Best Waterfalls in Tennessee: 12 Local Favorites & Hidden Gems
By Chris Dodge|Published April 15, 2024
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
We all want to know what the best waterfalls in Tennessee are right? Well, I have searched high and low and although I can’t list all of the greatest waterfalls in the Volunteer State I can make a list of some of my favorites. Categorized and organized for your reading pleasure, this is the ultimate list of waterfalls in Tennessee. Let’s lace up those hiking boots and hit the trails.
First up we are going to tackle the the tallest waterfalls in Tennessee. We all want to see these awe-inspiring falls and let me tell you the Volunteer State has plenty to offer on this front. I picked three of the biggest waterfalls in Tennessee and you will definitely want to put each of these on your bucket list if you haven’t already gone. If you have been to these waterfalls before, well then you can always visit them again. The good news is they aren’t going away anytime soon.
1. Fall Creek Falls, Fall Creek Falls State Park
Fall Creek Falls State Park, 2009 Village Camp Rd, Spencer, TN 38585, USA
Need To Know: You can view this waterfall within a short walk from the parking lot, but hiking to the base is the best way to experience it.
Falls Creek Falls is located in Fall Creek Falls State Park and is the tallest waterfall in Tennessee. Not only is it the tallest in the state but it is also the tallest free-falling waterfall in East of the Mississippi. This impressive plunge fall starts at the cliff’s edge and falls 256 feet to the pool below. You can see the full waterfall from an overlook that is found within a quick walk from the parking lot but I would highly suggest hiking to the base. The Fall Creek Falls base trail is an under-a-mile round trip with 288 feet of elevation gain, but the signs do caution travelers that it is a strenuous hike. This still remains one of my favorite waterfall hikes in Tennessee. Along the way down you will pass by a massive rock crevasse like a cave, a towering cliff side, and some boulders you will have to maneuver around. The trail was adventurous and fun but prepare yourself to have your breath stolen once you reach the waterfall. The mighty roar of Fall Creek Falls fills your ears as the mist fills the air all around it. This is just a great spot to rest and take some pictures while you enjoy this mighty waterfall. If you are like me and plan road trips to maximize your time you can also drive less than an hour away to see Ozone Falls.
Need To Know: You can only see this underground waterfall with a cave tour ticket.
Ruby Falls is one of the most intriguing waterfalls in Tennessee. When I think of some of the most unique wonders of the Volunteer State this underground waterfall is usually at the top of the list. Hidden deep in the underbelly of Chattanooga’s Lookout Mountain is this impressive 145-foot-tall plunge waterfall. This is the largest underground waterfall available to the public in the entire country. Not only are you treated to a spectacular show when you reach the falls you will also get to explore the cave leading up to the grand finale. Many amazing rock formations await you on your tour through this geological wonderland. Even the above-ground section is filled with history and views. On the property you will find a castle that was made from the limestone they dug out to create the elevator to Ruby Falls. The scenery from up top is second to none as you view the surrounding landscape. If you haven’t been to the best of all of the hidden waterfalls in Tennessee then this is a bucket list item for sure.
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3. Burgess Falls, Burgess Falls State Park
Burgess Falls State Park, 4000 Burgess Falls Dr, Sparta, TN 38583, USA
Need To Know: From the state park you will only be able to hike to the top of the falls but the view is spectacular.
Burgess Falls is another must-see waterfall in Tennessee. Get lost in awe and wonder as you witness this incredible natural wonder by visiting Burgess Falls State Park. You will want to take the Ridge Top Trail to the falls but along the way, you will follow the source of the mighty waterfall. During this hike watch as the churning and flowing water give way to glorious waterfalls before the showstopper that is Burgess Falls. Once you reach the final descent you will witness the mighty rushing roar of this uniquely shaped waterfall. The triangular ledge allows water to fall in a curtain of water on both sides making it an undeniable beauty. I am a huge fan of getting to the base of any waterfall I see and if you want to see this spectacular in all its glory then you will have to take to the waters. Head on down the road to the Cane Hollow Recreation Area and launch a kayak or boat on a voyage down the river. This is quite honestly one of the best ways to see the waterfall as you get to experience the best view while paddling in down a very scenic peaceful river. As a bonus make your way down the road to Rock Island State Park and see both Twin Falls and Great Falls.
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Best Waterfall Hikes In Tennessee
There is always an excitement in the air as I approach a new trailhead. The fresh air, the great outdoors, and the mountainous terrain all just call to me. So when we started the journey to find some of the best waterfall hikes in Tennessee I was up for the challenge. We have seen some incredible waterfalls and sometimes the trail leading to it can be just as fun. So here are just a sampling of some of my favorite Tennessee waterfalls to hike.
