The view from the walkway access provided by the park
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Martha's Falls Hippie Hole

4.8
·206 reviews·Fort Payne, United States

A natural swimming hole with cascading falls, perfect for a summer dip and adventurous jumps. Hike down a scenic, albeit challenging, trail.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Perfect for cooling off

CrowdHigh
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The view from the walkway access provided by the park

Martha's Falls Hippie Hole

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Perfect for cooling off

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A natural swimming hole with cascading falls, perfect for a summer dip and adventurous jumps. Hike down a scenic, albeit challenging, trail.

4.8
(206 reviews)

"Awesome 10/10!! It's a 0.67-mile hike down to the river. It's very spacious, and there are many jumping spots to spike your adrenaline."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key

The trail is rocky and has steep stone steps. Wear shoes with good grip; flip-flops are not recommended.

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

It's a hike down and back up! Stay hydrated and fueled for your adventure.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Hippie Hole Swimming Area

The Hippie Hole Swimming Area

Below Martha's Falls

Dive into deep, refreshing waters or simply chill in the calmer pools above the main cascade.

Boulder Hopping

Boulder Hopping

Around the falls

For the adventurous, navigate the rocks and enjoy the thrill of exploring the natural landscape.

Martha's Falls Overlook

Martha's Falls Overlook

Trailhead

Enjoy scenic views of the falls from a developed trail with solid railings.

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Planning Your Visit

Trail to the Falls

The original parking is closed. You'll now park at the lookout and hike 0.6 miles. Be prepared for a steep, rocky decline with stone steps near the end, and remember you have to hike back up!

Best for Adventurous Swimmers

While there are calmer pools, the main draw is the deeper water below the falls, perfect for jumping. It's better suited for teens and adults who are confident swimmers.

Best Times

When
Summer afternoons
Why
Perfect for cooling off
Crowd
High
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds on the trail
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

How are the waterfalls at little river and de Soto park right now? Worth a day trip or wait for more rain?

🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key

The trail is rocky and has steep stone steps. Wear shoes with good grip; flip-flops are not recommended. Reddit

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

It's a hike down and back up! Stay hydrated and fueled for your adventure. Reddit

reddit.com

Little River Canyon excursion

reddit.com

Georgian heading to Little River....what should I know?

🏊‍♀️ Assess Swimming Skills

The deeper areas are for experienced swimmers. Calmer pools are available for younger visitors. Reddit

🚗 Park at the Lookout

The original parking is closed. Use the lookout parking and be prepared for the 0.6-mile hike. Reddit

reddit.com

Little River Canyon Safe Water Levels

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key

The trail is rocky and has steep stone steps. Wear shoes with good grip; flip-flops are not recommended. Reddit

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

It's a hike down and back up! Stay hydrated and fueled for your adventure. Reddit

🏊‍♀️ Assess Swimming Skills

The deeper areas are for experienced swimmers. Calmer pools are available for younger visitors. Reddit

🚗 Park at the Lookout

The original parking is closed. Use the lookout parking and be prepared for the 0.6-mile hike. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(206 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors love Martha's Falls Hippie Hole for its refreshing swimming opportunities and scenic beauty, especially on hot summer days. The chance to jump into deeper pools and explore the rocky landscape is a major draw. However, the hike down, particularly the steep stone steps, can be challenging, and it's noted that the deeper swimming areas are best suited for experienced swimmers.

"AKA, the Hippie Hole. It's a great place to cool down on a Summer day. Chill in one of the calmer pools above the falls or take a jump into the deeper waters below it. If youre feeling more adventurous, you can also go "boulder hopping". There's something for any age here.

The original parking location is now closed off. Instead you have to park at the lookout and take a 0.6 mile trail to get here. Right before you get there, the trail has a steep decline, but is pretty manageable since there are now man-made stone steps for assistance. Just remember you now have to walk back up!"

Adam Brown

"Awesome 10/10!! It's a 0.67-mile hike down to the river. It's very spacious, and there are many jumping spots to spike your adrenaline."

OBBY LOPEZ

"The really big waterfall was at the beginning on a very nice manufactured trail, the swimming hole is about a 20-30 minute hike down a trail. It was a moderately easy hike, but the very steep “stairs” at the end of the trail made the hike way more difficult. The path starts out smooth with dirt and a few tree stumps, but quickly turns into big rocks that you have to step on. The views were completely worth it though, we will absolutely be going back. It just wasn’t as easy of a trail as we were expecting it to be."

