Best Waterfalls Near Nashville TN United States
Best Waterfalls Near Nashville TN United States ,Explore the extraordinary beauty of nature’s canvas with our guide to the best waterfalls near Nashville, Tennessee, a natural spectacle in the United States that showcases a plethora of cascade offerings. Our travel platform, BearTravel, crafts an all-inclusive guide to these magnificent Nashville waterfalls, ensuring smooth exploration for all waterfall lovers. From thrill-filled adventure travel to tranquil weekend getaways, Nashville’s waterfalls present a varied array of outdoor activities. Known as a hub for music, Nashville also displays a series of awe-inspiring natural wonders, with waterfalls as the prime highlight. Experience the melodious rush of Burgess Falls, the imposing majesty of Cane Creek Falls, or the private allure of Rutledge Falls. BearTravel carefully selects these locations within Tennessee’s state parks, which offer scenic beauty and opportunities for hiking, photography, swimming, and picnicking under the falls.
Each waterfall in the Nashville area presents a remarkable spectacle, easily accessible via well-used trails or nature-carved paths, appealing to a broad spectrum of tastes. Let BearTravel guide you effortlessly through these trails to maximize your adventure. Regardless of the distance you want to cover from the parking lot or the level of adventurous ascent you’re ready for, a waterfall trail awaits your exploration. You can choose a gentle stroll towards Burgess Falls, just ¾ mile away, or brace yourself for a heart-pounding descent along a 45-degree-angle trail to Cane Creek Falls, where BearTravel promises an exceptional experience. If you’re a swimming enthusiast, don’t miss out on a dip in the serene waters of Rutledge Falls. Before you set out on your adventure, make sure to check BearTravel’s website for the latest information and to confirm current opening hours, to ensure a flawless and unforgettable Nashville waterfall journey.
Fall Creek Falls
Fall Creek Falls, the highest single plunge waterfall east of the Mississippi, crowns the Fall Creek Falls State Park. Towering over 256 feet, this East Coast waterfall’s flow is regulated by a dam. Visitors can take a short walk from the Spencer, TN parking lot to reach the waterfall, where a lookout point provides panoramic vistas of the waterfall and the captivating Cane Creek Gulf. Visitors should explore the other four waterfalls within the park, if time allows.
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Address/Location: 10821 Park Road, Spencer, TN 38585
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Best for: Hiking, Nature Photography, Scenic Views
Ideal for: Nature Lovers, Adventure Seekers, Families
Burgess Falls
Burgess Falls, a feature of Burgess Falls State Park, ranks among the most magnificent Tennessee waterfalls. Rising over 132 feet, this unique natural wonder captivates viewers and cements its place among Tennessee’s best waterfalls. Visitors can easily access the fall from the Burgess Falls parking, a simple 3/4 mile walk, and enjoy two additional waterfalls on the way. The Burgess Falls overlook provides breathtaking views, but the steep Burgess Falls hike to the waterfall’s brink enriches the overall experience.
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Address/Location: Burgess Falls State Park, 4000 Burgess Falls Drive, Sparta, TN 38583
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Best for: Hiking Trails, Waterfall Viewing
Ideal for: Nature Lovers, Adventure Seekers
Cane Creek Falls
Nestled in Fall Creek Falls State Park, Cane Creek Falls, an imposing 85-foot-high plunge waterfall, stands as a prominent feature of the Tennessee State Parks. Its unrivaled volume offers stunning views from accessible overlooks. The park, a hub for outdoor recreation, offers an exciting cable trail descent to the waterfall’s base and its breathtaking gorge. Even though the path features steep, rocky patches, a securely placed cable makes navigation easy, marking this spot as an enticing destination for waterfall hiking.
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Address/Location: Fall Creek Falls State Park, 10821 Park Road, Spencer, TN 38585
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Best for: Outdoor Recreation, Waterfall Hiking
Ideal for: Adventurous individuals, Family-friendly activities
Cummins Falls
Cummins Falls, a remarkable feature of the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River, ranks as Tennessee’s eighth-largest waterfall. This captivating spectacle, nestled in a 211-acre day-use park in Cookeville, TN, includes a popular swimming hole, especially vibrant in the summer. Hikers must navigate steep, uneven terrain to reach the waterfall and the gorge. After completing this mile to mile-and-a-half journey, visitors find the inspiring sights of Cummins Falls State Park well worth the effort.
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Address/Location: Cummins Falls State Park, 390 Cummins Falls Lane, Cookeville, TN 38501
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Best for: Hiking, Nature Photography, Swimming
Ideal for: Nature Lovers, Adventure Seekers, Families
Twin Falls
Twin Falls, nestled in Rock Island State Park, exemplifies nature’s surprising creativity, springing to life from the inadvertent damming of the Caney Fork River. This unconventional 80-foot waterfall, fueled by the Collins River, erupts from the gorge walls—defying the traditional cascade of waterfalls. A trail, friendly to beginners and part of Tennessee’s rich network of waterfall hiking trails, leads from the parking lot to this awe-inspiring sight. As you approach, the formidable presence of Twin Falls, accompanied by the surrounding gorge’s natural beauty, captures your senses. Among the park’s numerous attractions, Twin Falls stands out as a must-visit destination for outdoor adventure seekers in Tennessee.