4. Laurel Falls, Hampton
Laurel Falls Trailhead and Appalachian Trail, US-321, Hampton, TN 37658, USA
Need To Know: There are a few ways to get to the waterfall so make sure you get the AllTrails+ app so you don’t get lost.
This one is one of my favorites when it comes to waterfalls near me. Not only are you treated to a spectacular waterfall at the end of your hike but the journey getting there is just as good. I have been to Laurel Falls both through the Denis Cove Road trailhead and the one found off Route 321. The trail from the Denis Cove area is a pretty straightforward hike and is much shorter if you are short on time. I loved a few of the sections on the trail like a section where you travel through a notch in the limestone rocks where they tower up on either side of you, and the descent to the falls. My favorite hike, however, was the trail starting off of Route 321 right before you get to Watauga Lake. This trail is much longer and filled with points of interest along the way. We had alot of fun hiking this trail from crossing bridges, traversing rocky terrain, following a babbling brook, and maneuvering over a steep waterside dropoff. I love a good river trail and this one has plenty of places where you can enjoy the sound of running water. Once you get to Laurel Falls the reward feels even sweeter as you relax and let the sweet sound of falling water soothe you over you.
5. Greeter Falls, Savage Gulf State Park
Greeter Falls Waterfall, Overlook, Altamont, TN 37301, USA
Need To Know: There are a few ways to get to the waterfall so make sure you get the AllTrails+ app so you don’t get lost.
Greeter Falls is located in Savage Gulf State Park, previously known as South Cumberland State Park in the Cumberland Plateau area. This is a hiker’s paradise state park with high cliffside bluffs and backpacking campsites. This waterfall is a popular swimming hole and is a gorgeous plunge fall. There are many paths leading to the waterfall but out of all of them, I would recommend going to the Blue Hole and Greeter Falls Loop. We started with a visit to Blue Hole which is another swimming area and a quickie easy spur trail, when we went the water was clear and calm mirroring the surrounding forest. When we got back to the loop trail we took the left trail which means we saved Greeter Falls for last. Along the way, we were treated to steep descents, massive rock faces, and even a bonus waterfall. On the way to Greeter Falls, there is an awesome spiral staircase that takes you right to this popular swimming hole. The stunning waterfall was a great end to the hike but the journey getting there was just as good. You can pair this hike with another popular waterfall called Machine Falls which is about an hour’s drive from Savage Gulf State Park.
Need To Know: There is a small waterfall before you reach Margarette Falls, it's good, but keep going because it only gets better.
Long story short the trail to Margarette Falls is awesome. Located in the Cherokee National Forest this hidden gem should be on everyone’s bucket lists. The hike is relatively easy and even starts off on a simple gravel pathway. The real fun begins once you exit that path and progress deeper into the woods. The forest just looks like an enchanting jungle landscape with fluttering butterflies and lush green plant life. Continue through the slight elevation change and cross bridges and you can even see a waterfall along the way. There is even a cool water crossing where you have to take the stepping stones across. Margarette Falls itself is stunningly beautiful with tendril-like flowing water cascading down the wet dark rocks. The contracts in color make this one of the most appealing waterfalls on this list.
Accessible Waterfalls In Tennessee (No Hiking Required)
In Tennessee when there is one waterfall there is usually more in the area. So while you are out there chasing waterfalls chances are your journey will find you in The Great Smoky Mountains and driving through scenic routes. So naturally you will come across a few waterfalls that are located right alongside the road with no hiking required. We never say no to a quick easy stop to see another waterfall on our adventures. You’re never too busy to appreciate these fantastic Tennessee waterfalls no hiking required.
7. The Sinks, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Sinks, Old State Hwy 73 Scenic, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
Need To Know: Located on the Little River Gorge Road.
It doesn’t get much easier to see a great waterfall than The Sinks. The Little River Gorge Road is a windy drive leading to Cades Cove in The Great Smoky Mountains but along the way, you will get the chance to enter a small parking lot to witness this waterfall. In just a few steps you will be treated to this incredible fall. This is technically a man-made waterfall. During the logging days of the Smokies, long before it became a national park there was a jam in the river. They did the next logical thing you do in Tennessee when there is a jam and blew it up. That is why to this day you will see jagged rocks that separate the water into three distinct sections. Take in the view and as you continue back down the road keep your eyes peeled because there are several seasonal waterfalls right along the rock walls next to the road. One more bonus waterfall is a bit hard to see if you are rushing by, but with a quick pull off you will also be able to Meigs Falls.
