4.0Ruby Falls(7.160 reviews) - Great long hike. Saturday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Caverns & Caves • Waterfalls
ADVENTURE AWAITS! Ruby Falls is the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States. Take a guided Classic Waterfall Tour, Lantern Tour or Extended Cavern Experience Tour along the scenic cavern trail to the breathtaking waterfall. See ancient geological formations, millions of years in the making, and learn about the cave's storied history. Enjoy extensive views of the Tennessee Valley, Cumberland Plateau and the Tennessee River from scenic overlooks and Lookout Mountain Tower. There is always something new to discover at this national treasure! Tours fill quickly, purchase tickets in advance online for best availability.See more..
4.5Laurel Falls(1.571 reviews) - A family friendly hike Spent 2-3 hours Waterfalls
This was an easy hike for a family. The whole trail is paved. We went on a Wednesday before 10 which made it less people filled. When we drove past it on Friday, there were a ton of cars. You can go beyond the falls, which is pretty but we didn’t see much else.See more..
4.5Fall Creek Falls(711 reviews) - Luxury at a TN state park Spent More than 3 hours Waterfalls
Fall Creek Falls, at 256 feet, is one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States. Other waterfalls within the park include Piney Falls, Cane Creek Falls and Cane Creek Cascades. With more than 26000 acres of streams, waterfalls, natural hardwoods, cascades, and gorges to explore, this is the largest and most popular state park in Tennessee. This expansive park has cabins for rent and well over 200 campsites to choose from. Day use trails and a few long 24/7 trails are available to fit the adventure seeking of each visitor. More information on this park and many more can be found at the TN State Parks website.See more..
The 5 mile hike to the waterfall was a beautiful way to spend a sunny Autumn afternoon! The trail is rated as moderate, so brink a good pair of walking or hiking shoes. The waterfall at the end is beautiful. There are restrooms at the trail’s entrance. Be aware the roads getting in and out of the trail become congested and take some time to navigate.See more..
4.5Burgess Falls State Park(486 reviews) - Great with kids - a few things to consider… Spent 2-3 hours State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Waterfalls
This park contains 4 breathtaking waterfalls as well as fishing and picnic areas. Also included is a round trip, moderately strenuous hike of about a mile and a half, and a butterfly garden very close by. More information on this park and many more can be found at the TN State Parks website.See more..
5.0Bald River Falls(379 reviews) - Perfect Sunday Afternoon Waterfalls
My Wife, our daughter and Mother ventured out for an afternoon outing, we decided on this area and wasn’t disappointed! The Cherokee National Forest is great and the river and falls are beautiful. We had rains the last several days and the falls were beautiful and flowing. The area and charm was relaxing and casual. Our day was a fun and amazing day for the books, can’t go wrong in this area for many outdoor activities~ Highly Recommend visiting.... Hiking, Fishing and Picnics. See more..
4.5Cataract Falls(339 reviews) - Easy trail for all ages + great way to start the day Waterfalls
This is a great hiking trail for beginners, anyone with small children, a jogging stroller, or who has to go a little slower due to age or an injury. It’s less than a mile round trip to see the waterfall and the babbling brook along the way is beautiful and calming. We came on a Wednesday morning at 9:30am and there was plenty of parking at the Sugarlands Visitor Center (where the trail starts) and barely anyone around.See more..
4.5Rock Island State Park(329 reviews) - Beautiful Cascading Falls Saturday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Waterfalls
This park is known for its cascading waterfalls and beautiful water. This park is great for fishing, but it is recommended that swimmers be weary of the dam, and waters of unknown depths due to possible deadly currents. Some of the nicest TNStatePark cabins available are in this park, along with many camping sites. Picnicking and freestyle kayaking are also enjoyed at this park. More information on this park and many more can be found at the TN State Parks website.See more..
The first stop of our trip and it did not disappoint. We drove 2 hours from gatlinburg to view this gem and it was well worth it. The view from the top of the falls was gorgeous. The hike down to the falls took about 10 minutes and was a little tricky with all the slippery rocks so definitely wear hiking shoes. There’s a small pool of water you can swim in at the bottom which is very cold yet refreshing. Take some time to relax on the boulders and take it all in! Get there early around 8 if you want to be the only ones there as we were.See more..
Hard hike, especially the second half, but the view at the end is absolutely worth it! One of my favorite hikes in the smokies. Would love to do it again. Note that it's a little difficult to get to the trailhead parking since you have to travel on a narrow gravel road for about 3 miles. You can make it to the trailhead just fine in a car, but it would be easier if you had a truck or SUV to use instead.See more..
