Waterfalls in Tennessee
Ah, Tennessee, my favorite state. My favorite waterfall of all time resides here (Lower Greeter Falls), and in my opinion, some of the best waterfalling in the world can be found here. The Cumberland Plateau in particular is one of the most scenic places I've ever seen. Tennessee is what really started it all for me, and if it wasn't for my fateful trip here in March, 2020, this website would probably not exist today. Most of these waterfalls are in the Cumberland area of central Tennessee, but there are waterfalls all over the state, with some of them listed here. I have many more falls to visit here, including some obscure ones. Long story short, if you asked me to recommend you anywhere in the world to go to see waterfalls, I would tell you to go here, so go! As far as the sections listed here, "West-Central" is the land west of I-24, "South Cumberland" includes the waterfalls in and around South Cumberland State Park, "Central Cumberland" comprises the falls north of South Cumberland, but south of I-40, "North Cumberland" includes falls north of I-40, and "Great Smoky Mountains" includes falls in and around the national park.
West-Central Tennessee
Crockett Falls
Description: Crockett Falls is a very small waterfall that is easy to get to, and is still somewhat scenic. It is far from any other significant waterfalls, and I likely never would have come here, except I was passing through Lawrenceburg.
Hiking Description: From the parking lot located here (35.264191, -87.356553), start walking south over the grass and down to the trail. You will be at the falls within a minute. It’s very close.
Total Mileage: 0.1 total
Difficulty: 1/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: March 16, 2020
Date Last Visited: March 16, 2020
Rank: B+
Falls Mill
Description: Fall’s Mill consists of two waterfalls, with a mill built upon the lower falls. Both falls are quite scenic, and there’s very little walking required. A fee is required to visit the place.
Hiking Description: From the parking lot, enter the mill and pay the fee. The trail continues on the other side of the building. You will go down some stairs, and great views of the lower falls and the mill will greet you. To get to the upper falls, go back to the front of the building, and it’s down near the parking lot. Everything is close by, and should not be hard to find.
Total Mileage: 0.1 total
Difficulty: 1/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: March 16, 2020
Date Last Visited: March 16, 2020
Rank: A
Lower Falls (With Mill)
Upper Falls
Machine Falls
Description: Machine Falls is an amazing waterfall that is an adventure to get to. It's not the easiest trek out there, but it is fun and rewarding if you can make it.
Hiking Description: From the parking lot here (35.407204, -86.174388), start walking north on the road, and immediatley cross another road (Short Springs Road) in a crosswalk. Once across, the trail begins. This is the beginning of a loop trail, and the easiest way to go is to go right. After a short time, you will want to veer left at a trail split. Five or so minutes later and you'll want to keep right at another split. There will be some more splits. but you will just keep straight at these. After about a cumulative half of a mile since the parking lot, you will come to a trail split on the right that leads to the falls. This should be marked. The hiking up to this point has been quite easy, but that changes here. The trail decends quite steeply down to Machine Branch. There are stairs built into the hillside, but they are crumbling away, and in some spots it's easier to bypass the stairs entirely. Providing you make it to the bottom, you'll find yourself in a beautiful setting in front of a footbridge. Don't cross this though! Turn right and follow the creek upstream. There's a bit of a trail at first. but eventually this will fade away, and you'll have to enter the stream. Wade your way upstream (not difficult) and within 5-10 minutes you will come to the base of the falls. When the falls come into view, you'll realize they are much bigger than pictures make it out to be, and it is very surreal. There is a small drop of about five feet before the main drop, and you can get right up to the main falls if you can climb up the small one. When I was here, I got kind of side tracked with the amazement of this place that I lost track of time, and ended up walking the easy part of the trail back in the dark! It was worth it though.
Total Mileage: 1.2 total
Difficulty: 6/10 (Moderate)
Date First Visited: December 31, 2021
Date Last Visited: December 31, 2021
Rank: A+
Old Stone Fort Waterfalls (3+)
Description: Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park hosts three significant waterfalls, as well as numerous unnamed cascades below Little Falls. Bluehole Falls is very close to the parking lot, but it’s hard to get a good view of it, Big Falls is a massive and complicated waterfall with great views, and Little Falls is the only of the trio not on the Duck River, and is just as scenic as the others.
Hiking Description: You could hike to just one of these falls, but you might as well go to all three. I would recommend going to Bluehole Falls, then Big, then Little. To do this, head past the visitor center and over to the dam on the Duck River. This is within earshot of the parking lot. Bluehole Falls is just a few feet beyond the dam. It’s not far at all. There is pretty much just one unobstructed view of the falls, but it’s still a nice fall. Moving on, continue on the trail that follows the Duck River. It’s scenic walking. After 0.4 miles since the visitor center, you should arrive at Big Falls. There is a small falls immediately above Big Falls that is also worth a look. Big Falls is a great waterfall, so enjoy it. If you want to see Little Falls, start heading back from the way you came. You will eventually reach a trail that will split off to the right and cut across the narrow plain in between the Duck River and Little Duck River. These directions are a bit vague, but I don’t know the names of these trails. I had cell service here, so you should be able to use online maps. Anyways, you should eventually come to Little Falls, which is just 0.3 miles from the visitor center. There are great views. There are actually many more falls below Little Falls if you continue down the trail. The views are rather obscured, but it’s still scenic, so you make the choice.
Total Mileage: 1.5 total if visiting all three falls
Difficulty: 3/10 (Easy) to visit all three falls
Date First Visited: March 15, 2020
Date Last Visited: March 15, 2020
Rank: A+
Bluehole Falls
Big Falls
Little Falls
Rutledge Falls
Description: Rutledge Falls is a beautiful and picture-perfect waterfall that is easy to get to. A bit of scrambling is required to get to the bottom, but it still isn't bad. Note that this waterfall is on private property (I think) that is currently open to the public, so no shenanagins.
