National park · United States
Walls of JerichoWalls of Jericho Natural Area
Visit Walls of Jericho: hike the 3.5‑mile trail (≈4 h) for free, or ride the 8.5‑mile horse trail; go early spring or fall to avoid heat and crowds.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
5 km² (2 sq mi)2 sq mi (5 km²)
approximate
Established
2026
Best months
Mar–Apr, Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 5 km² (2 sq mi)2 sq mi (5 km²)
- Exact size not published; approximate 5 km² based on land parcels (check).
- Established
- 2026
- Best months
- Mar–Apr, Oct
- Permits
- Not needed
Walls of Jericho straddles the Tennessee‑Alabama line, offering a steep limestone amphitheater with 200‑ft walls, a 3.5‑mile hiking trail and an 8.5‑mile horseback trail.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 2026.
Size and age
5 km² (2 sq mi)2 sq mi (5 km²) · national park since 2026
Exact size not published; approximate 5 km² based on land parcels (check).
Why go
- A dramatic limestone amphitheater with 200‑ft sheer walls and dripping water holes.
- Two trail options: a short strenuous hike or a longer, less steep horse trail.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayGo
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepGo
- OctBest
- NovGo
- DecGo
- JanCool, dry
- FebCool, dry
- MarMild, less heat
- AprPleasant, low crowds
- MayWarm, occasional rain
- JunHot, thunderstorms possible
- JulHot, high humidity
- AugHot, storms
- SepCooling, fewer bugs
- OctCool, dry
- NovCool, dry
- DecCold, dry
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copperhead snakesApr–Sep · Venomous, watch footing. | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Limerock arrowwood (endangered)Mar–Oct · Protected plant in Turkey Creek watershed. | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Huntsville
Drive 1 h east on US‑231; park at the Tennessee trailhead.
≈1 h
From Chattanooga
Drive 1.5 h west on US‑72; park at the Alabama trailhead.
≈1.5 h
Open the page →
From Nashville
Drive 2 h southeast via I‑24 and US‑231; park at the Tennessee trailhead.
≈2 h
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee trailhead | Hiking trail start, parking, information board. | Free parking, trailhead open year‑round. |
| Alabama trailhead | Horse‑trail start, parking, limited signage. | Free parking, trailhead open year‑round. |
| Primitive campsites | Two first‑come‑first‑served sites, 6‑8 tents each. | Permit‑free, primitive facilities. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates from Wikidata for the general area; trailheads approximated.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry | Free | person | Free (check) |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry no permit
Park rules
- Stay on marked trails
- Off‑trail hiking can damage fragile limestone and increase risk.
- Camping only in designated primitive sites
- No backcountry camping outside the two sites.
- Pets
- Leashed dogs allowed on trailheads only; not on the horse trail.
- Fire
- No open fires; use camp stoves only.
- Leave no trace
- Pack out all litter.
Where to stay
In the park
Primitive campsites
Basic sites near trail, no facilities, first‑come‑first‑served.
Near the park
Huntsville
Hotels and motels 1 h drive to park.
Safety
Slippery rocks and steep climbs medium
Venomous snakes low
Getting lost on horse trail high
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Trailhead parking accessible by car; trails are steep and uneven, not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on trails to protect limestone formations.
- Use primitive campsites responsibly, pack out waste.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Walls of Jericho?
There is no entrance fee; the area is free to the public (check).
What are the best hikes in Walls of Jericho?
The 3.5‑mile steep hiking trail from the Tennessee side and the longer 8.5‑mile horse trail from the Alabama side are the main routes.
When is the best time to visit Walls of Jericho?
Early spring (Mar–Apr) and fall (Oct–Nov) offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
Are campsites available?
Two primitive campsites operate on a first‑come‑first‑served basis; no reservations needed.
What safety concerns should I know?
Watch for slippery rocks, steep climbs, and copperhead snakes; bring plenty of water and a hiking stick.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Walls of Jericho
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