Tennessee Waterfalls Worth the Hike

Featured in this Article:

Upper Cumberland Accessible Waterfalls
Waterfall Hikes Near Nashville
East Tennessee Waterfalls
 

The Twin Falls is a cascading 30-foot horseshoe with an 80-foot drop within the 883-acre Rock Island State Park, where the Caney Fork, Collins and Rocky Rivers converge. You'll find great hiking trails, swimming holes and stunning vistas at this natural oasis. Twin Falls is the largest waterfall in the park and is viewable from the accessible parking lot. You can also witness the falls and feel its spray at the base of the falls on the Downstream Trail hike. Check out the Spring Castle, a stone work of art, that offers some whimsy to your day located on the accessible walking trail.

Great Falls at Rock Island State Park - Rock Island

A picturesque trail leads you to Great Falls, a 30-foot tall cascade best seen from the 19th century Cotton Mill it once powered. The falls are a short walk with some steps with handrails from the parking area. Take photos of the beautiful surrounding nature. Marvel at the Cotton Mill - it's great as a photo backdrop!

Fall Creek Falls State Park - Spencer 

You have to take a trip out to Fall Creek Falls in Spencer, one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States at 256 feet. The waterfalls are located in the state park of the same name, Tennessee's largest and most visited state park with 26,000 acres. Scenic overlooks showcase the waterfall's stunning beauty while the hiking trail into the gorge gets you up close to the waterfall. More than 60 waterfalls are within a 40-mile radius in this park. Fall Creek Falls State Park is equipped with accessible parking, adult-sized changing tables in restrooms and a Colorblind Viewfinder outfitted with Enchroma lenses at Millikin's Overlook off Scenic Loop. Those with red-green colorblindness can see the more than 20,000 lush acres of the rugged Cumberland Plateau.

Burgess Falls State Park - Sparta

You'll be enchanted by the stunning views of Burgess Falls at Burgess Falls State Park in Spencer, Tennessee. A former gristmill and sawmill boasts four waterfalls that you can see along hiking trails. The tallest drops 130 feet into the gorge. The newly added overlook area allows everyone to enjoy the beautiful waterfall. In addition, accessible parking, restrooms and well-kept hiking trails make this a great destination for all abilities.

Cummins Falls State Park - Cookeville

Cummins Falls State Park in Cookeville is a great day trip from Nashville, about 82 miles east of downtown. Explore the expansive grounds of this state park and its crown jewel, the 75-foot high waterfall - Cummins Falls. It's the 8th largest by water volume in the state and has a swimming area that has been used for more than 100 years. Make your way to the accessible overlook to witness the power of Cummins Falls. All-terrain wheelchairs are available to rent with advanced notice if you'd like to hike further on the trails. Wheelchair-friendly restrooms and an accessible parking area round out the offerings at the state park, ensuring everyone can enjoy its beauty. If you'd like to hike into to the base of the falls, a gorge permit is required.

Take a country drive along the Natchez Trace Parkway to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Middle Tennessee. When you're ready to stretch your legs, turn off at milepost 404.7 to witness Jackson Falls. To get there, take the steep 900-foot long trail that leads you to the clear pool at the base of the falls. The trail is a concrete sidewalk with a number of stairs. Enjoy the serenity of the falls and watch the diverted stream of Jackson Falls slip down into the Duck River Valley. Pro tip: Continue your journey on the Natchez Trace Parkway for a second waterfall hike at Fall Hollow located at milepost 391.9.

Stillhouse Hollow Falls State Natural Area - Summertown

Pack a picnic to enjoy the rushing waters of Stillhouse Hollow Falls, part of a 90-acre state natural area on the Western Highland Rim, about 66 miles south of Nashville. The walking trail is about 2/3 of a mile which takes you past fields of shrubbery like oak-leaf hydrangea and downy mock-orange. Once you arrive at the falls, you'll see the cascades plunge 75 feet over the falls into a deep hollow where you can smile at the many colorful wildflowers blooming such as trillium, phlox and wild geranium.

Machine Falls - Tullahoma

Machine Falls is part of the 420-acre Short Springs State Natural Area located about 74 miles from Nashville, making it a great day trip from the city. While hiking the Machine Falls trail, you can see great rock formations and some of the best spring wildflower displays in Tennessee. You'll see uncommon wildflowers as well as rare species like Nestronia and broad-leaved bunchflower. Once you arrive at Machine Falls, you can take your shoes off and splash in the waters. The waterfall drops more than 60 feet, making it a sight to marvel. Take plenty of pictures and some time to sit and enjoy the solitude nature brings.

Greeter Falls is located within Savage Gulf State Park in Altamont, about 60 miles from Chattanooga and 90 miles from Nashville. The natural area is one of Tennessee's most scenic wilderness areas and Greeter Falls contributes with its 15-foot upper ledge that flows over a 50-foot lower ledge in a plunge pool. With more than 50 miles of hiking trails, bring a picnic and enjoy the views.

Foster Falls in South Cumberland State Park - Sequatchie

Located in the expansive South Cumberland State Park, Foster Falls amazes hikers every day with its 60-foot waterfall plunging into a pool, making it the perfect swimming hole in the warmer months. Take the Fiery Gizzard Trail's Climber's Loop, a 2-mile trail that leads you along the cliff line and to Foster Falls. In the spring and early summer, enjoy the mountain laurel and azaleas blooming at the top of the falls. If you want to extend your hike, take Foster Falls to Small Wilds, a 5-mile trail that takes you past waterfalls and stunning overlooks.

Blue Hole Falls - Elizabethton

If you're looking for solitude in nature, spend some time at the base of the multi-tiered Blue Hole Falls in the Cherokee National Forest. Choose to experience this area during quieter times of day such as early morning on weekends or during the week March through October. The 0.3-mile trail is considered moderately challenging and includes a steep section with a number of roots and wooden steps. In warmer months, enjoy the natural swimming spot at the base of the falls.

Abrams Falls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Gatlinburg

You'll hear Abrams Falls before you see it. Though the waterfall is only 20 feet high, the volume of water that cascades into the pools below is magnificent to watch. You'll hike five miles of moderate to difficult terrain round trip. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended as there are narrow log bridges and rocky terrain to maneuver.

Set out on even more waterfall hiking trails that lead you to wildflowers, overlooks and rock formations in Tennessee.