Hiking Description: This is simple. Start from the roadside parking area here (35.420648, -86.137319). The trail starts at the west edge of the parking area behind a gate. The trail is gravel and flat. Follow this trail for a very short time and you will enter the woods and be at the top of the falls. Some easy to moderate scrambling will take you to the base and to the best views.
Total Mileage: 0.3 total
Difficulty: 3/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: September 1, 2021
Date Last Visited: September 1, 2021
Rank: A
South Cumberland
Cliffside Falls
Description: This is a great tall waterfall that you can see from your car. It is roadside on the side of Highway 111 as it climbs the eastern flank of the Cumberland Plateau. This waterfall doesn't have an official name, but is noted on Google Maps as "Cliffside Waterfall Pullout", so that's why I'm calling it "Cliffside Falls". Coordinates: (35.419773, -85.418609). There is a large pullout on the north side of the road.
Hiking Description: Roadside access.
Total Mileage: N/A
Difficulty: 0/10 (Roadside)
Date First Visited: April 1, 2021
Date Last Visited: February 24, 2022
Rank: A
Foster Falls
Description: Foster Falls is a 70 foot plunge falls into a massive pool. It is a must see in the South Cumberland region. The trail to the top has disabled access, and the trail to the bottom is short and has recently been improved, though it is still steep.
Hiking Description: From the Foster Falls parking lot, head out on the sidewalk towards the overlook. This will turn to a boardwalk shortly, and the falls will come into view in about 90 seconds or so. It’s very close. If you’d like to continue to the base, head left from the overlook following a power clearing. Shortly, the trail will turn right into the woods and begin descending. There is a large wooden staircase followed by many, many rock stairs. Most of the trail down is nothing but stairs, but it’s not as bad as it sounds. Going down, the hike only takes about 10 minutes. Once at the bottom, you’ve got a couple of options. You could hike through the gorge on the Climber’s Loop and ascend further down on the opposite side of the gorge to which you started, or you can return the way you came. The latter option is quickest. I should also mention that there is an overlook directly across from the upper overlook across the gorge (photo from this overlook shown at bottom of page). Access is easy by hiking upstream from the upper overlook and crossing a bridge to the other side. You could also get here from the aforementioned Climber’s Loop. There are maps here to make all this easier to understand.
Total Mileage: 0.1 total to upper overlook, 0.8 total to base, 1.0 total to opposite overlook, 1.7 total if all combined
Difficulty: 1/10 (Easy) to upper overlook, 5/10 (Moderate) to base, and 3/10 (Easy) to opposite overlook
Date First Visited: March 15, 2020
Date Last Visited: January 27, 2024
Rank: A+
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Greeter Falls and Boardtree Falls
#1
Description: Greeter Falls is my favorite waterfall that you will find anywhere on this site. It is very sentimental to me, and I highly recommend you visit. I’ve been here three times now, once in 2020, 2022, and 2023. The trail has been improved since my initial visit, and continued improvements are making this trail easier and safer for everyone. I would recommend the short spur trail to Boardtree Falls while hiking here.
Hiking Directions: From the trailhead, start down the wide path. In just a few hundred feet, you’ll come to a “T”-turn left. The trail will start winding downhill slowly before coming to a split for the Greeter Homestead-this is a quick stop if you’d like to see this, but otherwise, continue to the right. Soon later, you will come to another junction where going left will take you to Boardtree Falls, and going right will take you to Greeter. I would recommend going to Boardtree Falls first so go left. The trail is real easy for .2 miles and then it will take a sharp right turn and start descending steeply. Once at the base of the descent, you are still only at the top of the falls. To get to the base, head to the right at a "T" intersection (which is near the top of the falls). Within 100 feet, you should see a very steep bootpath heading off to the left and down to the base of the falls. Be careful if you attempt this. It's steep, but there are roots to hang on to. To get to Greeter Falls from here, I would recommend heading back to the split mentioned earlier, but you could also get there another way (there are maps online).
Back at the split for Boardtree or Greeter Falls, you will start descending more steeply now and get under a massive bluffline. Not long after you will come to another trail junction where going left will take you on a roundabout way to Boardtree Falls, and going right will take you to Greeter-go right. Almost immediately, you will come to another split, where going right will take you to the 10 foot tall upper falls, and the left trail will take you to the 50 foot lower falls. I would recommend going to the upper falls first, then backtracking to go to the lower falls. Many stairs will aid the descent to the bottom, including the one and only spiral staircase I’ve ever encountered on a hike. At the base of the spiral staircase, the falls will be before you. Feel the magic of this place, and enjoy. I've attached two photos of Lower Greeter Falls: one from the side of the creek that you will approach from, and another from the view opposite-you will have to wade to get this view.
Total Mileage: 1.1 total, 1.5 if including Boardtree Falls
Difficulty: 5/10 (Moderate) to Greeter Falls, 8/10 (Difficult) to [base] of Boardtree Falls
Date First Visited: March 15, 2020
Date Last Visited: April 5, 2023
Rank: A+++++
Lower Greeter Falls (top left)
Lower Greeter Falls From Opposite Bank (top right)
Upper Greeter Falls (center left)
Boardtree Falls (bottom)
Laurel Falls (Beersheeba Springs)
Description: Laurel Falls is a nice plunge falls that is easy to get to and can change appearance a lot depending on the water level. The two photos attached show the falls under moderate flow (right photo) and high flow (left photo). Access is short and sweet to the top.
