Best Waterfall Hikes in Tennessee

In Tennessee, waterfalls aren’t rare surprises, they’re world-class landmarks. From the Cumberland Plateau to the Smokies and beyond, these icons of nature are woven into the very fabric of our landscape, making for some of the best waterfall hikes on the planet.

Many of the waterfalls we treasure today were once at risk of being lost to development, subdivision, or private ownership without public access. Throughout our history, TennGreen Land Conservancy has played a transformative role for many of our state’s iconic falls.

TennGreen has worked alongside landowners, state agencies, and conservation partners to permanently protect some of Tennessee’s most iconic natural places, including waterfalls that now define entire state parks. Cummins Falls State Park exists today because TennGreen helped lead the effort to conserve the land and transfer it for public protection. At Fall Creek Falls State Park, TennGreen helped acquire critical inholdings that strengthened the park’s long-term conservation footprint. The organization has also supported protection efforts connected to Burgess Falls State Park, Virgin Falls, and many others, ensuring these landscapes remain intact for future generations.

When you stand at the base of a waterfall in Tennessee, you’re not just witnessing geology in motion. You’re experiencing the lasting impact of land protection done right. Ready? Let’s jump into the best waterfall hikes in Tennessee with TennGreen Naturalist and Director of Communications, Jon D. B., a born & raised Tennessean who’s been exploring and documenting the state’s brilliant waterfalls for over three decades.

This guide highlights some of the very best waterfall hikes across the state — organized by difficulty so you can choose your own adventure. From easy riverside strolls to rugged backcountry treks, each hike offers not only beauty, but a reminder that conservation work makes outdoor experiences like these possible.

Easy Waterfall Hikes

Great for beginners, families, or quick nature outings.

Ozone Falls Natural Area

• Waterfall: ~100-110 ft plunge fall
• Trail Length: ~0.3–0.5 mi round-trip
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlight: Short, family-friendly walk right to a dramatic waterfall plunge basin near Crossville that leads to the top of the falls. Access to the bottom is also easy for those ready for light rock scrambling. Gorgeous scenery surrounding this iconic waterfall made famous by Disney’s first live action Jungle Book film.
• Tips: Great quick stop on a road trip or introductory hike for kids.
• More Info: https://www.tn.gov/environment/program-areas/na-natural-areas/natural-areas-east-region/east-region-/na-na-ozone-falls.html

Twin Falls & Downstream Trail — Rock Island

• Park: Rock Island State Park
• Waterfall: Twin Falls (~80 ft) & scenic river cascades
• Trail: Downstream Trail (~1.5–1.7 mi loop)
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (mostly easy terrain)
• Highlight: Spectacular view of Twin Falls (one of the most impressive waterfall systems in the Southeast) close to parking; Downstream Trail adds river views and additional cascades, plus fantastic rock and gorge formations.
• Note: Trail offers gentle scenic hiking and optional water views.
• More Info: https://tnstateparks.com/parks/rock-island

Old Stone Fort Waterfall Hikes

• Location: Manchester, TN
• Trail Length: ~1.3–3.1 mi (various short loop options)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: Multiple cascading waterfalls and scenic views amid shaded forest trails. Features ancient Indigenous American earthwork sites and interpretive signage. Includes Big Falls (pictured above) and some of the Duck River system’s most brilliant natural features.
• Why visit: Ideal for all ages and fitness levels; combines waterfalls with fascinating history.
• More Info: https://tnstateparks.com/parks/old-stone-fort

Narrows Tunnel Trail — Harpeth River

• Waterfall: Narrows waterfall (historic tunnel + river scenery)
• Trail Length: ~0.25 mi
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlight: Historic hand-carved tunnel and scenic river gorge waterfall near Nashville; great choice for a quick hike with water views. Also easily accessible by kayak in the Narrows of the Harpeth.
• Uniqueness: Aside from critical Tennessee history (enslaved peoples built this tunnel and surrounding communities), this is one of the oldest tunnel structures in North America and one of the only extant examples of a waterfall emerging from a rock tunnel known.
• More Info: https://tnstateparks.com/parks/harpeth-river

Moderate Waterfall Hikes

Perfect for a full half-day in nature with rewarding views.

