock Falls is also located within the Sipsey Wilderness which is adjacent to the Kinlock Historic District. There is an ordinance in place that states no alcohol or camping allowed within a half mile of the area. To read the full ordinance click HERE.

4. Bankhead National Forest is home to rare and endangered species. The Black Warrior waterdog (a salamander) and the flattened musk turtle are a few creatures in the Bankhead National Forest that fall under this protection under the Endangered Species Act. Stacking or removing rocks from the creek bed take away from their natural habitat and is discouraged. Link to science article supporting these claims. 

5. There is no cell service at Kinlock Falls. In the event of a medical emergency you are in a delayed help context. Always practice safety. Jumping from cliffs and using rope swings can be dangerous. 

6. Practicing Leave No Trace is essential. For more about the 7 principles of LNT, click HERE. Pack it in, pack it out. There are no garbage cans at Kinlock Falls. Bring trash bags and limit what you bring in so there is less to bring out. 

7. Parking can be an issue at Kinlock Falls. Carpool if you can or have a plan B if the area is over crowded. 
  
8. Kinlock Falls is very near the Winston/Lawrence county line which has been the site of random traffic stops in the past. Be prepared to have driver's license and proof of insurance ready if you are stopped. 

​If you are interested in volunteering over the summer to help spread education and assist in clean up days at Kinlock Falls, email Kim Waites at [email protected] We generally do cleanups on Mondays, after the weekend but sometimes reschedule for a different day if there is bad weather or another conflict. We meet on the road at 10 a.m., pick up trash for a few hours then stick around to enjoy the waterfall. To get updates, register HERE. 
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Keep checking back here for real time updates, cancellations etc...
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June dates: 
Saturday, June 1st National Trails Day kickoff event
Monday, June 10th
Tuesday, June 18th
Monday, June 24th
July dates:
Friday, July 5th
Monday, July 8th
Monday, July 15th
Monday, July 22nd 
Tuesday, July 30th
August dates:
Tuesday, August 6th
Monday, August 12th
Monday, August 19th
​Monday, August 26th

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