Blue Hole Falls Is A Secret Waterfall In Tennessee Where The Water Is A Mesmerizing Blue
By Chris Dodge|Updated on March 07, 2024(Originally published March 28, 2023)
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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 have many waterfalls in Tennessee, and they’re all worth seeking out. Take Fall Creek Falls, for instance: it’s the tallest waterfall in the state, and standing at its base is life-affirming. Then there’s a waterfall like The Place of a Thousand Drips in the Great Smoky Mountains. This waterfall is reduced down to a low flow across a rock wall several feet wide and can be seen right from your car. Two entirely different waterfalls on each end of the spectrum. Right? Well, considering today’s waterfall-chasing adventure somewhere in between the beguiling Blue Hole Falls in Elizabethton, Tennessee.
To get to Blue Hole Falls, you'll drive into the countryside of Elizabethton, Tennessee.
The dirt parking lot for the trailhead only has room for a couple of cars and during the warmer months, it’s not unusual to see the parking lot full. The trail itself is a simple 0.4-mile trek down the mountain to the falls. There are a few options down to the falls -- some varying in grade, others more gradual. It was a warm late winter day when we decided to visit this trail for the first time. We knew how busy it can get in the summer so to explore the area we opted for a day when no one would be swimming.
Along the way down, you'll see the stream that will inevitably lead to Blue Hole Falls. When the water is flowing enough, you might even see a couple of small bonus cascades to whet your appetite before the grand display. It would be easy to rush down to the bottom of the falls, and with a trail as short as it is, that can be very easy to do. However, I suggest taking your time and finding the path closest to the stream so you can gain the peaceful sound of the running water for an already relaxing hike.
The steepest section is right at the end of the trail leading to Blue Hole Falls. Fortunately, stairs were placed on the trail and made for an easy walk down. The stairs are very large so it's a bit awkward to walk down, and especially interesting to traverse while guiding a very excited puppy who was excited to be out of the house.
The waterfall itself is positioned beautifully within tall rock walls. Being surrounded by these high cliffs makes this gorge a rather beautiful backdrop for such an amazing natural wonder.
When we went the ground was extremely muddy and it looked steep and dangerous to continue down to some of the lower falls but after talking to other locals they told me it was worth climbing down to the the rest of the falls. However, the best waterfall with the blue pool is located right at the bottom of the stairs.
There is a crevice in the rock where the water flows forth and lands into the brilliant pool below.
The water gives off a bright blue color unlike, any other pool in Tennessee. The rocks play a dynamic role in the color and give the edges a more emerald appearance. This waterfall is truly a natural wonder here in the Volunteer State. I was blown away by the colors so we sat and just watched the water falling for a while.
The water is crystal clear along the shallow parts of the pool.
The waterfall itself is very pretty and the sound of falling water is always soothing, but the dramatic color schemes found in the pool is rather striking. You can sit along the rocks and just find inspiration well taking in this beautiful scene. When we went there were only a few people by the waterfall that were just leaving so we had the whole place to ourselves. I would highly recommend this trail because it is quick and easy with a huge payoff.
Blue Hole Falls in Elizabethton, Tennessee, is a hidden oasis found in the mountainous woods. With colors unlike anywhere else this spot is truly special. The trail is open all year round and will tend to be busier when the weather is warmer, so if you are looking for some solitude we suggest visiting from fall to spring. I would always recommend using the AllTrails app which is what I use every time I go for a hike. If you download the map for Blue Hole Falls it will help when you get into the woods with little to no cell phone service. Make sure to check out this video by Adventuring in the Moment of the trail and the waterfall:
If you love short easy hikes to waterfalls then there is another one close by you must see, Millstone Creek Falls.
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Waterfalls In East Tennessee
Chris Dodge|March 07, 2024
What are some of the best waterfalls in East Tennessee?
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