Tennessee is a great place offering spectacular landscapes and dozens of outdoor exploration opportunities to start a fantastic trip among the visitors. Tennessee is encompassed with natural and breathtaking elements, and it’s one of the most beautiful states in the United States. Visitors are able to explore all kinds of adventurous activities in this peaceful state.
Also, Tennessee is embellished with beautiful lakes, majestic mountains, some fine forests, amazing waterfalls, breathtaking landscapes and much more. So, get ready to explore some of the best Tennessee attractions, and these are the waterfalls. TN waterfalls come with amazing hikes, and lot of outdoor adventurous activities that will surely be enjoyed by you and your whole crew.
Most of these waterfalls are located on the eastern part of the United States, and the waterfalls offer some jaw-dropping and aesthetic views as these are situated inside the colourful canopies and lush forests. These waterfalls are of various shapes like tall, short, wide and cascading. All are very beautiful in their own way. And the best part is, most of these waterfalls are easy to access and the best time to visit these waterfalls is March through November.
There are more than 850 waterfalls in Tennessee. But it’s impossible for me to name all of them and for you to visit all of these waterfalls. The highest concentration of the waterfalls is in East Tennessee near Chattanooga and Gatlinburg. Many of the falls are nestled in private lands and state parks. Also, some of these waterfalls require multi-mile hikes, while others can be accessible from roadsides.
So, here is the list of some of the best waterfalls in Tennessee. Hopefully, this list will help you to explore these most stunning waterfalls in Tennessee.
1. Fall Creek Falls
From Nashville, it takes a two-hour drive to the east to reach Fall Creek Falls. The falls is located inside Fall Creek Falls State Park in Spencer, Tennessee. No entry fee is required to enter the state park. Also, the state park is one of the most visited state parks in the state.
Fall Creek Falls is one of the highest single vertical drop falls, and it cascades from 256 feet. And it is the tallest waterfall in Tennessee.
The State Park includes many other amazing waterfalls, several cascades and streams, gorgeous pools and the amazing oak forests. Hiking in this forest is an adventurous activity and the hike is enjoyed by most of the visitors. The best time to visit Fall Creek Falls State Park is from March to October.
The other stunning waterfalls inside the park are Coon Creek Falls, that cascades from 250 feet, Rockhouse Falls, with its 125-foot drop, Cane Creek Falls with its 45-foot drop, Piney Creek falls and Cane Creek Cascades.
You might also discover multiple birds like Great Horned Owls and Red-Tailed Hawks. Camping is another most loving activity in this park. If you are exciting, you might also hike down to the base of the falls. Remember, the hike is short, but it’s extremely rocky. The total hiking distance is of 0.8 miles, and you will be happy after knowing that dogs are also allowed in this trail.
Swimming in the base pool is allowed. If you are planning to visit in summer, go for swimming in the refreshing water. Otherwise, in other seasons the pool is not quality enough to refresh your body. And the water gets too chilly in winter. But the surrounding views are never less impressive whichever season you choose to visit this stunning Tennessee waterfall.
Location: Spencer, Tennessee, United States.
2. Burgess Falls
From Nashville, it takes one and half hour drive to see Burgess Falls. Burgess Falls is located inside Burgess Falls State Park. This park also offers free entry, and it is of 217-acre natural area. It’s a beautiful place to visit, and the park includes four waterfalls, stunning bluffs and an enchanting forest!
Burgess Falls is the biggest and most stunning among these four waterfalls. To reach the Burgess Falls, travelers have to cover a steep hike, and to reach the basin pool, travelers opt for kayaking and boating. The river trail is of 1.5 miles. The hike has been rated as one of the most difficult hikes.
Burgess Falls cascades from Falling water River, from 130 feet height. It is the most majestic waterfall in entire Tennessee. And to grab the incredible experience, you must visit this falls. While hiking Burgess Falls, you will cover three other small but pretty waterfalls as well.
Other fun-loving activities in the State Park are fishing, bird watching, kayaking and jet skiing. You might also prefer a local tour to enjoy the utmost experience. The tour begins from downtown Nashville. To access the local tour, visitors have to pay $50 per head.
You might also take a boat on Center Hill Lake to make your visit more memorable one! And the best thing is your dog could be a part in this trail.
Address: 4000 Burgess Falls Drive, Sparta, Tennessee.
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3. Ozone Falls
Located near Crab Orchard, Ozone Falls is one of the most popular destinations among hikers and nature lovers. The falls is sitting inside a breathtaking forested area. The hike to this one of the best Tennessee waterfalls is of 0.3 miles. You may also allow your dog to be a part in this journey, too. This is one of the most crowded waterfalls in Tennessee. So, try to reach there early morning.
Ozone Falls is located in Cumberland County, Tennessee. Fed by an underground stream, the falls plunges from 111 feet and plummets to the pool directly. If you want to hike to the base, you have to hike the Cumberland Trail along the rim that starts from Highway TN-1. After finishing the hike, you get your reward, the stunning and refreshing pool. This spot is a little slippery and slippery rocks are also there, so be little careful. And, don’t forget to wear sturdy shoes. The hike is very much strenuous, while the initial path is little moderate. Behind the majestic Ozone Falls, there is a naturally formed cave visitors can see.
