Falls and Tunnel of Borden Creek

This challenging trail in the Sipsey Wilderness leads to two of the area’s most unique features: a scenic waterfall and a natural tunnel carved through the sandstone by Borden Creek. The trail descends into the canyon, crosses the creek numerous times, and reaches the falls where water plunges over a rocky ledge into a deep pool. Beyond the falls, adventurous hikers can wade through the natural tunnel—a cathedral-like passage where the creek has carved completely through a sandstone ridge. This is wilderness hiking at its finest, requiring route-finding skills, creek crossings, and comfort with rugged terrain. The rewards are proportional to the effort: pristine scenery in one of the East’s most intact wilderness areas.