It’s no secret that Tennessee is certainly one of the most beautiful states within the South. It regularly leaves residents and tourists in awe over its vast and unpredictable landscapes.
One second you will get green, lush rolling hills and sparkling clear lakes, after which you’ll flip the nook and discover wooded forests and majestic mountains. One of the commonest themes that hold tourists coming to Tennessee is the broad variety of jaw dropping waterfalls situated all through the state.
Did you understand that the state of Tennessee has over 500 waterfalls? That implies that if you’re out hiking, the probabilities of you finding a waterfall are pretty high!
Tennessee waterfalls are a lot like snowflakes — no two waterfalls are alike and each is beautiful in its own right. Here are some of our favourite waterfalls in Tennessee so that you simply can take a look at on your subsequent Tennessee journey.
Laurel FallsMIDDLE TENNESSEE
Nashville itself is among the hottest tourist destinations in middle Tennessee. With a lot to do in the state capitol –such as Opryland, the Hermitage, Country Music Hall and Fame, and Centennial Park (just to name a few) — you could be tempted to skip a waterfall hike. But don’t!
These center Tennessee waterfalls are all positioned within three hours of Nashville. We promise, they’re worth your time.
FALL CREEK FALLS
Distance:2.4 miles
Elevation Change: 633 toes
Difficulty:Moderate
Area of the State:Middle Tennessee
Trail Info
Fall Creek Falls State Park is considered one of Tennessee’s largest and most visited state parks. Located just two hours from Nashville in Spencer, Tennessee, the namesake waterfall right here is probably considered one of the most impressive in the state.
At 256 feet, Fall Creek Falls is among the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States.
The waterfall is perfect for a household journey, as a end result of it may be seen from the bottom and the highest — with a variety of short or lengthy hike selections, so you can choose what works best on your crew. The trail to the top of Fall Creek Falls is a reasonable hike, that’s roughly 2.4 miles.
You’ll additionally find a nature middle right here that the children will love, in addition to plenty of parking. Located simply behind the character middle is the Cane Creek Cascades. Although not a plunging waterfall, it is nonetheless impressive and easy to go to.
CANE CREEK FALLS
Distance:0.4 miles
Elevation Change: eighty two toes
Difficulty:Easy
Area of the State:Middle Tennessee
Trail Info
Also situated in Fall Creek Falls State Park, is the easy-to-get-to Cane Creek Falls. This fun hike also contains a suspension bridge.
The 85-foot Cane Creek Falls is seen from overlooks and trails all through the park, and the water falls right into a deep pool — good for swimming in the summer months.
This quick hike is fun for all ages, and is basically in style — but definitely price it.
CUMMINS FALLS
Distance:3 miles
Elevation Change: 452 ft
Difficulty:Moderate-Difficult
Area of the State:Middle Tennessee
Trail Info
Looking for a enjoyable family excursion with a picturesque swimming gap and a shocking waterfall? Cummins Falls has it all. This waterfall is positioned in another Tennessee state park — Cummins Falls State Park — located simply an hour and 45 minutes outdoors Nashville.
Cummins Falls is the eighth largest waterfall in the state of Tennessee from quantity of water passing by way of the falls. There are two trails to see Cummins Falls, the primary trail is a straightforward trail that you could stroll to the overlook and see the beautiful falls. If you need to hike to the bottom, it’s a reasonable to troublesome hike the place crossing the creek a few instances is necessary — so deliver water shoes! (See beneath for extra notes about this hike!)
Once you arrive at the base it is possible for you to to swim and lounge on the rocks of the waterfall.
Note: The Cummins Falls area is topic to seasonal closure due to climate situations, a gorge permit is required, it’s not recommended for kids beneath 5, and children underneath 12 ought to wear a life vest at the falls. Check all the most recent particulars HERE earlier than heading out.
Read More: 21+ CHEAP AND FREE THINGS TO DO IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
OZONE FALLS
Distance:0.three miles
Elevation Change: 111 feet
Difficulty:Moderate
Area of the State:Middle Tennessee
Trail Info
Located within the Ozone Falls State Natural Area, a little less than 2 hours from Nashville, Ozone Falls will earn you bragging rights!
Not solely is Ozone Falls lovely with its 100-foot drop, nevertheless it was also the place lots of Disney’s Jungle Book was filmed!
