💦🐾 Hiking to Sougahoagdee Falls with Simba the Adventure Pup! Bankhead National Forest, AL 🌲

Hey trail fam! Ash here — and this week, Simba the Adventure Pup and I explored one of Alabama’s most peaceful waterfall hikes: the stunning Sougahoagdee Falls Trail in Bankhead National Forest! 🐕🌳💧

With mossy canyon walls, forest shade, gentle creek crossings, and a dramatic 30-foot waterfall at the end, this trail was everything we love in a dog-friendly day hike. It felt like we wandered into a fairy tale — and Simba? He was in splashy golden retriever heaven. 😍🐾

📍 Trail Details

Location: William B. Bankhead National Forest – near Houston, AL
Trail Name: Sougahoagdee Falls Trail
Distance: ~4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (mostly flat, some wet/muddy areas)
Dog-Friendly: 100%! Simba gives it a wet, happy tail-wag approval 🐶💦
Highlights: Waterfall finale, mossy canyon walls, creek splashes, shady serenity 🌲🌊

🥾 The Hike

The trail starts off gently, weaving through lush green forest, with plenty of shade and soft footing under the trees. You’ll cross a few small creeks (no bridges, so prepare to get your paws a little wet!) and walk alongside a babbling stream almost the whole way.

About halfway in, the terrain narrows into a gorgeous canyon, where moss-covered rock walls tower on either side — like something straight out of a movie. 🎬🪨

And then… you hear it.

The rush of water gets louder, and suddenly, there it is — Sougahoagdee Falls, a tall, thin, graceful waterfall tucked into the forest like a secret.

💧 Waterfall Moment

The falls drop about 30 feet into a shallow pool, and while you can’t go behind the falls (too slick!), the view from the base is absolutely worth it. 🌈

We took our time at the falls — Simba splashed in the creek, I sat in the shade with a snack, and together we just breathed it all in. These are the kinds of trail moments we live for. 💛

🐶 Trail Tips for Dog Owners

✔️ Keep your pup leashed — even though it’s remote, it’s still wild 🐾
✔️ Bring a towel — they will get wet 💦
✔️ There’s no cell service — download your map ahead of time 📱
✔️ Bring plenty of water for you and your dog, especially in warmer months
✔️ Be respectful and pack out everything (no trash cans out here!) ♻️

🚐 RV + Travel Notes

Closest Towns: Houston, AL or Double Springs for supplies 🛒
No RV parking at trailhead — we brought our toad and left the RV at a campground nearby
Best Seasons: Spring and fall for waterfall flow + cooler temps
Trailhead: Off Cranal Road — can be rough, so drive slow!

🎥 Watch the Full Adventure!


Catch the full trail walk, waterfall moment, and Simba’s splash party in our latest YouTube video 🎬

🐕 Trail joy? Check.
💦 Wet paws? Always.
🌲 Serenity? 100%.

👉 Subscribe for weekly hikes, parks, and golden retriever fun
📲 Follow us everywhere: @lifeonpawsandwheels

🌟 Why We Loved It

✔️ Hidden gem of a hike 💎
✔️ One of Alabama’s most photogenic waterfalls 📸
✔️ Easy to moderate = great for most hikers
✔️ A total sensory reset: shade, water, quiet, beauty 💚

Whether you’re just passing through or road-tripping across the Southeast, Sougahoagdee Falls deserves a place on your trail list. And if you’ve got a trail-loving pup like Simba, even better!

Until next time — happy hiking, happy tails, and stay splashy! 🐾💦🌲
– Ash & Simba

Location: Houston, AL 35572, USA

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