Fall Creek Falls State Park Waterfall Trails

• Park: Fall Creek Falls State Park
• Waterfalls: Fall Creek Falls (256 ft), Cane Creek Falls, Rockhouse Falls, Piney Creek Falls, etc.
• Trail Length: Multiple waterfall hikes from ~0.4 mi to ~3+ mi loops (many trails).
• Difficulty: Moderate overall (varied options)
• Highlight: One of the most waterfall-rich parks in the state — Fall Creek Falls (256 ft) is among the tallest east of the Mississippi. Hiking to the overlook is easy, but access to the gorge/canyon and base of the falls requires traveling down into, then up out of, steep rocky terrain.
• Conservation Note: TennGreen helped acquire key inholdings that enabled expanded public access and protection of this iconic park.
• More Info: https://tnstateparks.com/parks/fall-creek-falls

Burgess Falls State Park Trail Loop

• Park: Burgess Falls State Park
• Waterfalls: Four waterfalls culminating in the 136 ft Burgess Falls
• Trail Length: ~1.5 mi loop
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlight: Series of cascades along the Falling Water River ending in a dramatic waterfall drop into a limestone gorge. Trails in the state park lead down the Burgess Falls system to the top of the main waterfall, but please note that views from the bottom are typically only accessed by kayaking.
• Conservation Note: The Burgess Falls area was protected thanks to local conservation advocacy, leading to its state park designation with canal of natural area protections.
• More Info: https://tnstateparks.com/parks/burgess-falls

Denny Cove Falls

• Location: South Cumberland State Park (near Jasper, TN)
• Waterfall Height: ~70 ft seasonal cascade into a shallow pool
• Trail Length: ~2.7 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain: ~325 – 364 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate – Includes some rock scrambling and uneven terrain both ways, especially in waterfall sections
• Trailhead: Denny Cove Climbers Parking (off US-41 south of Foster Falls), South Cumberland State Park
• Highlight: A hidden gem waterfall tucked into a scenic sandstone cove with towering bluffs, forested paths, and dramatic rock formations. Best experienced after recent rainfall (winter/spring) when water flow is strongest.
• Why Visit: This trail is less crowded than nearby Foster Falls, offering a quieter experience and beautiful cascading views in a tucked-away setting.
• Multi-use Notes: The Denny Cove area is also popular with rock climbers thanks to the extensive sandstone cliff lines; hikers may encounter climbing access trails along the route.
• Trail Info & Directions: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/denny-cove-waterfall-trail?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Spruce Flats Falls – Tremont

• Park: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Waterfall Height: ~30 ft multi-tiered cascades into a pool
• Trail Length: ~1.4 – 2.0 miles round-trip (varies by route)
• Elevation Gain: ~400 – 500 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate (shorter hike but with steep/rocky sections)
• Trailhead: Lumber Ridge Trailhead near Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont
• Highlight: A lesser-known but rewarding waterfall hike tucked in the Tremont area, where water tumbles down layered rock into a scenic pool — perfect for photos and short rests, and often quieter than more popular Smokies waterfalls.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall when water flow is higher; summer offers shade and cool pool areas near the base.
• Official Park Info: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/index.htm

Cummins Falls State Park — Gorge Trail & Overlook

• Waterfall: Cummins Falls — 75 ft plunge into a pool
• Trail Length: ~1.5–3 mi round-trip (varies by route)
• Difficulty: Overlook is Easy – Gorge Trail is Moderate+
• Highlight: One of Tennessee’s most beloved waterfalls and swimming holes; dramatic plunge pool and gorge views. Impressive, scenic canyon with large cascading waterfall system.
• Conservation Note: TennGreen was instrumental in protecting this property and its designation as a state park, preserving critical river corridor habitat and recreational access.
• Permits: Gorge Access Permits required for base access; overlook trail is universally accessible.
• More Info: https://tnstateparks.com/parks/cummins-falls

Strenuous Waterfall Hikes

For seasoned hikers and waterfall chasers ready for a full adventure.

