Waterfall · Lee County, Alabama

Great Falls

Waterfall about 5.4 miles southwest of Smiths Station, AL. Also known as We-tum-cau Falls.

4.6 · 82 Google reviews

Photo of Great Falls near Smiths Station, AL

About Great Falls

Great Falls is a named waterfall in Lee County, Alabama, located about 5.4 miles southwest of Smiths Station. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Bleecker 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 32°30′31″ N, 85°11′03″ W (32.50872, -85.18422). Historical sources also record the name We-tum-cau Falls. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Peters Creek (stream, 0.1 mi) and Hubbard Lake (reservoir, 1.0 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Cascade Falls, 38 miles to the northeast.

USGS gazetteer description: Located in sec 36,T18N,R28E, Saint Stephens Meridian

More Photos

155 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.

Weather at Great Falls

Full NWS forecast

Forecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.

Loading the forecast...

Source: National Weather Service.

Conditions at Great Falls

Sun and Daylight Today

Sunrise
—
Sunset
—
Daylight
—
Golden hour
—

Times in Chicago time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.

Elevation

—

At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.

Nearest Stream Gauge

Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...

Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.

Map and Directions

The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Great Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.

Visitor Ratings

Great Falls holds a 4.6 average from 82 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:

5★60
4★14
3★5
2★2
1★1

Read reviews on Google

Named Landmarks Nearby

These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Great Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.

  • Peters Creek — stream, 0.1 mi
  • Hubbard Lake — reservoir, 1.0 mi

Before You Visit

  • Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
  • Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
  • Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
  • Download offline maps and save the coordinates 32.50872, -85.18422. Use our waterfall hike packing list.

Waterfalls Near Great Falls

Photo of Cascade Falls near Manchester, GA

Cascade Falls

Manchester, GA · 38 mi northeast
4.4 (62)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Great Falls located?

Great Falls is in Lee County, Alabama, about 5.4 miles southwest of Smiths Station. Its coordinates are 32.50872, -85.18422 (32°30′31″ N, 85°11′03″ W).

What town is closest to Great Falls?

The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Smiths Station, AL, about 5.4 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.

What waterfalls are near Great Falls?

The closest is Cascade Falls (38 mi northeast).

Which USGS topographic map shows Great Falls?

Great Falls appears on the USGS Bleecker 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.