If the waterfall itself wasn’t enough to get you to visit, the aqua-colored swimming hole on the base makes it a well-liked selection for locals and tourists.
Be ready — despite the very fact that it’s a short hike, it’s steep! The hike includes climbing down (and then back up) rocks — so it is probably not nice when you have really younger youngsters. A view of the waterfall may additionally be enjoyed from the highest of the falls, although — and it solely requires a short walk to the overlook.
Parking on the aspect of the highway is proscribed right here.
BURGESS FALLS
Distance:1.6 miles
Elevation Change: 209 feet
Difficulty:Easy
Area of the State:Middle Tennessee
Trail Info
An straightforward trek to superb waterfall views? Yes, please! Burgess Falls in Burgess Falls State Park is picture-perfect and fun for all hiking levels.
The Falling Water River rises at the fringe of the Cumberland Plateau, and traverses the Eastern Highland Rim before dropping off to the Nashville Basin and emptying into Center Hill Lake along the Caney Fork. But what it’s REALLY recognized for is the 136-foot Burgess Falls.
The falls spill into a large limestone gorge, enclosed by sheer foot partitions. It’s a sight to behold, to be sure! While hiking to Burgess Falls, you’ll truly pass three other falls along the way.
This hike is popular on weekends, so plan accordingly!
TWIN FALLS
Distance:1.6 miles
Elevation Change: 223 ft
Difficulty:Easy
Area of the State:Middle Tennessee
Trail Info
The Twin Falls and Down River Trail are located in Rock Island State Park — just half-hour from Burgess Falls State Park (see above).
This easy hike will take you to stunning views of Twin Falls — and different falls too!
The trail departs the Twin Falls Overlook and continues alongside the very steep bluff line bordering the river. It features views of the Blue Hole beneath, Twin Falls, Little Falls, and various seeps, as properly as many spring wildflowers & rock formations. No swimming is allowed alongside this trail or at Twin Falls — the current is too robust here! But there is swimming allowed at the park.
Rock Island State Park is known for the Caney Fork Gorge area — an attractive limestone gorge that runs between Great Falls Dam and Twin Falls. It’s well-liked in the summer months for swimming, fishing, and rock hopping.
FOSTER FALLS
Distance:2 miles
Elevation Change: 406 ft
Difficulty:Moderate
Area of the State:Middle-Southern Tennessee (near Chattanooga)
Trail Info
Located in South Cumberland State Park, Foster Falls is the most well-liked of six waterfalls that can found within the state park.
This 2-mile roundtrip Foster Falls Climbers Loop Trail hike takes you alongside a beautiful cliff line and alongside the bottom of towering bluff walls, earlier than you get to see the 60-foot Foster Falls.
If you’re not up for a 2-mile hike, a brief walk from the parking lot takes you to an overlook — and to the left of that overlook, you’ll have the ability to take the steep “hike” right down to the pool at the base of the falls.
Read More: 22 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE
EASTERN TENNESSEE
Eastern Tennessee is home to nearly all of the state’s waterfalls and is a good vacation spot for those trying to get out into nature and enjoy some lovely surroundings. Knoxville is centrally located to a lot of the most effective waterfall excursions, and Gatlinburg is a superb entry level to the waterfalls within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
GROTTO FALLS
Distance:2.6 miles
Elevation Change: 544 toes
Difficulty:Moderate
Area of the State:Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Trail Info
Just a brief 1-hour drive from downtown Knoxville, Grotto Falls is a well-liked vacation spot near Gatlinburg. This waterfall is a great alternative for households — especially for these with smaller youngsters. The trailhead is located right near the parking zone for the Trillium Gap Trail in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Children will completely love wading within the water on the base of the 25-foot waterfall. Grotto Falls is a well-liked alternative amongst tourists, as a outcome of not solely is it lovely, but also unique as a outcome of you can really walk behind the falls.
Parking is positioned on the other side of the street as the trailhead, and may replenish early, so be prepared to get an early begin or be affected person. There can additionally be additional parking additional up the road.
Read More: 33+ ESSENTIAL THINGS TO DO IN GATLINBURG TN FOR FAMILY FUN
Please Note: Beginning March 1, 2023, Great Smoky Mountain National Park would require a parking charge for anybody stopping to park for longer than quarter-hour. Three tag durations will available for purchase for all automobile sizes and kinds. Daily might be $5, up to seven days will be $15, and annual cross will be $40. Passes may be purchased onsite or online, and are not location-specific. More information could be discovered HERE.
