With Stream Crossings and A Waterfall, The Little-Known Prater Place And Hemlock Falls Trail In Tennessee Is Unexpectedly Magical
By Meghan Kraft|Published May 18, 2022
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
The wilderness of Tennessee is some of the most beautiful in the United States, and you can expect everything from wildflower-strewn meadows to craggy mountain peaks. On the south side of the state, you’ll stumble across the little-known Prater Place and Hemlock Falls Trail, a dual trail that will lead you across streams and to a gorgeous waterfall. Be prepared for a solid few hours in the wilderness, and make sure you bring your camera. You will want to capture the beauty of the area! Not many folks know about the trail, and it remains one of the last hidden gems in the Volunteer State.
The Prater Place and Hemlock Falls Trail can be found in Fall Creek Falls State Park, the most popular state park in Tennessee. With over 26,000-acres, the stunning park is located along the upper Cane Creek Gorge and is best known for its waterfalls, lush foliage, and stunning rock formations.
The trail itself is a little over six miles and takes just under three hours to complete. Visitors mostly use the trail for hiking, though it is also a prime spot for walking your dog (on a leash!) and birdwatching.
You will want to make sure you bring the proper footwear for your hike since you will be making your way over rocky portions of the trail as well as a few streams and creeks. Be prepared for boulders along the way, and bug spray is always encouraged. Especially in the warmer months when those mosquitos reemerge with a vengeance.
The Prater Place and Hemlock Falls Trail is considered one of the newest trails in the park, as the route was blazed after additional acreage was provided to the park. Since Fall Creek Falls State Park is sluiced through with waterways, there will most likely be muddy sections as you climb in elevation. Just be careful and maybe bring an extra towel.
The trail is well-maintained and marked, though there are a few challenging sections that quickly increase in elevation. Wildflowers bloom during the spring, and the waterfall at the end of the trail is gushing throughout the year.
Have you ever hiked the Prater Place and Hemlock Falls Trail? Will you be adding it to your list? Keep your eyes peeled for rock formations along the route, and if you come across a cave keep your wits about you. You don’t want to disturb wildlife, but it is neat to see the beauty of Tennessee’s hidden natural spaces.