Swimming in the pool is much praised by both locals and tourists because of its nice water colour and relaxing water quality. Having a swim or diving into the pool will make your tiredness instantly melt away! The pool is also surrounded by various shaped rocks and lush vegetation.
The fun fact is Ozone Falls was featured in Disney’s Jungle Book Movie.
Address: 14563 TN-1, Rockwood, Tennessee.
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4. Abrams Falls
The graceful Abrams Falls is nestling inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is one of the best waterfalls near Gatlinburg. And most of the tourists love to explore this falls too much as it provides some really good hiking experiences. Abrams Falls is just one-and-a-half-hour drive from Knoxville. Visitors need to pay $5 for parking pass in the national park.
The small waterfall, cascading from 25-feet, is made-up of two cascades, and the falls is fed by the Abrams Creek. The name of the falls is after a local Cherokee chief.
Abrams Falls hike is of moderate level. Visitors need to hike 5.5-mile round trip that starts from Cades Cove Loop Road. Remember, the park closes this Loop Road to motor vehicle traffic from May to September on each Wednesday to help pedestrians and cyclist to enjoy Cades Cove.
It is a popular spot among nature lovers, hikers and photographers as well. The best time to visit Abrams Falls is early summer and spring. In these seasons you can enjoy the vast water level. And the bright and colourful trees and the incredible atmosphere must make you allured while exploring the terrain!
It’s unfortunate that dogs are not permitted in this trail.
Address: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee.
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5. Rock Island State Park
Rock Island State Park is also only two hours drive from Nashville. The park is just 30 minutes from Burgess Falls State Park. Rock Island State Park is a natural waterpark. The park is of 833 acres. Entrance is free to the public, and the waterpark provides a natural sand beach on Center Hill Lake. The beach is a popular picnic spot among families, friends and other groups.
The state park features a historical dam and many scenic spots. Inside the state park, you will get the chance to explore numerous historical sites and nine thrilling hiking trails along with three majestic waterfalls. One is Great Falls Dam. The other two are Twin Falls and Blue Hole. Twin Falls is 80 feet tall. It was formed accidentally in 1925 and it’s the most popular waterfall inside Rock Island State Park. This scenic state park makes itself a favourite place among natural lovers and photographers.
The perennial waterfall was created as a result of the damming of Caney Fork River. Twin Falls flows constant and huge waterflow throughout the year.
A short, one-mile-long trail offers easy hike along the river to Twin Falls. And before reaching Twin Falls you will see the other two falls. The waterflow of Twin Falls pours out of the walls of the gorge rather than from the typical plummet form. The waterflow of this falls is an amazing view. The views will make you feel like you are in a show of waterwall park.
The hike is short but little steep, sometimes. You must remember that the area’s water level gets rise on a sudden, the current is also very strong here. So, be little careful and avoid swimming in Twin Falls. Though you can access safe swimming in other parts of the park. The best time to visit this waterfall is during summer.
Address: 82 Beach Road, Rock Island, Tennessee.
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6. Laurel Falls
Laurel Falls is nestled inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This multi-tired falls is a popular spot among the locals and visitors alike because of its easy to access hikes. Laurel Falls is 80 feet in height and is separated in two sections- the lower section and the upper section. The Lower and Upper falls are separated by a concrete bridge.
This falls is one of the best and prettiest waterfalls in Tennessee. Laurel Park is on the north end of Great Smokey Mountains National Park.
To reach Laurel Falls, visitors need to cover a paved 2.5 mile out-and-back trail. The trail goes under the rhododendron and laurel forest. If you visit the national park in spring, you will be able to get the jaw dropping decoration of nature with these amazing natural elements.
To reach the falls, you have to start from the Sugarlands Visitor Center and seven miles from Getlinburg. There’s the parking lot nearby this center. And visitors need to pay $5 for parking pass.
Dogs are not allowed in this trail. And swimming can be lethal in this waterfall. So don’t go for swimming, it wouldn’t be a wise decision. Also, the terrain is very crowded, specially in weekends, and parking is also limited, so try to reach there early.
If you are short on time, you might skip other waterfalls in Tennessee that are listed here, but don’t skip this one. Laurel Falls is the highlight of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, indeed.
And if you have some extra time, must explore the other elevated Tennessee waterfalls, such as Cataract Falls and Mannis Branch Falls. These two waterfalls are also very pretty. You wouldn’t be broken-heart after visiting them.
Address: Fighting Creek Gap Road, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee.
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7. Ruby Falls
Ruby Falls is another some of the most fascinating waterfalls in Tennessee. This unique waterfall was discovered in 1928. It plunges from 145 foot into a cavern. And it is the largest underground waterfall in the United States. This waterfall captivates all the visitors through its unique charm.
Ruby Falls is located within the Lockout Mountain near Chattanooga. To reach at the basin, you need to descend 26 stories in a glass elevator, then the guided tour will help you to explore the amazing underground natural waterfall along with the pool. The tour lasts for around 70 to 80 minutes. Visitors need to purchase online tickets and the entrance fee is $13 per child and $23 per adult.