4.5The Sinks(164 reviews) - Short Waterfall with Huge Water Flow from Little River Waterfalls
My husband and I stopped at this waterfall around 7:30am on our drive to Cades Cove. Only two other vehicles were there in the small parking lot. A huge amount of water flowed down Little River to create this short waterfall. There are sign boards to read about The Sinks at the viewing area. There is a short walk up stairs that lead to a cliff where you can see the water from above. Also, we stopped to view this on our return drive from Cades Cove in the early afternoon. Several vehicles and more people were there this time.See more..
This was not a difficult or long hike, but it was quite enjoyable. It is a bit off of the beaten path, so it wasn’t as crowded as some other areas. Follow the signs for the Tremont Institute. When we visited, the small parking area near the institute was closed off, but there was a parking area to the right just before you’d make a left turn to go to the institute. Once we went past the institute gate, there were traffic cones with signs pointing in the direction of the hike. The falls were very pretty. There were plenty of rocks to sit on to enjoy the view of the falls. See more..
4.5Rutledge Falls(124 reviews) - Close to Nashville, easy access, beautiful! Waterfalls
Beautiful falls, a short walk from parking to seeing the falls. I would definitely wear water shoes to avoid slipping on the rocks. Water is clear and cold. Best to play in or hike in on a very hot day. You can also just take pictures and hike along the edge of the river without getting wet if you just want to check it out. I went there with my wife to check it out and will bring our four kids there on a family trip next week to hike the river and play in the falls.See more..
4.5Blue Hole Falls(82 reviews) - Beautiful Little Fall Spent 1-2 hours Waterfalls
Do not miss this freebie. Stunningly beautiful, one of the best I've seen. Romance is in the air. The parking is not clearly marked, and the short path leading to the fall is full of tree roots so be careful. But once you get there inner contentment you'll find. The path leading to the overlook is a must see also, not as heavily traveled, and about half the distance. Take your camera, you'll need it.See more..
Gorgeous waterfall at the end of a 1.5 mile hike. The majority of the hike is fairly easy with the last bit being a bit more challenging. I have heard and seen photos of the waterfall being nearly dried up so I would advise that one go in the winter or spring versus in the summer. I do not know why anyone would say the trail is poorly marked, there are maps at the car park and then signage along the way the blaze markings on trees to keep you headed the correct way (look for light blue). One note of warning the roadway from the West involves a steep drive up a fairly rudimentary road so be prepared for a slow journey and be aware of oncoming traffic. Otherwise this is a good trip to a beautiful waterfall. Note that parking requires a $3 day use fee and you have to use an app to pay it.See more..
4.5Baby Falls(48 reviews) - Very Nice Falls Waterfalls
What a blessing it is living in Blue Ridge and being able to enjoy waterfalls everywhere. This one is a little over an hour from our location and is worth the trip to see both Bald River and Baby Falls. It was a rainy and kinda gloomy day but seeing these falls made the day much more enjoyable. What I love about living here is that every season gives a new and special view of places like this.See more..
4.5Margarette Falls(42 reviews) - Margarette Falls is Marvelous Waterfalls
2.7 hike out and back. The hike up to the metal bridge (halfway point) is fairly standard. After the metal bridge, the trail turns primarily to rocks/boulders. Still a doable and moderate hike but may be difficult for the elderly/handicapable. Important to pay attention to your footing...would not recommend on a rainy day as rocks would be slick. However, the end result is always worth the journey! LOVELY falls! We had it all to ourselves last weekend! Would love to go back in the summer when we could actually get in the water and little wading pools along the way. Very scenic and peaceful! Highly recommend!See more..
I love this place. Unlike Bald River Falls there’s very little traffic or people. Nice place to bring lunch and your dog in hot humid August! Be careful walking. I broke my wrist soon after coming out of this fall ouch! This photo was taken in 2015. RIP Cowboy!See more..
4.5Elrod Falls(30 reviews) - Large waterfall that's not crowded Waterfalls
Large waterfall with a short walk to view it. There is also swimming holes right in front of it. Trash in the parking area needs to be emptied more frequently, but other than that a wonderful experience. Lots of parking and picnic tables (although the picnic tables do not have a waterfall view).See more..
4.0Cane Creek Falls(24 reviews) - Awesome place to visit Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent < 1 hour Waterfalls
Cane Creek Falls is located on private property. Limited viewing is available only when registered guests are not on site, and then only from 9am-5pm. For camper safety, Glisson Camp & Retreat Center is entirely closed to the public from May 1st to August 1st while Summer Camp is in session. During Retreat season, August to April, we host groups on most weekends and many weekdays.See more..
5.0Charit Creek(24 reviews) - well worth it to hike to Charit Creek Waterfalls
A remote area accessible only by horseback.See more..
I have been going to Backbone Rock for years and had no idea there was even a waterfall there!! Fortunately, one of my hiking websites had a listing for it. It turns out, the waterfall is on the opposite side of the road and down the street from the main parking lot where I usually hike. There is a fence with a marker that says Backbone Falls. If you go to the end of the fence, you'll see a small cascade and steps going up. Take the steps about halfway up, and you'll see the waterfall. You can walk down to the water, but you need to watch your step since it can be very slick. I would definitely do this one again!See more..
