Lost Sink Trail at Keel Mountain Preserve

Hike the Lost Sink Trail at Keel Mountain Preserve just outside of Huntsville, Alabama. This nearly 4 mile trail takes you to a rushing waterfall that flows into a sinkhole and disappears underground.

Keel Mountain Preserve is a natural oasis in Gurley, Alabama just a few minutes outside of Huntsville. Its Lost Sink Falls, aptly named because the waterfall flows into a sinkhole, makes for the perfect scenic hike.

This 3.9 mile out-and-back hike is moderately challenging, made up of rocky terrain and steep inclines, but the waterfall view is well worth it.

Hiking the Lost Sink Trail

The Lost Sink Trail departs from the trailhead parking just off McMullen Road. There’s no fee for parking or hiking, making this one of the best budget-friendly things to do in North Alabama.

The trail begins with an easy walk along the forest floor. The hike is immersed in a forest of oak, hickory, smoketree, and cedar. The trail follows along Buck Ditch, which can run high or dry depending on the rainfall. Diverting from the creek, the trail begins its climb in to the limestone bluffs.

Here, the trail quickly becomes rocky and challenging. Be sure to bring plenty of water on a hot day because these Alabama summers are no joke!

As you walk, the trail will change from dirt to rocky path. The trail is not always marked clearly, so pay close attention to where the worn path goes if you lose the trail markers.

You’ll reach the waterfall at just under 2 miles. It’s a good 10° cooler by the waterfall, which is nice after a hot hike.

Lost Sink Falls is a 30+ foot-tall waterfall that flows down into a sinkhole and then disappears. The waterfall is most stunning after a good rainfall. Be careful around the falls and sinkhole as it can be slippery.

There isn’t much to the trail past the waterfall, so I recommend turning around and retracing your steps back down the slope. Be careful on the rocks as you descend as they can be slippery even if it hasn’t rained.

The hike completes back at the parking lot at about 3.9 miles.

Lost Sink Trail Info

Hike length: 3.9 miles round-trip

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Is it pet-friendly?: Yes, leashed dogs are allowed on this trail.

Location: 1455 McMullen Rd #1473, Gurley, AL 35748

Parking: Free parking is available at the trailhead parking lot off McMullen Road

Fees: None.

Hours: The trail is open from sunrise to sunset.

Accessibility: The Lost Sink Trail is an unpaved trail that is only accessible to hikers.

Keel Mountain Preserve

Keel Mountain Preserve is located just outside of Huntsville in the town of Gurley. The 310 acre preserve was selected to protect the federally endangered Morefield’s leatherflower, a rare plant that has only been found in North Alabama and Tennessee.

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Ready to visit Huntsville, Alabama? Plan your trip with these tips.

• Get Familiar With the City: Check out my Ultimate Guide to Huntsville to help plan your trip!
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Cheers!

Paige

Have you hiked the Lost Sink Trail at Keel Mountain Preserve in Gurley, Alabama? Let me know in the comments!