Is there anything more magical than a frozen waterfall? Is there anything more beautiful than a water feature, normally gushing and wild in the summertime, that goes frosty? Fall Creek Falls State Park in Spencer is the most popular state park in Tennessee, and its namesake – Fall Creek Falls – really ups the ante come wintertime. Take a peek below, and maybe plan a chilly winter hike for yourself. There’s truly nothing more beautiful, and I’ll bet that you’ll capture some incredible photos, too! Have you hiked to a frozen waterfall in Tennessee before?

Fall Creek Falls State Park/ Facebook
Fall Creek Falls State Park is a rural, protected natural area that's known for its beautiful views and opportunity for outdoor activities. The park is one of the largest in the state and encompasses a massive 29,800 acres. We can tell you from experience that this park is filled with adventure for just about any outdoor activity you enjoy. This state park is where you will find some of the best hiking trails in Tennessee.
Laura Gigliotti - AllTrails
The most popular spot to visit in the park is the famed Fall Creek Falls, a 256-foot high waterfall that is one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States. The park itself is studded with multiple waterfalls, streams, cascades, and expansive gorges. You can see the waterfall with just a short walk from the parking lot, this viewpoint will give you a good overall look at the falls but to truly experience it you have to hike down to the base of the falls.
Emwilson_photography - Flickr
Other popular spots to visit include Piney Falls, Cane Creek Cascades, and Cane Creek Falls. You can witness some of the best waterfalls in Tennessee right here in this incredible state park. Fall Creek Falls State Park straddles Bledsoe and Van Buren Counties but is considered to be located in Spencer, Tennessee.

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Fall Creek Falls State Park/ Facebook
Isn't this shot incredible? Fall Creek Falls doesn't freeze completely, but the area becomes frosted with snow and ice, making for an incredible view. The best way to see the falls is the Fall Creek and Coon Creek Falls via Base of the Falls Trail, which is just under a mile in length. This hike also provides plenty of amazing points of interest along the way like a towering rockwall and cave.
Brian Wolfe - Flickr
The moderate hike will take you down to the base of the falls and back and features the waterfall and a heap of lush plant life along the way. When you hike down to the base you will experience the sheer power of the flowing water. As the water plunges to the pool below you will feel the wind and get misted allowing you to fully experience this mighty fall.
Tim Lumley - Flickr
The views are almost unreal. The hike is appropriate for folks of (almost) all ages, but make sure your little ones are able to walk for an extended period of time. The terrain does tend to be a bit rocky, and you'll want to watch out for muddy spots! If the trail is snowy and icy a good pair of Microspikes will give you plenty of grip.
Fall Creek Falls
Tim Lumley - Flickr
Don't forget your camera either, folks. Fall Creek Falls may be well-known, but you'll want to snag a shot for yourself.

Check out this throwback YouTube video by Edie Gunter with some cool images of this frozen waterfall in Tennessee.

The beauty of Tennessee is truly unmatched, don’t you think? There’s just something about the ice and snow that makes the Volunteer State look like a winter wonderland. If you’re looking to learn more about this frozen waterfall in Tennessee, visit the Fall Creek Falls website. Also, if you plan on hiking down to the base of the falls check out this video from Adventuring in the Moment when we hiked it in the summer. It will look a bit different in the winter but this should give you a good look at the trail before you go. Enjoy the video!

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay on the eastern side of the state, this Tellico Farm Cottage is a must-visit! Or here are some more top-rated accommodations near Spencer that we recommend.

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More to Explore

Winter In Tennessee

Melanie J. | December 11, 2023

Are there more frozen waterfalls in Tennessee that are worth visiting?

Absolutely, aside from Fall Creek Falls, we have lots of frozen waterfalls in Tennessee that belong on your bucket list. And here are some that we recommend:

  • Greeter Falls: Savage Gulf State Natural Area, Beersheba Springs
  • Piney Creek Falls: Fall Creek Falls State Park, Spencer
  • Burgess Falls, Baxter
  • Cane Creek Falls: Fall Creek Falls State Park, Spencer
  • Foster Falls, Sequatchie
  • Silk Creek Falls: Fall Creek Falls State Park, Spencer
  • Martin Creek Falls, Cherokee National Forest in Erwin
  • Bald River Falls, Tellico Plains
  • Rockhouse Falls: Fall Creek Falls State Park, Spencer
  • Turtletown Creek Falls, Famer

Be sure to read our previous article about some more of the best waterfalls in Tennessee.

What are the best hikes in Tennessee during the winter months?

If you love spending time outside during the colder months, these are the best winter hikes in Tennessee that you will love:

Check out our article to discover more about these winter hiking trails in Tennessee.

What are the best state parks to visit in Tennessee in winter?

From hiking to camping to horseback riding and more, these are the best state parks in Tennessee to explore:

Don’t forget to read our article telling you more information about these incredible state parks in Tennessee.

What are some of the best winter activities in Tennessee?

Here are some of the best winter activities in Tennessee:

Learn more about other great winter activities by reading our previous article The Ultimate Guide To Winter In Tennessee.

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Fall Creek Falls, Tennessee 37367, USA