ABRAMS FALLS
Distance:5.5 miles
Elevation Change: 629 toes
Difficulty:Moderate
Area of the State:Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Trail Info
Another nice waterfall located within the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is Abrams Falls, just a 1.5-hour drive from Knoxville. This is the proper waterfall hike to add onto a trip to the Cades Cove area of the park.
Abrams Falls is a 5.5-mile average hike from the trailhead, that can be reached from Cades Cove Loop Road, just previous cease #10.
Abrams Falls may not be the tallest waterfall in Tennessee (it’s a 25-foot drop,) however it is spectacular within the sheer volume of water going over the falls. The water is chilly and could be unpredictable — it’s not meant for swimming — however the scenery is beautiful and well price the trip!
Read More: BEST THINGS TO DO IN SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Please notice: The park closes the Cades Cove Loop Road to motorized vehicle visitors all day on Wednesdays between early May and late September of every year to permit cyclists and pedestrians to benefit from the cove.
LAUREL FALLS
Distance:2.4 miles
Elevation Change: 396 feet
Difficulty:Moderate
Area of the State:Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Trail Info
Laurel Falls is a good choice if you’re looking for a reasonably simple hike in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Just 20 minutes exterior Gatlinburg, the waterfall itself features an 80-foot drop and is separated into two sections — a decrease section and an upper part. A walkway makes the higher part easily accessible. The falls are gorgeous, and that’s what makes Laurel Falls such a well-liked vacation spot.
The trail to Laurel Falls is paved — however it’s older, and rough in some patches. Because of the situation of the trail, and the precise fact there are some elements with a reasonably steep grade, it’s not really helpful for wheelchairs or strollers. Parking on the lot at the trailhead is limited, and this may be a popular trail — so try to get an early start! More data about parking under.
Please Note: Unofficial roadside parking near Laurel Falls has been blocked with short-term limitations, together with traffic cones, to discourage pedestrians from unsafely walking in site visitors lanes on the busy street to achieve the trailhead. Temporary limitations are in place from Thursday, June 9 by way of Sunday, October 30, 2022. Once the designated parking areas are full, no parking for this trail will be out there.
BALD RIVER FALLS
Distance:8.8 miles
Elevation Change: 774 feet
Difficulty:Moderate-Difficult
Area of the State:Eastern Tennessee
Trail Info
This hike is a doozy, however it’s popular!
Located in Tellico Plains, TN within the Cherokee National Forest, the 90-foot Bald River Falls is known as one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the region.
The Bald River Trail is an out and back trail that takes you alongside the river, previous several smaller waterfalls, earlier than you arrive at Bald River Falls. This hike also features a creek crossing, so come prepared!
WESTERN TENNESSEE
Memphis may be well-known for its BBQ and its Rock and Roll Elvis roots, however it’s also inside close proximity to a few of the regions most lovely waterfalls and scenery.
JACKSON FALLS
Distance:0.four miles
Elevation Change: 49 toes
Difficulty:Moderate
Area of the State:Western Tennessee
Trail Info
Jackson Falls is rather less than a 3-hour drive from Memphis, TN and makes a fantastic day trip. The waterfall is positioned within the Natchez Trace Parkway. The trail is a brief (and steep!) 900-foot hike down a paved concrete trail with handrails.
The falls cascade down tumbling rocks into a pool of crystal clear water at the base. It is a beautiful sight that’s not as properly generally identified as a few of the larger waterfalls, however beautiful in its own proper.
The Jackson Falls hike is accessible from the parking area pullout on the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Read More: 34 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN MEMPHIS YOU’LL LOVE
CEDAR FALLS
Distance:1.9 miles
Elevation Change: 367 toes
Difficulty:Moderate
Area of the State:Western Tennessee/Arkansas
Trail Info
So…this one is technically in Arkansas, but if you’re already visiting Memphis, why not take a drive out to Petit Jean State Park — home to the gorgeous Cedar Falls.
Cedar Falls Trail is located 200 miles from Memphis, and is worth the journey. This waterfall is thought to be one of the most photographed locations in all of Arkansas!
Cedar Falls boasts a 95-foot drop, and is certainly one of the largest steady flowing waterfalls in the area. There’s loads of parking on the Visitor Center.
MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO TENNESSEE
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