In close proximity of the Nashville area, there are many waterfalls offering great hiking opportunities along with multiple summer activities for groups and families to enjoy. Most of these waterfall hiking trails are free to the public, and are packed with dozens of fun activities. Also, most of these Tennessee waterfall hikes are easy to complete. So, read on and plan your next family trip to these natural stunners in this summertime.
1. Rutledge Falls
Distance from Nashville: 70.3 Miles
Address: 1276 Rutledge Falls Rd, Tullahoma, TN 37388
Entry Fee: No entry charge is required
Swimming Allowed: Yes
Hiking Length: 0.3-Mile Out-and-Back Trail
Rutledge Falls Trail is some of the most popular and easiest trails in this list. It could be your perfect day trip destination with family. The hike goes with the elevation of 22 feet. Also, the waterfall is located inside a private property. So, be careful while enjoying the hike. Moreover, you’ll find many posted guidance along the path to help you find the falls without any challenges.
Except hiking and swimming, picnic is another activity to make this family outing more gleeful! Open from dawn to dusk, the exploration of the area will take you on a trip beyond the earth! Unfortunately, camping is not permitted here.
2. Cummins Falls
Distance from Nashville: 82.4 Miles
Location: Cummins Falls State Park in Southern Jackson County, TN
Entry Fee: Free
Swimming Allowed: Yes
Hiking Length: 1-Mile Trail
With the elevation of 75 feet, Cummins Falls hike offers a moderately challenging route. This distinctive Middle Tennessee waterfall is the eighth largest waterfall in water volume in the state. Reaching to the base pool is a strenuous job, and requires rock climbing and wading through water.
3. Foster Falls
Distance from Nashville: 102.9 Miles
Location: Near Tracy City, and 45 minutes from Chattanooga
Entry Fee: Free
Swimming Allowed: Yes
Hiking Length: A Half Mile Hike, But Steep at Points
Foster Falls hike is another easy hike that keeps enthralled to the nature lovers at every step! The 60-foot waterfall is a popular family friendly attraction for its convenient location, and the trail needs just 20 minutes to complete the hike and to reach atop the falls. From the highest point, an easy trail takes visitors to the awaited reward! A deep swimming pool with cool and refreshing water.
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4. Horsehair Falls
Distance from Nashville: 114.6 Miles
Location: Sequatchie, TN
Entry Fee: Free
Swimming Allowed: Yes
Hiking Length: 1-Mile Round Trip
Horsehair Falls is located very close to Foster Falls. Visitors usually cover this waterfall when they’re hiking the more stunning Foster Falls. Start the hike from the Foster Falls overlook, it will lead you to the beautiful vistas of both the waterfalls.
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5. Greeter Falls
Distance from Nashville: 91.7 Miles
Location: Altamont, TN
Entry Fee: Free
Swimming Allowed: Yes
Hiking Length: 3.2-Mile Loop Trail
Greeter Falls hike is also an easy hike, taking 35 to 40 minutes to complete the scenic trail. Located in Savage Gulf State Park, Greeter Falls plunges from 50-foot height and into a deep pool, offering visitors a great swimming area to dip in and enjoy the beautiful landscape that are surrounding the terrain.
Also Read: Best Beaches To Explore in Nashville, Tennessee.
6. Great Falls
Distance from Nashville: 90.5 Miles
Location: Rock Island State Park
Entry Fee: There Is an Entrance Fee When Entering The Park
Swimming Allowed: Yes
Hiking Length: Great Falls are easily viewable from the edge of the parking area, also there are multiple hiking trails available.
The 30-foot-tall and the original waterfall in the Rock Island State Park area, Great Falls hike is suitable for all ages, and it is a relatively easy hike. The upstream trail takes the visitors to the most scenic part of the area.
7. Fiery Gizzard Trail
Distance from Nashville: 97.2 Miles
Location: Grundy Forest State Natural Area At South Cumberland State Park
Entry Fee: Free
Swimming Allowed: Yes
Hiking Length: 9.6-Mile Loop Trail
Considered as one of the 25 best hiking trails in the US, the Fiery Gizzard Trail is popular for offering not only stunning waterfalls and the Blue Hole, a perfect swimming place, but the trail also includes several scenic views, amazing rock formations and thick hemlock forest when hiking the trail.
Starting the hike from the Grundy Forest State Natural Area Picnic Shelter and covering just 500 feet, visitors can explore a pretty 20-foot waterfall. Adventurous souls could hike further half mile down the walk to experience and enjoy the Little and Big Fiery Gizzard Creek along with three swimming holes, two with waterfalls.
Also read: Best Parks You Must Visit in Nashville.
8. Ozone Falls
Distance from Nashville: 125.7 Miles
Location: Near Crab Orchard, TN
Entry Fee: Free
Swimming Allowed: Yes
Hiking Length: 0.3-Mile Out-and Back Trail
Plunging from 110-foot-height, Ozone Falls hike is a moderately challenging route, and, to reach the base of the waterfall, there are slippery, steep and rocky hikes to overcome, and the length is approximately 1/4-mile. To make the view of this waterflow super easy and not strenuous at all, just hike 100 yards to reach the brink of the waterfall from the trailhead.
9. Northrup Falls
Distance from Nashville: Approximately 129.8 Miles
Location: Colditz Cove State Natural Area, Two Miles East of Allardt, Fentress County, TN
Entry Fee: Free
Swimming Allowed: Yes
Hiking Length: 1.4-Mile Loop Trail
Again, Northrup Falls hike is considered a moderately challenging route, taking an average of 31 minutes to complete. Open year-round, this is an ideal trail for hiking, walking, birding and nature exploration.
10. Fall Creek Falls
Distance from Nashville: 108.5 Miles
Location: Fall Creek Falls State Park
Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee
Swimming Allowed: Yes, there are several places for swimming fun
Hiking Length: 2.6-Mile Out-and-Back Trail
Fall Creek Falls waterfall hike is usually an easy hike, but little difficult at times. The trail provides stunning views of the terrain along with the nearby gorge and it takes an average of 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete.
FAQs
1. What is the biggest waterfall near Nashville?
Fall Creek Falls in Fall Creek Falls State Park is one of the highest and biggest waterfalls in the eastern United States. The falls plunges from 256 feet and into a shaded pool.
2. How long of a walk is Ozone Falls?
Located near Crab Orchard in Tennessee, Ozone Falls hike is a moderately challenging route and visitors need to cover 0.3-mile out-and-back trail. The area is quite popular for hiking and walking.
3. Is Fiery Gizzard Trail a loop?
Yes, Fiery Gizzard Trail is a 9.6-mile loop trail, and it takes an average of 4 hours to complete the entire hike.
