Here’s a short family waterfall day trip to at least four waterfalls. The best time of the year to do this day trip is in the Spring to get the best water flow. Driving distance for this day trip is 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. All of these waterfalls have extremely limited parking, so I’d recommend visiting on a weekday.
Click on “More options” inside the map to get a full list of directions and stops along this trip. Click on link in each section below to view more information about each waterfall including trail details and directions to the waterfall.
Rutledge Falls
Rutledge Falls is a privately owned waterfall located in Tullahoma. The owners graciously let visitors hike to the waterfall, but you must stay on the trail. They have placed a sign at the beginning of the trail with rules for visiting the waterfall. The 40 foot waterfall was featured in “Hannah Montana: The Movie.”
Depending on which path you take to the waterfall it is between a 0.3-0.5 mile hike round trip with an elevation gain of 22 feet. The trail to the overlook of the waterfall is easy. You just stay on the main trail and it leads to an overlook of the waterfall. If you want to get to the base of the waterfall from here, you’ll need to climb down and over a few rocks.
There is an easier trail if you want to go to the base of the waterfall. There is a small trail that branches off to the left (heading toward the home before you reach the statue) for a gradual hike down to the riverbed. From there you can easily walk back upstream to the bottom of the falls.
Parking in the church parking lot is not permitted. If no parking is available at Rutledge Falls you could continue on to Machine Falls (only 5 minutes away and then return to Rutledge Falls afterward).
Machine Falls
Machine Falls is located just five minutes away from Rutledge Falls. Machine Falls is an impressive 60 foot waterfall located inside the Short Springs Natural Area, which contains several waterfalls that can all be accessed from the same starting trail.
From the main trailhead you’ll reach the observation platform in about 15 minutes hiking the white blazed trail. To reach the base, pass the observation platform and descend down a rather steep set of wooden steps. You’ll see a wooden bridge. Do not cross this bridge, but head toward the water’s edge to reach the base of Machine Falls. Your feet will get wet as you walk along on the tops of rocks in the creek (and in the creek) and around the corner to the base of the waterfall.
Parking is also limited at this waterfall. You’ll want to park at the water tower parking lot, which is relatively small so arrive early to find a place to park. There are several signs stating that parking is not permitted in other areas and to return later if parking spaces are not available.
Wetumpka Falls (also known as Shipman’s Creek Falls or Moonshine Falls)
After viewing Rutledge Falls and Machine Falls, you’ll drive around 15 minutes before reaching Ledford Mill. Keep driving past the mill and a very short distance away you’ll see Wetumpka Falls on your left side. Drive past it and you’ll come to a small paved pull-off, which can hold 3 or 4 cars. After you park you can walk back to view Wetumpka Falls.
This waterfall has also been referred to as Shipman’s Creek Falls due to its location on Shipman’s Creek. Some people have also called the waterfall Moonshine Falls since there used to be a moonshine still by the upper part several decades ago.
Ledford Mills Falls
After viewing Wetumpka Falls continue walking down the road and you can view Ledford Mill Falls from the roadside as well.
Ledford Mill is home to a three-room bed and breakfast and antiques shop. If the antiques shop is open you can go inside and view the waterfall from the base. If it is closed you can walk along the road heading away from the mill. From the edge of the road you can view the side of Ledford Mill Falls.
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