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Lost Sink Falls: A Hidden Waterfall Wonder

Discover the enchanting Lost Sink Falls at Keel Mountain Preserve, a hidden gem near Huntsville with a unique disappearing waterfall.

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Lost Sink Falls, nestled within the Keel Mountain Preserve near Gurley, Alabama, is a unique natural attraction where a 30+ foot waterfall cascades into a sinkhole before disappearing underground [2, 5]. This moderately challenging hike offers scenic beauty and geological intrigue, making it a worthwhile experience for nature enthusiasts [5, 6].

A brief summary to Lost Sink Falls

  • 1455 McMullen Rd #1473, Gurley, Alabama, 35748, US
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Local tips

  • Wear sturdy shoes as the trail is rocky and can be slippery, especially near the waterfall [2, 5].
  • Bring plenty of water, especially during the warmer months, as the hike can be strenuous [5, 10].
  • Be mindful of trail markers, as the path can be difficult to follow in some areas [2].
  • Visit after a rainfall for the most impressive waterfall display [5, 6].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Huntsville, take US Highway 72 East towards Scottsboro [3, 10]. In Gurley, turn right onto Little Cove Road and travel approximately 2 miles to McMullen Road [3, 10]. Turn left onto McMullen Road and continue for 4-5 miles, keeping left at the unmarked fork [3, 10]. The parking area for the preserve will be on the left, just past a sharp turn in the road [3]. Parking is free [5]. The lot can accommodate about a dozen cars [2].

  • Walking

    From the parking area, the trailhead is clearly marked with a sign [2]. Follow the Lost Sink Trail [5]. The trail starts as a relatively easy walk but becomes more challenging as you ascend to the falls [5, 6]. Watch for trail markers and downed trees [2]. The waterfall is approximately 2 miles from the trailhead [5].

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Discover more about Lost Sink Falls

Lost Sink Falls, located in the Keel Mountain Preserve, is a captivating natural feature formed by water cascading into a sinkhole and vanishing into the earth [2, 5]. The 310-acre preserve, managed by the Nature Conservancy, is a sanctuary of oak, hickory, smoketree, and cedar forests, interspersed with rugged limestone bluffs and unique glade-like openings [3, 5, 11]. The preserve was established to protect the endangered Morefield's leatherflower, a rare plant found only in the Huntsville area [3, 5]. The Lost Sink Trail, approximately 3.9 miles round trip, leads hikers to the falls [5]. The trail begins with a gentle walk along the forest floor, following Buck Ditch, a creek that can be either full or dry depending on rainfall [5]. As the trail ascends, it becomes rocky and more challenging, with an elevation gain of about 400 feet [4, 5, 6, 10]. The waterfall is most impressive after rainfall, with water cascading down into the sinkhole [2, 5, 6]. The area around the falls is cool and mossy, offering a refreshing respite [2, 5, 6, 10]. Visitors should exercise caution near the sinkhole and waterfall, as the rocks can be slippery [2, 5]. The trail continues past the falls, but it becomes less defined and harder to follow [2, 9]. The preserve is open from sunrise to sunset, offering a peaceful escape into nature [5].

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