This is a must stop if in the area, it is on the Natchez Trace Parkway. It has restroom facilities that are very clean. The path down to the falls are paved, so it makes easy walking. No strollers or wheelchairs though, because there are some steps. This waterfall was flowing strong because there was a lot of rain in the area when we went. I highly recommend stopping here, there is a bench at the bottom, sit a while and enjoy the falls.See more..
If you are reading this review with a Twinkie in your hand this hike is not for you. We hiked to the main falls in about 3 hours with a 50 lb pack. The hike is full of ups and downs with large rocky steps. Don't be a sissy and stop halfway at the large cave laurel falls. It's a good resting spot but your almost there. Bring a tent, bedding,water and food so you can stay overnight. You will have the falls to yourselves. Climb to the top and go back into the cave the water comes out of. Feels like an a/c unit. Stretch a hammock across the trees in front of the falls. This place is great but you got to earn it. There are places to build a fire and spots to camp at top but we slept at the bottom because it's 15 degrees cooler.See more..
4.5Piney Creek Falls(15 reviews) - Breathtaking views, under the falls. Spent 1-2 hours Waterfalls
The falls were extremely beautiful. When my husband and I started our hike, it was fairly simple. When we got to the sign for the loop, we took it right and were extremely grateful. Partly because it was marked better than the signs going left, but also, it was much easier to traverse down to go under the falls than it would have been to go up. Although the hike wasn't easy, more like moderate, it was completely worth it. We were able to go underneath the falls and take the falls in from that stand point. I will attach some pictures, but the falls were absolutely astonishing. Of all the falls we went to visit in the area, this was by far the best experience and scenery.See more..
The hike is .7 miles to the bottom of the falls. This is where you will get the best view. Not much wind, a little bit of mosquitoes, but not too bad. This is a great hike for kids, couples, groups, really anyone. Enjoy! See more..
This was the highlight of our trip. We enjoyed the hike and waterfall so much that we went twice on our recent vacation. There are two different parking lots and hikes to the waterfall, we did both. The Laurel Falls Trailhead is moderate and about 5.5 miles. The Dennis Cove AT Trailhead hike is about 3.7 miles, starts out pretty easy and flat but ends with a long stretch of stone stairs. The waterfall was beautiful and definitely worth the effort. See more..
Was really nice, beautiful views, took some great pictures with fall leaves. It’s a nice quick hike, took longer hanging out where the fall dropped and where along the creek where the kids played. There are no railings so make sure little ones are close by and holding hands near the waterfall and the overlook. Your at the top Of the fall so it’s hard to see it when you look down. It was a nice drive to get to as well.See more..
Did not know about these falls when I did my trip planning but then saw in the scenic byways guide we would go right past it on our way to Sunset Rock. My wife is a real wildcat- by alma mater and in bed- so we had to stop. It had been storming for a couple days so the falls were really flowing. There is a highway sign and plenty of parking on the uphill side of hwy 70. If you miss it, turn around when safe and go back. I wouldn't attempt to do what some others have suggested and walk from Sunset Rock although it's not that far because it is too dangerous with all the traffic.See more..
Beautiful views and waterfalls on these moderate to difficult trails. Wear proper footwear. Some slippery areas, especially after a rain. There is a bathroom at the trailhead. There is a gravel parking area with enough room for several cars.See more..
Beautiful hike with small waterfalls on the way down since the area recently had a lot of rain. Worth the hike! See more..
5.0Piney Falls State Natural Area(2 reviews) - Wonderful waterfall and short trail Hiking Trails • Forests • Waterfalls This place is such a gem! Since different hikers see things differently, I'll disagree with another review here and recommend taking the left fork in order to make the steep portion uphill rather than downhill. The cables make this easier in to climb up rather than down. In any case, the trail is less than 2 miles but you'll need about two hours to enjoy being up close to the falls - and for a side trip off the trail to the smaller falls slightly downstream. This trail is easy to get to and pretty well marked. The steep portion and the upper creek crossing on the rocks makes this trail just slightly difficult, with most of the trail easy - to - moderate. There may be other reviews showing this trail in a different location, but Grandview is correct. Firetower Rd is between Grandview and Spring City.See more..
We were purposefully looking for a shorter and easier pathway with some good scenery since we were including my 87 year old (very good health) mom for our Sunday outing. The reviews indicated that this stop along the Natchez Trace Parkway good fit the bill. We were not disappointed. Although we didn’t venture all the way to the bottom of the pathway/ravine — there was plenty to see and hear at the midway point without placing anyone in danger. No picnic tables, trash cans nor rest rooms. Just well marked parking and quick access to the trail head. See more..