Elyse Hand

What People Like

Refreshing swimming holes
Jumping spots
Scenic waterfall views

What People Dislike

Steep, rocky trail
Not ideal for very young kids

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The original parking lot is closed. You'll need to park at the lookout point and take a 0.6-mile trail down to the falls. Be prepared for a steep, rocky descent with man-made stone steps near the end. Reddit

The hike is considered moderately easy for the first part, but the steep stone steps at the end can make it challenging, especially on the way back up. Sturdy footwear is essential. Reddit

Parking is now only available at the lookout point. The direct parking lot to the falls is closed off. Reddit

While GPS can get you to the general area, be aware that the direct access point has changed. Follow signs for the lookout parking and then the trail. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Currently, there are no mentions of an entrance fee for Martha's Falls Hippie Hole. It's generally considered a natural attraction accessible via a public trail. Reddit

As a natural outdoor attraction, Martha's Falls Hippie Hole doesn't have set operating hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment. Reddit

No advance booking is required for Martha's Falls Hippie Hole. It's a natural spot that you can visit on a first-come, first-served basis. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's always good practice to follow Leave No Trace principles, pack out what you pack in, and be mindful of the natural environment. Reddit

🎫 🏊‍♀️ Onsite Experience

It's better suited for teenagers and adults. While there are shallower areas for younger children, the main swimming hole and jumping spots are for those who are confident swimmers. Reddit

You can swim in the deeper pools, jump from the rocks (if you're an experienced swimmer), go boulder hopping, and enjoy the scenic views from the overlook. Reddit

Swimming in the deeper areas carries risks. It's crucial to assess your swimming ability and the conditions. The shallower pools are safer for less experienced swimmers. Reddit

Bring sturdy water shoes or hiking boots, swimwear, a towel, plenty of water, snacks, and a bag to carry out your trash. Reddit

Restroom facilities are not typically mentioned at Martha's Falls Hippie Hole. It's advisable to use facilities before you arrive or be prepared for natural conditions. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The overlook offers great panoramic shots of the falls. Down by the water, you can capture action shots of swimmers and the cascading water. Reddit

The trail can be rocky, so be careful when navigating with camera gear. The views from the overlook are easily accessible for photography. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the falls and surrounding landscape. If you plan on action shots, a camera that can handle water spray or a waterproof case is advisable. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Martha's Falls Hippie Hole can be a fun outing for families, but it's best suited for families with older children or teenagers. While there are shallower pools that are safer for younger kids, the main attraction is the deeper swimming area below the falls, which is more appropriate for those who are confident swimmers. Reddit

Be prepared for the hike: the 0.6-mile trail involves rocky terrain and steep stone steps, which can be challenging for very young children or elderly family members. Ensure everyone wears sturdy, non-slip footwear. Bringing plenty of water and snacks is essential, as there are no facilities on-site. The overlook offers a nice, accessible view for those who may not want to tackle the full hike down. Reddit

💪 Adventurous Souls

For those seeking a thrill, Martha's Falls Hippie Hole delivers. The deeper pools below the falls are perfect for jumping and experiencing the exhilaration of the cascading water. Boulder hopping is another popular activity for the more daring, allowing you to explore the natural rock formations around the falls. Reddit

Remember that these adventurous activities come with inherent risks. Ensure you are a strong swimmer if you plan to jump, and always be aware of your surroundings. The challenging trail, with its steep stone steps, adds to the sense of adventure, rewarding your effort with a refreshing dip in a beautiful natural setting. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Trail to the Hippie Hole

The journey to Martha's Falls Hippie Hole involves a significant trail hike. The original parking area is now closed, meaning visitors must park at the lookout point. From there, it's approximately a 0.6-mile trek to reach the swimming area. While the initial part of the trail is described as smooth with dirt and occasional tree stumps, it quickly transitions to a path of larger rocks that require careful stepping. The most challenging section is near the end, where man-made stone steps have been installed to manage a steep decline. This makes the descent manageable but requires a good level of fitness for the return climb. Reddit

Travelers emphasize the importance of wearing appropriate footwear. Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with excellent grip are highly recommended due to the rocky terrain and steep steps. Flip-flops or casual sandals are not suitable and can be dangerous. Remember that the hike back up will be more strenuous than the hike down, so pace yourself and be prepared for the effort. Reddit

Despite the trail's challenges, the views and the refreshing swimming experience are widely considered worth the effort. The developed trail with stone steps has improved accessibility, but it's still a hike that requires some physical exertion. Reddit

Swimming and Safety at Martha's Falls

Martha's Falls Hippie Hole offers a dual experience for swimmers: calmer pools above the main falls and deeper, more adventurous waters below. The deeper sections are popular for jumping, appealing to those seeking an adrenaline rush. However, this also means that safety is paramount. Visitors are strongly advised to assess their swimming abilities and the current conditions before entering the water. Reddit

While the 'Hippie Hole' is a draw for teens and adults, it's noted that the area might not be ideal for very young children due to the depth and potential for strong currents. There are shallower areas available, which are more suitable for families with younger kids. Nevertheless, adult supervision is crucial for all ages when near or in the water. Reddit

It's important to be aware that natural swimming holes can have unpredictable currents and submerged obstacles. Always exercise caution, avoid swimming alone, and be mindful of the 'boulder hopping' opportunities which also require careful footing and awareness of your surroundings. Reddit

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