Hiking Directions: From the Stone Door parking area, head east on the Laurel Falls Loop Trail, and go right at the split. You will go down some stairs and be greeted with a large, wooden observation deck in less than ten minutes. It is a great view from the overlook, and it looks dangerous to try to enter the gorge, so I never attempted.
Total Mileage: 0.4 total
Difficulty: 3/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: March 15, 2020
Date Last Visited: March 16, 2022
Rank: A
Savage Falls
Description: Savage Falls is a beautiful 30 foot falls at the end of a somewhat long, but relatively easy hike in a pristine Cumberland setting-highly recommended. There are picturesque cascades upstream and downstream of the falls proper, and there are sights to see along the way.
Hiking Directions: From the Savage Gulf parking area here (35.434273, -85.539824), head north on the main trail, shortly passing the ranger station. Keep on the trail and you will cross a suspension bridge over a tributary at about .3. At 1.1, you will encounter the first split, keep straight. At 1.3, you will come to another split, and just keep straight/left. You will then go over another, longer suspension bridge over Savage Creek. Once on the other side, the trail turns hard right and begins to get steeper and rockier, but still isn’t bad. You will come to some cascades soon, and from there the falls are just a hundred feet further. There is a final trail split, where you will want to keep right and go down the long wooden staircase to the base of the falls.
Total Mileage: 3.0 total
Difficulty: 4/10 (Moderate)
Date First Visited: March 12, 2023
Date Last Visited: March 12, 2023
Rank: A+
Upper Cascades
Savage Falls
Suter Falls
#10
Description: Suter Falls is a spectacular waterfall that is found down a rather short, but demanding and technical hike in Savage Gulf. Highly reccomended if there has been plenty of rain lately and you're up for the challenge. I visited after multiple inches of rain had fallen over the past week, and it usually won't flow this heavily. Horsepound Falls is also found via this trail, but much, much further down. I plan to visit here someday, but not for a year or two most likely.
Hiking Directions: Start at the Savage Gulf South Trailhead here (35.406719, -85.593467). The trail heads north from here, and is wide and flat. The hiking is rather uninteresting for a while. After 0.25 miles, you will pass a sign pointing to a spring off to the right. Keep left on the main trail here. Shortly after this, you will pass signs pointing off to the campground on your right. Keep straight. At about 0.35 miles, you will reach the beginning of the descent, and get ready for a lot of going down. You will go down a short hill of rock stairs, and arrive at the top of a high bluff. Rocky Mountain Creek (the creek Suter Falls is on) is audible far below, but cannot be easily seen. The falls is down there somewhere. At this bluff, the trail turns sharp right, and will enter a really sloppy section that is steep and rugged, and at the time of my visit, was covered in running water, soaking my shoes. It was slow going through here, but it will eventually level out for a short period. It is during this lull that you will reach yet another trail split. The Rim Trail keeps straight, while the trail to Suter and Horsepound Falls goes left, and down. This junction is at 0.5 miles from the trailhead. Continuing on, the trail starts down again, not as steeply as before, but still just as sloppy. You will cross some large and intrusive boulders in the trail, and then a roped railing will appear on the right, as you are now high above a second bluff. You are about 0.55 from the trailhead now, as Rocky Mountain Creek finally comes into view in a very surreal setting. You still can't see the falls (maybe a glimpse), but you are greeted with a scenic cascade, and a massive rock overhang that goes on for hundreds of feet (pictured below). The trail continues on, hugging the base of the bluffline. You have a wall of rock on your left, about two feet of space to manuever, and a steep hill which leads to the raging creek on your right. The trail is also getting muddy and slippery here, but it's flattened out a bit at least. Be very careful here, as this place was pretty scary to me, and I've been to some crazy places (this is the source of the hazard rating). If you continue through this beuatiful area just a bit further, you will come to Suter Falls at 0.6, and it is amazing. It was really flying on my visit after all the rain. The trail then goes down a short, steep patch down to the creek and a suspension bridge across it. The trail continues on from here to Horsepound Falls, found almost two miles further. Be sure to explore both sides of the creek at Suter Falls, as there are wonderful perspectives from either side.
Total Mileage: 1.2 total to Suter Falls
Difficulty: 7/10 (Moderate) to Suter Falls
Date First Visited: January 27, 2024
Date Last Visited: January 27, 2024
Rank: A+
Top left: Approach to falls
Top right: Suter Falls West Bank
Bottom: Suter Falls East Bank
Central Cumberland
Burgess Falls (4)
Description: There are four waterfalls along this 3/4 of a mile long trail that ends in the spectacular Burgess Falls that is 136 feet tall. With it's ease of access and the fact that there are more falls than just the big one, there is literally no reason not to visit. In true cinematic fashion, each falls you come to gets better as you go, with the big falls serving as the grand finale.
Hiking Directions: From the Burgess Falls main parking lot in the state park of the same name, head out on the trail and you will immediatley be near the river. Within just a minute or two of walking, you'll come to the Upper Cascades. These are some small rapids and falls that are fun to photograph, but not especially interesting. Continuing on down the trail, you will stay very near to the river and go under some small bluffs. Getting really scenic around here, and not long after leaving the Upper Cascades, you'll come to the Upper Falls (no photo provided). This is a neat falls, but it is obscured by trees and is hard to photograph (hence why no photo is seen on this page). Continuing on, it will be a little while until the next falls. You'll eventually go down quite a few stairs and then go right back up all that elevation you lost. Once at the top, you'll probably be ready for a break, and perfectly, you have just made it to the Middle Falls. There are benches here, as well as a great view of this falls, so take a nice break here. This falls is quite large, but is overshadowed by the bigger lower falls. Continuing on the trail, it's about 10 minutes walk to the Lower Falls overlook. You'll hear the falls before you see them, and as you come around the trees, you'll come to a clearing and a wooden overlook high above the river. Look to the right and try not to let your jaw hang wide because WOW what a view this is. The trail continues on down some stairs down to the top of the falls. This is a bit steep, and the views aren't as good as from the overlook, but it's still worth seeing if you're interested. It's at this point I should mention that just before you got to the overlook, there was a trail coming in from the left. This leads up a few stairs to a maintanence road that leads back to the parking lot. It's easier than the river trail, but doesn't go next to the other waterfalls. Most people hike in on the river trail to see all the falls, and then take the mainatance road back to make better time. You decide.