Virgin Falls at Scott’s Gulf

• Waterfalls: Big Branch Falls, Sheep Cave Falls, Big Laurel Falls, Virgin Falls (~110 ft)
• Trail Length: ~8–9+ mi loop
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Highlight: Multiple waterfalls on a rugged backcountry trail; Virgin Falls dramatically emerges from a cave and disappears underground. This one-of-a-kind geological wonder belongs on any waterfall hiker’s bucket list.
• Conservation Note: This wilderness area’s protection was supported by TennGreen and land trust partnerships preserving plateau backcountry habitat and watercourses.
• More Info: https://tnstateparks.com/parks/virgin-falls

Machine Falls at Short Springs

• Location: Short Springs State Natural Area — near Tullahoma, TN
• Waterfall Height: ~60 ft tiered cascade
• Trail Length: ~4.0–5.0 miles round-trip (using longer connector loops rather than the direct spur)
• Elevation Gain: ~500–700 ft cumulative (rolling terrain with steep sections)
• Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous (when completed as an extended loop)
• Trailhead: Short Springs Natural Area Trailhead (Machine Falls Trail)
• Highlight: Machine Falls is one of Middle Tennessee’s most picturesque waterfalls — a broad, multi-tiered cascade spilling into a rock amphitheater surrounded by mossy bluff walls.
• Best Time to Visit: Late winter through spring for strongest flow. The waterfall can be reduced during dry summer months.
• More Info: https://www.tn.gov/environment/program-areas/na-natural-areas/natural-areas-east-region/east-region/short-springs.html

Fiery Gizzard Trail — Foster Falls to Raven Point (Optional Waterfall Sections)

• Water Features: Waterfall access near Foster Falls section of trail (creek cascades)
• Trail Length: ~12.5 mi total (varied segment hikes possible)
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Highlight: One of Tennessee’s most celebrated trails with rugged terrain, dramatic rock formations, forest scenery, and riverside cascades. Fiery Gizzard became a standalone state park in 2025, a well-deserved distinction that will help highlight the phenomenal landscapes, geology, and water features within – including Foster Falls.
• More Info: https://alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/fiery-gizzard-trail

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Honorable Mention: Bald River Falls & Gorge

• Location: Cherokee National Forest — near Tellico Plains, TN
• Waterfall Height: ~90 ft spectacular drop over a broad rock ledge into the gorge below
• Trail Options: ~5.6 miles one-way following the Bald River Gorge (optional out-&-back hike) or, for a super easy experience, head for the parking area at the newly reconstructed bridge where you can enjoy a brief walk and excellent view of Bald River Falls.
• Difficulty: Easy scenic viewing at the bridge / Moderate to Strenuous if hiking farther up the gorge
• Highlight: One of the most dramatic roadside waterfall views in Tennessee that is, for this naturalist’s money, the most beautiful in the state. Bald River Falls is often photographed from its overlook and now offers a widened, safe viewing platform on the newly rebuilt Bald River Falls Bridge.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall for flowing water and lush forest scenery; fall also brings striking foliage colors.
• Why It’s Worth Mentioning: Bald River Falls stands apart from more traditional “hiking to a waterfall” entries because it’s one of the most accessible big waterfalls in East Tennessee — you can experience dramatic canyon scenery in minutes from your car, or choose a longer wilderness hike to explore the river further.
• More Info & Planning:
  • Cherokee National Forest Bald River Falls — https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cherokee/recarea/?recid=28442
  • Bald River Gorge Trail (#88) hiking info — https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cherokee/recarea/?recid=28510

*Tips for Waterfall Hikes:

• Trail planning: Always check weather and park alerts; waterfalls can be dangerous after rain due to flash flooding.
• Permits & rules: Some parks — like Cummins Falls — require gorge access permits for certain areas; check official state parks pages before you hike.
• Safety: Wear sturdy footwear on rocky, wet terrain, and follow posted safety guidelines.
• Seasonal tips: Spring and early summer typically offer the best waterfall flow in most regions.

Why Protecting Waterfalls Matters

Waterfalls capture our attention. But what they represent runs deeper.

Every waterfall begins as a protected stream corridor upstream. Every dramatic gorge depends on intact forest above it, and every plunge pool reflects the health of an entire watershed. When land around these places is fragmented or developed, the waterfall itself can suffer — through erosion, pollution, reduced water quality, or loss of habitat.

That’s why conservation doesn’t stop at the overlook.

Through strategic land acquisition, conservation easements, and partnerships with the State of Tennessee, TennGreen Land Conservancy has helped ensure that some of Tennessee’s most beloved waterfall landscapes remain wild, accessible, and ecologically intact.

These efforts ripple outward. Protected lands preserve water quality, support rural economies through outdoor recreation, and give families a place to build lifelong memories.

As you explore the waterfall hikes in this guide, whether it’s an easy walk at Old Stone Fort or a challenging backcountry trek through Fiery Gizzard, know that conservation is what keeps these experiences possible.

Thank you for doing your part to keep Tennessee beautiful. We’ll see you out on the trails!