About this spot
Powell Falls is a wide, stepped cascade on the Locust Fork River near Hayden, Alabama, reached only by floating about a mile from the historic Swann Covered Bridge put-in — there's no direct trailhead. The falls drop over mossy, cushioned rock shelves into pools used for swimming, and a rope swing near the float's midpoint is a known local hangout. Current and depth shift with rainfall and upstream dam releases, so scout before jumping and wear a life jacket for the float itself. Hazards include slick rock, submerged ledges, and unpredictable flow after storms. Legality is generally accepted for river-based recreation, but access requires a kayak, canoe, or tube — this is not a walk-up swimming hole.
Safety first. Cliff jumping is inherently dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. Conditions — water depth, submerged hazards, and access — change constantly. CliffScout is community-sourced reference information, not a guarantee a spot is safe. Always assess the conditions yourself before jumping, and never jump where you're unsure. You assume all risk.