Total Mileage: 1.5 total
Difficulty: 3/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: April 17, 2021
Date Last Visited: March 16, 2022
Rank: A+
Upper Cascades
Middle Falls
Lower Falls
City Lake Falls
Description: City Lake Falls is a great waterfall that is easy to get to and is close to the city of Cookeville. Many sources list the stream that this falls is on as being a low water stream, and to only visit after lots of rain. However, the photos shown here were taken in early March after a bit more than an inch of rain had fallen (not at all rare in Tennessee), so don't let that dissuade you.
Hiking Directions: From the parking lot in City Lake State Natural Area, head out on the trail going north. This will lead you up an inlet that drains into City Lake. It will turn into a normal looking stream shortly, and you will be heading upstream. The hiking is easy. After just .3 miles, you will reach the falls. A wooden observation deck provides great views. It really doesn't get any easier than this.
Total Mileage: 0.6 total
Difficulty: 1/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: March 1, 2021
Date Last Visited: March 1, 2021
Rank: A
Fall Creek Falls State Park Waterfalls (6)
Description: Many would consider this the magnum opus of Tennessee waterfalls, and while I consider some of the falls in South Cumberland superior, this is still one crazy park with much to do. You can see all six of these waterfalls in under an hour if you so choose. Unless you want to do a lot of extra hiking, the simplest way is to hike these falls over three trails. Cane Creek Cascades/Cane Creek Falls/Rockhouse Falls are all accessed via the same trail. Piney Creek Falls is a solo visit. Fall Creek Falls and Coon Creek Falls are accessed via the same trail. This entry will be different as it will be in subsections with the difficulty for each section being posted there.
Cane Creek Cascades/Cane Creek Falls/Rockhouse Falls:
Start at the Betty Dun Nature Center and head behind the building. If you head to the right, it will lead to an obscured overlook of Cane Creek Falls shortly. If you go left, it will lead to a nice up-close view of Cane Creek Cascades (pictured). Easy access to both of these locations, and the hiking time is negligable. To get to the next reccomended overlook, cross the swinging bridge above Cane Creek Cascades. Once across, the trail turns right and goes up some stairs. Atop the stairs, turn right at a split. After about .1 miles, turn right at another split. After about .15 miles, turn right at one more split, which will lead somewhat steeply down a short hill. This ends at a fenced overlook of Cane Creek Falls and Rockhouse Falls. This is quite a view here. The big falls on the right is Cane Creek Falls, and the narrow falls on the left is Rockhouse Falls. I would be amiss if I didn't mention the infamous "Cable Trail" to the base of Cane Creek and Rockhouse Falls. This trail is short, but very steep, and is assisted by a metal cable. I'm not kidding when I say this is a 45 degree trail. I did not do this trail on my one and only visit, but plan to do this one day. This is where the best views are found.
Total Mileage: ~0.8 total
Difficulty: 3/10 (Easy)
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Piney Creek Falls:
This waterfall is real simple to get to. Start at the marked parking area and follow the rocky trail for a real short distance to the falls. And if you're wondering, no, there is no safe way to the base of the falls. This obscured view is the best you can get.
Total Mileage: 0.2 total
Difficulty: 3/10 (Easy)
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Fall Creek Falls and Coon Creek Falls:
Alright, here's the main attraction: Fall Creek Falls is the tallest waterfall in Tennessee at 256 feet, and the states' second tallest is literally right next to it: Coon Creek Falls. Fall Creek Falls is the larger falls on the left and Coon Creek Falls is the smaller falls on the right. The view from the main overlook (pictured) is reached by a flat 200 foot long sidewalk that anyone can do. This is all I did when I visited, but there is a trail that leads to the base of the falls too that is supposedly amazing, which I plan to do sometime.
Total Mileage: <0.1 total to overlook
Difficulty: 1/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited (all): March 2, 2021
Date Last Visited (all): March 2, 2021
Rank: A++
Cane Creek Cascades
Rockhouse Falls (left) and Cane Creek Falls (right)
Piney Creek Falls
Fall Creek Falls (left) and Coon Creek Falls (right)
Lost Creek Falls
Description: Lost Creek Falls is a beautiful and mysterious waterfall that disseapears into a a cave below the falls. Easy access and in the middle of nowhere to create a very interesting setting.
Hiking Directions: From the parking lot, Head out on the dirt trail that leads downhill. After a few quick switchbacks, you will reach the falls after about five minutes.
Total Mileage: 0.3 total
Difficulty: 3/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: March 2, 2021
Date Last Visited: March 2, 2021
Rank: A+
Ozone Falls
#5
Description: Ozone Falls is one of my favorite waterfalls and definatley part of my Top 3 in Tennessee. It has a lot of character, and is worth visiting any time of the year. Even when it dries to a trickle in late summer, the massive plunge pool makes it worth the trip. I've recently revisited this falls, and ventured to the other side of the falls for the first time, which I will detail in the hiking description.
