About Thompson Falls
Thompson Falls is a named waterfall in Marshall County, Alabama, located about 4.2 miles east of Arab. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Arab 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 34°18′52″ N, 86°25′20″ W (34.31454, -86.42221). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Thompson Falls Gap (gap, under 0.1 mi), Long Point (cliff, 0.3 mi), and Horton Spring Branch (stream, 1.2 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Ragsdale Falls, 1.6 miles to the northeast.
A series of tiered waterfalls, surrounded by woods & offering trails for hiking.
USGS gazetteer description: Located in sec 27,T8S,R2E, Huntsville Meridian
What Visitors Mention
Topics that come up most often in Google reviews of Thompson Falls:
trespassprivate propertyhikefalls
More Photos
29 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Thompson Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Thompson Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Chicago time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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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 Thompson 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
Thompson Falls holds a 3.0 average from 24 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Thompson Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Thompson Falls Gap — gap, under 0.1 mi
- Long Point — cliff, 0.3 mi
- Horton Spring Branch — stream, 1.2 mi
- Kelley Ridge — ridge, 1.7 mi
- Ben Johnson Ridge — ridge, 1.7 mi
- Gross Hollow — valley, 1.9 mi
- Mink Creek — stream, 1.9 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 34.31454, -86.42221. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Thompson Falls
- Swindell Falls, AL28 mi east
- Griffin Falls, AL28 mi east
- Noccalula Falls, AL30 mi southeast
- Seven Falls, AL30 mi west
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Thompson Falls located?
Thompson Falls is in Marshall County, Alabama, about 4.2 miles east of Arab. Its coordinates are 34.31454, -86.42221 (34°18′52″ N, 86°25′20″ W).
What town is closest to Thompson Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Arab, AL, about 4.2 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Thompson Falls?
The closest is Ragsdale Falls (1.6 mi northeast). Others within reach include Short Creek Falls (12 mi), Welcome Falls (14 mi), and Ditto Falls (15 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Thompson Falls?
Thompson Falls appears on the USGS Arab 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.