You might also experience Lantern Tour where participants enter the underground with lanterns and turn the dark area majestically fascinating with their lanterns’ tint. If you are willing to explore more and more about this unique spot, you might also enjoy the views from the 70-foot Looking Mountain Tower and Blue Heron Overlook.
Furthermore, Ruby Falls is one of the most popular Chattanooga tourist attractions. Must visit this waterfall to have the most unique waterfall experience. So, what are you waiting for? Make this uniquely beautiful waterfall your next day trip destination with family and friends.
Address: 1720 Scenic Highway, Chattanooga, Tennessee.
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8. Bald River Falls
This east Tennessee waterfall will make you surprized, for sure! Bald River Falls is sitting near Tellico Plains in Cherokee National Forest. You can see the waterfall from the road, as well. The falls cascades from 100 feet into a large pool and finally flows into the Tellico River. Visitors are able to get the mesmerising views from the river bridge. And the hike is of eight miles long through the thick green forest.
The uniqueness of this waterfall is that visitors can visit this falls anytime in any season. Different season will show you its unique characteristics. But if you want to enjoy swimming and hiking, then summer is the best season for you.
Watching Tennessee Fall Foliage from the Cherokee Skyway is another attraction in this site. So, try to visit this part, too. Photographing opportunity is a great option in this picturesque place.
You might also set up a great family picnic nearby the Baby Falls. It is a nice place for picnicking and doing photography.
Camping is allowed here, and it is a thrilling experience in the dense forest, explored by the adventurous visitors. Travelers who are not able/willing to trail in a single day, they can prefer camping. The hike is little difficult, and visitors need to hike through sheer cliff and dense forests.
Interestingly, many hikers have watched bears, beavers and wild boars during their hike. So, be extra aware. You might also come across them. Don’t forget to carry essential equipment with you.
Fishing is also permitted in this terrain. So, enjoy.
Address: Tellico Plains, Tennessee.
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9. Rainbow Falls
Situated close to Gatlinburg, TN, Rainbow Falls is the tallest single drop waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Also, this is the oldest waterfall in this park. And it spills into several smaller pools from 80-feet height.
The hike is of four hours, nearly 2.7 miles and sometimes the path is little steeper. The hike is little longer, but worth the effort. During the hike, don’t forget to wear proper shoes.
There are several smaller falls you will discover during your hike. If you’re visiting the land on a sunny day, hopefully, you’ll catch a rainbow view. LeConte Creek is very famous. And the Creek is criss-crossed by a pedestrian bridge. If you visit the place in winter, the dramatical ice formation will melt your heart!
Address: Cherokee Orchard Loop Road, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee.
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10. Machine Falls
Machine Falls is nestled inside a 420-acre natural area. It is a hidden gem. The location of the falls is inside the Short Springs State Natural Area, close to Tullahoma. Machine Falls is actually midway between Chattanooga and Nashville. The entire surrounding is very peaceful. You must feel solitude here.
The hike to the fantastic Machine Falls is super easy, and travelers need to hike throughout well-maintained trail. So, no worries and no strenuous hikes anymore. But there are slippery rocks at times. You can also come across deer and foxes in this terrain while you are hiking.
The 60-foot cascading waterfall hike is less than two miles from the trailhead. And dogs are welcome in this trail. After finishing your hike, you will get to see a small and clear pond with a steep rock formation. Though the pool is pretty shallow, travelers love to enjoy swimming and wedding in the pool.
Throughout the trail, you will pass multiple other waterfalls. Hikers prefer to take longer time to finish their hikes for enjoying all of these beautiful natural waterfalls.
If you visit the place in spring, you will be stunned by the bright wildflowers that bloom massively during this time. You will literally feel that you have transcended this materialistic world. And you have reached to some fairy-tale land! And lastly, if you have enough time in your hand for this trip, go for exploring Upper and Lower Busby Falls, also.
FAQs
1.How many waterfalls are there in Tennessee?
There are more than 850 waterfalls in Tennessee. But all these waterfalls are not accessible to the visitors for their remote locations. Also, most of these beautiful Tennessee waterfalls are unnamed. But don’t be upset. There are plenty of gorgeous waterfalls you can explore and enjoy that are situated inside many of the Tennessee state parks.
2. What is the most beautiful waterfall in Tennessee?
The most beautiful waterfalls in Tennessee include Ruby Falls, Laurel Falls, Fall Creek Falls, Abrams Falls, and Burgess Falls. These are the most stunning waterfalls the state holds. And each visitor must explore these stunners when they’re in the state of Tennessee.
3. What’s the biggest waterfall in Tennessee?
Located on the east of the Rocky Mountains, Fall Creek Falls is the biggest or highest waterfall in Tennessee. The waterfall plunges from 256 feet and drops into a shaded pool.
4. What is the tallest cave waterfall in Tennessee?
Plunging from 145 foot into a cavern, Ruby Falls is the tallest and deepest underground cave waterfall in the U.S. The waterfall is situated inside Lookout Mountain and was first discovered in 1928.