Hiking Directions: Start at the well marked parking area of Highway 70. First, take the 2 minute walk over to the top of the falls. This is very easy. After this retrace your steps to the trailhead and start on the trail to the base. This trail stays right next to the road for about 400 feet, and then will wrap to the left and start rapidly decending down to river level. This is pretty steep at the very beginning, but then the pitch lessens as you pass by a cave on the left. You should see the falls already, but it is obscured by trees. Continuing down, you will come to your first unobstructed view of the falls. It is amazing. You are still somewhat far away from the falls however, so if you turn to the right here, the trail continues down a plethora of rock stairs (this can be easy to miss). Going down these stairs will take you to creek level, and some moderate sccrambling will take you right on up to the falls. You can get very close to it, and you can walk behind it. It gets pretty amazing back there, so take care. If you keep on going around the massive amphitheatre, you will find that the falls looks quite a bit different from this side. It reminds me of Silver Falls in Oregon (haven't been there, but seen pictures). Note that working your away behind the falls and along the opposite bank is without the aid of a trail, but it is pretty open here, but the main hazard is slippery surfaces. Be careful and enjoy this wonderful spot!
Total Mileage: 0.3 total
Difficulty: 5/10 (Moderate)
Date First Visited: March 1, 2021
Date Last Visited: February 19, 2023
Rank: A++
Main view of falls (top left)
Behind the falls (top right)
View from opposite bank (bottom)
Piney Falls
Description: Piney Falls is a great Cumberland waterfall that has a fun hike to get to it. Lots to see along the way too.
Hiking Directions: The trailhead is off of Firetower Road here (35.727515, -84.855887). Head off on the trail headed west. The first half mile is easy hiking through a pristine Cumberland setting. After this half mile, you will come to a T intersection. The trail becomes a balloon loop from here, and what I would reccomend doing is going to the right at first. After about .1 miles, you will arrive at the top of Upper Piney Falls. This is an impressive location, but there are no guardrails and that is a 60 foot drop so BE CAREFUL!!! After you've had your fill here, you can continue going the way you have been which will lead you over a footbridge and then will begin descending to the base very steeply. It's so steep that there is a rope to hang onto (not unlike the imfamous Cable Trail). Now I should mention that I have not done this portion of the trail, and what I would reccomend doing is, from the top of the falls, retrace your steps to the T intersection. Now go straight (what would've been left from earlier). You should be going west now. The hiking stays easy for a quarter mile, and then you will begin descending. It's a bit steep, but it doesn't last long. You will go through some switchbacks, including a pretty sketchy area where they built the trail into a cliff. Once down this, it will even out as you begin walking below one of the most impressive blufflines I've ever seen. It should be around this time that you see a marked trail for Lower Piney Falls. This trail heads off to the left and down a steep hill. This entire spur is maybe .1 miles long and is downhill the whole way. The lower falls is massive, but you can't get to the base of it, but you can see a small five foot cascade right above it (pictured). Is this worth the steep trail to get down to it? I thought so, but I'll let you decide. Continuing on the main trail now, you will continue following this bluffline for another quarter mile to the falls (now 1 mile from the trailhead). It is pretty amazing seeing the falls come into view, and what a view it is. The trail continues behind the falls (which is awesome) and you can get some good views from the other side too. If you were to continue on this trail it would take you up that steep section with the rope mentioned earlier. However, upon my recent visit here in 2024, I could not find the trail leading out from the base, so I just hiked back out the same way I came in. You could try and find the trail completing the loop or just retrace your steps. Last thing I'll mention is to take notice of the person in the photo of the Upper Falls. That shows you just how massive this thing is. The person is hard to see, but the white at the top is a facemask (Covid memories) and the white at the bottom is shoes.
Total Mileage: 2.0 total
Difficulty: 6/10 (Moderate)
Date First Visited: March 1, 2021
Date Last Visited: March 13, 2024
Rank: A+
Upper falls, high water
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Upper falls, average winter flow
Cascade above Lower falls
Stinging Fork Falls
Description: Stinging Fork Falls is a wonderful Cumberland waterfall that is one of the harder ones to get to that I've actually been to. It's not the biggest waterfall in the area either, and paired with the difficulty, keeps this place from getting too busy.
Hiking Directions: Start at the middle of nowhere parking area here (35.712704, -84.928539). The first half mile is easy and rather uninteresting hiking. The area is cleared in spots and is very open. At the half mile mark, there will be a short spur to an overlook, and this is where the downhill begins. You will be going almost non stop downhill for the rest of the hike. It's rough on the way out, but just pace yourself. A little before reaching the falls, and once finally at creek level, you will arrive at a T intersection. Turn left here, and the falls are maybe 5-10 minutes further beyond. The trail is pretty rocky in places, and drop offs abound. Stay safe on this one. I took the time to wade into the creek and cross to the other side, which was a dubious affair to say the least. It was 45 degrees outside and the water was knee deep.
Total Mileage: 2.0 total
Difficulty: 6/10 (Moderate)
Date First Visited: February 18, 2023
Date Last Visited: February 18, 2023
Rank: A+
Main view from the end of the trail
Photo taken in the middle of the creek
Rock Island State Park (2+)
Description: Rock Island State Park holds two big waterfalls and some other small ones. I've only been to the two big ones, and the smaller ones aren't too impressive anyway. Great Falls is a massive waterfall in terms of volume, but is dam controlled and won't always have much flow because of this. Twin Falls isn't even entirely natural and was created from an error when constructing the dam. It has constant flow though, and it's unique look has made it one of the most famous waterfalls in Tennessee. Both waterfalls are real easy to get to, but are accessed from different parts of the park. I'm not going to include a hiking description, but basically just go down the staircase at Twin Falls, and Great Falls is basically view from car. Also, if you're down at river level at Twin Falls (or anywhere in the park) and you hear sirens, GET OUT because they are releasing water from the dam. Coordaintes for Twin Falls Parking: (35.808758, -85.633312). Coordinates for Twin Falls Parking: (35.804072, -85.629645).