8. Bald River Falls, Tellico Plains
Bald River Falls, River Rd, Tellico Plains, TN 37385, USA
Bald River Falls is found along the scenic Cherohala Skyway. Take this scenic and windy drive that goes from Tennessee to North Carolina for miles of views and natural beauty. We have some pretty irresistible scenic drives in Tennessee and the Cherohala Skyway is another one of those must-do drives. Bald River Falls is found right by the road and you won’t miss it as you drive by. Simply park your vehicle past the bridge and take a slight trip down to the river to view the base of the falls. Not really feeling like getting out of your car? No problem stay in the comfort of your car and roll on by slowly to witness the majestic falls. As a bonus keep your eyes open for Baby Falls which is just around the corner from Bald River Falls.
Need To Know: There are both upper and lower falls with lots of unique ways to see the waterfalls.
Cane Creek Cascades is a wonderful waterfall tucked away in Fall Creek Falls, which many consider to be one of the best state parks in Tennessee, myself included. You pretty much can’t go anywhere in the park without running into breathtaking waterfalls. This waterfall is broken up into an upper known as Cane Creek Falls and a lower fall known as Cane Creek Cascades and to see the top of the upper falls you can cross a swinging pedestrian bridge right over the top of it. This was a thrilling and fun experience that my whole family loved. Take a quick walk down some stairs and you will arrive at the base of the waterfall where you will see the bridge and an awe-inspiring waterfall. This is a popular swimming spot so feel free to dip into the water on a warm day. To see the lower falls you can take a quick set of stairs from the parking area and witness the powerful and impressive lowerfalls plunging into the gorge below. If you are feeling adventurous then you can even take a steep hiking trail to the base of the gorge and get one of the best views of this waterfall. This is also the spot where The Jungle Book was filmed in an iconic scene where he jumps off the cliff and into the water.
Best Waterfalls Near Major Cities
If you have been searching for “Waterfalls near me” then we have you covered. Here are some of the best waterfalls found within a short distance of a few of our major cities. So get ready to pack your hiking supplies and take a good old-fashioned road trip, or at least a day trip.
10. Cummins Falls, Cummins Falls State Park
Cummins Falls State Park, 390 Cummins Falls Ln, Cookeville, TN 38501, USA
Need To Know: This park is so popular you might want to arrive early.
Cummins Falls is probably the most popular waterfall in middle Tennessee and for good reason. The waterfall is a series of ledge falls and cascading water that is simply breathtaking. This park is located within an hour and a half drive from the center of Nashville. So if you are coming from the big city and looking for a great place to hike, swim, and play all in one spot then this is the spot for you. Because this is one of those iconic and beautiful bucket list places in Tennessee make sure you arrive early so you can secure a parking spot. Once you are there take the trail down by the water and enjoy this majestic waterfall in one of our best state parks.
Need To Know: Just another beautiful plunge fall, nothing to see here…
Foster Falls is located in South Cumberland State Park and less than an hour’s drive from downtown Chattanooga. We actually planned to hike to this waterfall on our trip to Chattanooga and it worked out quite nicely. So take a break from the city and immerse yourself in nature once again on a trip to this amazing plunge waterfall. The trail is a pretty simple descent with switchbacks and natural stairs but right before you get to the pool where you find Foster Falls you will get the chance to cross a fun and a rather bouncy suspension bridge. This was a great addition and very similar to Greeter Falls spiral staircase. This is also a popular swimming hole with a deep pool where the waterfall plunges into. Find a good rock to just sit down and relax as you enjoy this glorious waterfall.
12. Laurel Falls, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Need To Know: One of the prettiest waterfalls in Tennessee.
Laurel Falls is the most popular waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains and for good reason. I have seen so many waterfalls I have lost track but out of all of them, Laurel Falls remains one of the prettiest waterfalls I have ever seen. You can arrive at the trailhead if you are coming from Knoxville in a little over an hour. I would highly recommend making this a top priority for any Smoky Mountain trip. The parking is very limited and the park service has been doing their best to manage the crowds so if you want to ensure a spot make sure to arrive early. The short hike is partly paved and before you know it you will arrive at this pristine waterfall. Not only is it amazing to look at you can climb down to a lower section of the falls and see even more cascading beauty.
Alright hikers, let’s get out to see those state natural areas, Tennessee State Parks, and some backcountry spots to see those waterfalls. These are not all of the waterfalls but some of the best waterfalls in Tennessee. If you want to see all of them you will have to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trail because there are many more where this came from. We are truly blessed to have such a state rich in beautiful waterfalls. One thing I have with me on every hike I ever go on is the AllTrails app on my phone. This is one of the best tools to help keep track of where you are on the trail, so make sure you check that out before you embark on your next adventure.
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