Total Mileage: Negligible
Difficulty: 1/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: December 19, 2020
Date Last Visited: December 19, 2020
Rank: A
Twin Falls (top)
Part of Great Falls (bottom left)
Another part of Great Falls (bottom right)
Wildcat Falls
Description: Wildcat Falls is a roadside waterfall right on the side of a major US highway, but is significantly off the radar. I didn't even know of it's existence, but just happened to see it while driving by. There's no good place to park, so you'll have to pull over on the shoulder around here (35.924545, -85.384059). It is to the southeast of the highway, a bit of a distance away, but not too bad. The picture provided is zoomed in quite a bit, but was taken from right on the shoulder of the highway. If you really wanted to, you might be able to scramble all the way up to the falls proper (legality unknown). Visit after a fair bit of rain for the best experience.
Hiking Directions: Roadside access.
Total Mileage: N/A
Difficulty: 0/10 (Roadside)
Date First Visited: March 1, 2021
Date Last Visited: March 1, 2021
Rank: A-
North Cumberland
Cummins Falls
#3
Description: Cummins Falls is one of my favorite waterfalls in Tennessee, but also is one of the hardest to get to. The hike to the overlook is easy, but the hike down to the base is moderately difficult and can be dangerous. Once down to river level, you have to walk in the river for half a mile, which is tiring and difficult in places, but can be a lot of fun also. You can get right up next to the falls with some effort, and appriciate how massive this thing is. Some notes on this place that you should be aware of if you plan to hike the river:
1. First and foremost-plan to fall. Falling is a concern on any hike, but here it is almost gauarnteed to happen. It's not too bad though, because if you fall while wading, the water should catch your fall. I had two significant slips while hiking the river, and the first time I got my backpack all wet which was pretty awful.
2. Do not enter logjams. Logjams are unstable and dangerous. I attemted to cross one here and almost got myself seriously hurt. Stay out!
3. Expect large spiders and snakes at the falls area. There are spiders everywhere at the rocky area below the falls, and I almost hurt myself reeling away from one I saw.
4. Plan to spend a lot of time here. By the time all was said and done, I had been here SIX hours. If you hike to the bottom, you can NOT do it quickly. Go slow and be safe; enjoy this place.
Hiking Directions: Ok, there's a few options here, but I would reccomend hiking to the overlook first which starts here (36.252628, -85.565794). It is a wide road with some small hills for .4 miles to the overlook. The view is distant, but it is a pretty good view. If you just want an easy hike, return the way you came. For the adventurous, continue on the River Trail past the overlook headed north. This trail stays near the river and is pretty easy with some short steep sections. After half a mile from the overlook, the trail bends to the left (after passing a spur back to the visitor center, this will be important later). The trail starts decending to the river here. There are some switchbacks, then it starts a long and straight downhill. Once you get to the bottom, you're at the river. It's very scenic here, and the river is very slow moving too. This is far as any official trail can take you, and you're still half a mile from the falls. Anyways, head left and follow the river upstream. There should be plenty of space next to the river to walk without getting wet for a little while. The classic route up the river is to cross to the other side around here (36.254282, -85.569477). The flatrock bank you've been walking on is fading away around this part, but if you cross the river, there's a ledge on the other side that appears. The river is very shallow here (just about ankle deep) and moves very slow, but it is VERY SLICK. It took me about five minutes to cross the 100 feet of river (this is one of the places where I fell). If you're going to swim, I would reccomend just sitting down on the river and swimming/scooting across to avoid falling. It's not a hard walk here, it's just stupid slick. Once across, start following this ledge, and it will be a bit dicey in spots. BE CAREFUL! After a short time, you will see a tall, but low volume waterfall to your immediate right. It kind of comes out nowhere. It doesn't make a good photo, but it is a pretty cool spot. Once done here, continue on the bank. You will arrive at a large open rocky area shortly after this. You should see a pretty scenic cascade on the river here, and just up ahead the ledge fades, and you should cross the river again near here (36.251003, -85.571078). The river is flowing faster than the first crossing and the water is deeper (one foot average), but it isn't very slick this time. I found this to be an easier crossing, but some in my party found this one harder. Focus on the other side and stop moving if you get vertigo. Worst case scenario is you fall and (probably) will just take a splash and the water will break your fall. Once to the other side, the river walking gets harder as the flat rock banks you've been following become rockier and steeper. Luckily the waterfall is just up around the bend in the river. It will curve to the left (past some more nice rapids) and you will go under a large rock overhang. This is where you will first see the falls. You are still a few hundred feet away, but you can see how massive the thing is. This is where any notion of a trail to follow fades away and you're totally on your own. It's some pretty serious rock scrambling, too, so pick your battles wisely. If you make it all the way to the pool, you're in for one hell of a view. One of the best photos I've ever taken for sure. It was right around this time that I started to get really tired from all this hiking, and I was thinking "I've still got to get back to the car", so this is a good place to mention to bring snacks and water (I didn't). I should also mention that I waded to the other side of the river to see the falls from the other side. It looks very different from over there, and would reccomend the adventurous try it. This is the other place that I fell. Long story short, this is one of the wildest hikes I've ever done, but it's also one of the most memorable, and it's a fabulous waterfall with lots of character, but is has plenty of potential to bite, so just be careful. The hazard rating comes from the very rocky area in the immediate vicinity of the falls. I fell here, nearly got stuck in a logjam, and got very exhausted.
Total Mileage: 0.8 total to overlook, 2.0 to overlook and then to the base via river trail
Difficulty: 2/10 (Easy) to overlook, 7/10 (Moderate) to base via river trail
Date First Visited: June 8, 2019
Date Last Visited: April 4, 2023
Rank: A++
View from overlook
View from the base
Base view, opposite bank
DeBord Falls
Description: DeBord Falls is a nice small waterfall that is really easy to get to and is located in a nice state park (Frozen Head). You can continue on past this falls to Emory Gap Falls (I didn't do this). When I was here, it was just 30 degrees, and a light snow had fallen. Not a single other person was encountered on the hike. Snow always seems to make it very quiet, and it was very peaceful (once you get past the frostbite).
Hiking Directions: Start at the trailhead here (36.136592, -84.487862). This is the end of this long road, but it continues on as a wide trail. Immediatley, you will cross a bridge over Flat Fork. This stream has DeBord Falls. Continue on this trail as it meanders through the forest. It is very easy walking. After 0.6 miles, you should see a staircase on the right. This leads to the base of DeBord Falls. Enjoy this easy visit!
Total Mileage: 1.2 total
Difficulty: 2/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: February 18, 2022
Date Last Visited: February 18, 2022
Rank: A
Roaring River Falls
Description: Also known as Hardy Reagan Falls, Roaring River Falls is a beautiful waterfall right off the highway. Easy access.
Hiking Directions: The parking lot is located on the west side of Highway 136. It's unmarked and easy to miss, so here are the coordinates (36.341830, -85.425234). From here, head west on the wide trail. Immediatley you will come to a Y split; go left here. The falls are right down this trail. It takes a whole of about 60 seconds to walk to the falls. The trail continues down to the base from there. Easy access to all locations.
Total Mileage: 0.1 total
Difficulty: 2/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: April 4, 2023
Date Last Visited: April 4, 2023
Rank: A
Little Egypt
Description: The waterfall at Little Egypt has three names: Triple Falls, Bruce Creek Falls, and Little Egypt Falls. I find the latter to be the most interesting, so I refer to it as such. The falls is not entirely natural, as it was created during the construction of nearby I-75 through the mountain. The hike is easy and short, so visit if you wish.
Hiking Directions: Park along the narrow Shelton Hollow Lane near here (36.325094, -84.224014). There are multiple small places to park. The trail starts just to the north of there, behind some boulders. It is flat and wide, with the creek off to your right. Quickly you will come to an apparent trail split, with the right trail staying level and the left trail heading upwards. Go left, as the right trail dead ends shortly. You will begin climbing here, and the rest of the short trail is mostly uphill, but remains wide and pretty easy overall. You will pass by an interesting viaduct which the creek enters, and at 0.35 miles, you will be at the falls. The trail continues on a long way to the Devil's Racetrack Overlook.
Total Mileage: 0.7 total
Difficulty: 3/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: March 15, 2024
Date Last Visited: March 15, 2024
Rank: A-
Middle Fork Falls
Description: Middle Fork Falls is a nice waterfall that is relatively unknown, despite being located right next to a state highway. It is unmarked and easy to miss, yet very easy to get to the top of. Getting to the bottom requires a very short, but steep trail down. There is a five foot upper falls that is also easy to view. There may even be more falls located downstream which you can also view from the highway. The only problem with this place is that a fair amount of trash has collected at the base of the falls, and it is impossible to take a photo of the falls without some of this garbage in it. If you can look past that and the sound of traffic above, it's a really nice falls.
Hiking Directions: Park in a small pull-off here (36.055622, -84.439953). The parking lot is kind of rough, with some big mud holes so be careful. Just into the woods to the west is the falls. You will probably be able to hear them. You will come out at the top of the falls, with the upper falls also visible. You should also see the steep trail leading to the base.
Total Mileage: <0.1 total
Difficulty: 1/10 (Easy) to top of falls; 7/10 (Moderate) to base of falls (but very short)
Date First Visited: March 15, 2024
Date Last Visited: March 15, 2024
Rank: B+
Upper falls
View from base of main falls
Northrup Falls
Description: Northrup Falls is a very pretty waterfall found down a scenic, but rather technical trail. It's not all that hard, but it could be rough if you don't have good balance and agility. Similar to Piney Falls, this falls is found on a lollipop loop trail, but once again, I could not find the return of the loop! Kind of shocking that this happened twice, but it did. More info in the hiking description.
Hiking Directions: Park in the marked lot here (36.357288, -84.868907). The trail starts in the west of the lot, shortly going over some wooden planks, and then staying quite flat. After 0.25 miles, you will come to the split in the trail. It is a loop, so you can go either way, but I would reccomend going right. From here, you can see the falls far below. Continuing on the trail, it stays pretty flat as you pass by the brink and on around to the creek above the falls, reaching a nice footbridge at 0.35. Cross the creek, then rise slightly. The trail then gets very flat for a while, and you will reach the beginning of the decent at 0.5. A really crappy part of the trail is encountered here when you come to a massive, wet, sloped boulder. You have to get down this, but it looked really bad, so I found it easier to go off trail a bit and use some trees to decend the few feet below this rock. Once down, the trail continues downhill at a nice grade to get below the bluffline the falls is on. You will follow this bluffline for the remainder of the hike. The going gets a bit rough, as the trail is soggy and rocky, but it really isn't too bad if you take your time. As you near the falls, you'll enter another dicey area where you get squeezed into a real tight spot between a boulder and the bluff wall. Crouch your way through, and the falls will be in sight. A short decent will take you down to the falls, and behind it. The trail is supposed to continue on around the falls and back along the opposite bluffline, but I could not find it. All I saw were boulders in every direction and it looked trecherous. I went through some of this to get to the base of the falls, and it was not easy, but it is a fantastic view if you do make it all the way to the base. Because of this, I would reccomend returning the way you came. Note that the 6/10 difficulty is for just reaching the alcove beind the falls. Actually getting to the base is quite a bit more work and is borderline dangerous, walking on slick and uneven mud and climbing around boulders. Getting to the base would be closer to a 9/10.
Total Mileage: 1.4 total
Difficulty: 6/10+ (Moderate)
Date First Visited: March 15, 2024
Date Last Visited: March 15, 2024
Rank: A+
Potters Falls
Description: Potters Falls is a nice waterfall that is out of the way from most other falls in fabulous Wartburg, Tennessee! Easy access and a popular swimming spot.
Hiking Directions: Start at the trailhead here (36.082409, -84.576375). There is room for maybe two or three cars to park here. Head west on an old road and you will immediatley come to the upper falls (pictured). You can see the road bridge in the picture, so you can see how close to the road the falls is. Continue on down the road to the lower falls just a bit downstream.
Total Mileage: 0.2 total
Difficulty: 3/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: April 17, 2021
Date Last Visited: February 18, 2022
Rank: A
Great Smoky Mountains
Baby Falls
Description: This waterfall is heavily overshadowed by the massive Bald River Falls just half a mile away. It's worth a quick look nonetheless, and it's actually a pretty nice fall.
Hiking Directions: No hiking required, but a steep boot path leads to better reviews. Coordinates for falls: (35.326734, -84.176475). There's not much room to park here, but there is a parking lot just to the north.
Total Mileage: N/A
Difficulty: 0/10 (Roadside)
Date First Visited: August 1, 2021
Date Last Visited: August 1, 2021
Rank: A-
Bald River Falls
Description: Bald River Falls is a massive waterfall that you can see right from the road. It's a bit out of the way from anything else, but it's worth seeking out.
Hiking Directions: Roadside access for perfect views. The trail that follows the Bald River heads upstream to further views.
Total Mileage: N/A
Difficulty: 0/10 (Roadside)
Date First Visited: August 1, 2021
Date Last Visited: February 18, 2023
Rank: A+
Blue Hole Falls
Description: Blue Hole Falls is actually four waterfalls right on top of one another. Short hike to view. These are some really nice falls, and some great swimming too.
Hiking Directions: Start at the trailhead here (36.433362, -82.071927). There are two trails that leave from here. The trail to the left is real short and leads to an overlook of the third falls. I reccomend doing this later. The trail to the right leads on around the hillside and down to the first falls. A short boot path leads to unobstructed views. Continue down some stairs to the left falls, which will require some rock scrambling to view clearly. It's easier if you're willing to get your feet wet. Continuing down more stairs, you will come to the main falls, which is the third falls. There are good views of this falls from the trailside. This is where the trail ends, but if you continue downstream a short distance on a bootpath, you will come to the fourth falls. All of this is very close together, and should be easy to find.
Total Mileage: 0.4 total
Difficulty: 4/10 (Moderate)
Date First Visited: December 19, 2020
Date Last Visited: December 19, 2020
Rank: A
First falls
Second falls
Third falls
Fourth falls
Cane Creek Falls
Description: Cane Creek Falls is a small waterfall that is found roadside on the Little River Road. Coordinates for parking: (35.674651, -83.692967). Also along the Little River Road: Meigs Falls and The Sinks; both roadside.
Hiking Directions: Roadside access.
Total Mileage: N/A
Difficulty: 0/10 (Roadside)
Date First Visited: February 24, 2022
Date Last Visited: February 24, 2022
Rank: B+
Cataract Falls
Description: Cataract Falls is a low volume waterfall that is only worth seeing after lots of rain. Easy access though.
Hiking Directions: Start at the Great Smoky Mountains Visitor Center, and park here (35.688190, -83.537608). Head west across the road bridge, and then turn right and follow the Cold Mountain Gap Trail. There are a lot of trails in this area, but just head straight for 0.1 miles, and you will come to the falls. It's easy.
Total Mileage: 0.2 total
Difficulty: 1/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: February 25, 2022
Date Last Visited: February 25, 2022
Rank: B+
Laurel Falls
Description: Laurel Falls is a very impressive, but also very popular waterfall in the Great Smokies. Built by the CCC, and enjoyed for decades, the trail is paved the whole way, but has still got some steep spots. It's a straightforward out-and-back hike. When I visited, a lot of rain had fallen recently, and while the falls isn't usually running as hard as it is in my picture, it usually has good flow.
Hiking Directions: Start at the Laurel Falls Trailhead here (35.671965, -83.580559). Arrive early for good parking. Starting the trail, you will be going slightly uphill. You will cross a small tributary at 0.5 with a nice cascade, the trail will begin following a bluffline high above Laurel Branch at 1.1, and you will come to the falls at 1.3.
Total Mileage: 2.6 total
Difficulty: 3/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: February 25, 2022
Date Last Visited: February 25, 2022
Rank: A+
The Sinks
Description: The Sinks is a nice roadside waterfall along the Little River Road. Also along the Little River Road are Cane Creek Falls and Meigs Falls; both roadside.
Hiking Directions: No hiking required, but a trail does lead around the falls for alternate views. Parking coordinates: (35.669454, -83.662334).
Total Mileage: N/A
Difficulty: 0/10 (Roadside)
Date First Visited: February 24, 2022
Date Last Visited: February 24, 2022
Rank: A-