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Address/Location: Rock Island State Park, 82 Beach Road, Rock Island, TN 38581
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Best for: Hikers, Nature lovers, Adventure seekers
Ideal for: Family outings, Nature photography, Outdoor adventure
Greeter Falls
Tennessee’s scenic wilderness, the Savage Gulf State Natural Area, hosts the captivating Greeter Falls. This remarkable site invites visitors on a half-mile journey down the Lower Falls Trail to a distinct two-tier waterfall. Against a backdrop of lush oak, hickory, and pine trees, the cascading water offers a view that justifies the short hike. While the cascade’s resonating roar draws you in, remember to pause and appreciate the surrounding tranquility. Indeed, these phenomenal views and natural charm have ranked Greeter Falls among the top-rated destinations for couples and nature lovers.
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Address/Location: Lower Falls Trail, Altamont, TN 37301
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Best for: Nature lovers, Photographers
Ideal for: Couples, Family outings
Northrup Falls
Northrup Falls, the dazzling centerpiece of Colditz Cove, reigns as one of Tennessee’s most alluring attractions within a designated 165-acre natural area. This 60-foot waterfall cascades over a picturesque rock ledge nestled within a scenic gorge along the Big Branch Creek. These falls also carry historical significance, serving as shelter for Woodland Indians in their shallow, cave-like structures over 3,000 years ago. Trekking to the falls unveils the verdant oak-hickory forest of Colditz Cove, navigable creeks, and the chance to encounter rare creatures such as the woodland jumping mouse, the smoky shrew, or the Black Mountain dusky salamander, encapsulating the spirit of state park camping.
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Address/Location: 2552 Northrup Falls Road, Jamestown, Tennessee 38556
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Best for: Hiking, Historical Exploration, Wildlife Viewing
Ideal for: History Buffs, Nature Enthusiasts, Adventurers
Foster Falls
In Tennessee’s Foster Falls Scenic Area, Foster Falls presents an awe-inspiring sight. This 60-foot waterfall dramatically cascades into a vibrant pool below, adorned with mountain laurels, azaleas, and hemlocks during warm periods. Scenic Tennessee trails guide visitors to the waterfall’s crest and a well-marked trail leads to remarkable gorge views. The site features a well-equipped campground with amenities such as a bathhouse, toilets, a picnic area, a grill, and a campfire ring.
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Address/Location: 498 Foster Falls Road, Sequatchie, TN 37374
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Best for: Hiking, Camping, Nature Photography, Picnics
Ideal for: Nature Lovers, Adventure Seekers, Families, Campers
Virgin Falls
Virgin Falls, nestled within the stunning locale of White County, impresses as a natural spectacle within its 1,157-acre preserve. This geological gem, with its distinctive underground stream that emerges from a cave, then descends dramatically from a 110-foot-high cliff into another cave, attracts enthusiasts. Advanced hikers usually complete the captivating 9-mile round-trip journey, boasting an elevation of 900 feet, between 5 to 9 hours. Despite the rigorous ascent, the rewarding view of Virgin Falls on Scotts Gulf Road is a sight to behold.
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Address/Location: 2080 Scotts Gulf Road, Sparta, Tennessee 38583
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Best for: Hiking, Nature Enthusiasts, Photography
Ideal for: Advanced Hikers, Nature Lovers
Fiery Gizzard
Lying within the vast expanse of South Cumberland State Park, the Fiery Gizzard Trail challenges hiking enthusiasts with its rugged terrain, earning its spot among the top 25 trails in the United States. This extensive path cuts through Grundy, Franklin, Marion, and Sequatchie Counties, providing a varied hiking experience. Adept hikers, usually starting from Tracy City, spend roughly five and a half hours to overcome its rocky obstacles. Yet, the breathtaking views of Foster Falls and other cascades justify every strenuous stride. From March to November, well-equipped adventurers with sturdy hiking boots and trekking poles make unforgettable memories while navigating this demanding trail.
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Address/Location: South Cumberland State Park, Tracy City, Tennessee
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Best for: Hiking enthusiasts, Adventurers, Nature lovers
Ideal for: Camping, Hiking, Outdoor Adventures
Rutledge Falls
The obscured jewel, Rutledge Falls, nestled in Tullahoma, welcomes the public on its privately-owned grounds. This 40-foot cascade originates at Crumpton Creek and flows towards Normandy Lake, serving as a cool retreat during Tennessee’s warm summers. Colorful spring wildflowers adorn the site, creating a memorable spectacle. You only need comfortable shoes to walk the short trail from the parking area to the falls. Rutledge Falls opens from dawn to dusk, permits summer swimming, and serves as a delightful picnic locale for bonding with loved ones.
Open-Close Hour: Dawn to Dusk
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Best for: Nature lovers, Picnickers
Ideal for: Family outings, Friends’ get-togethers, Couples
Piney Falls
Located within the green expanse of the Cumberland Plateau’s forest, Piney Falls impresses as an 818-acre natural landmark, marked by deep gorges, untouched old-growth forests, and one of the most spellbinding waterfalls in Tennessee. The US Department of Interior has honored these falls as a National Natural Landmark for their outstanding beauty, a distinction that only thirteen other sites in the state share. Spring transforms the forest into a vibrant tableau, with yellow wake robins, spotted geraniums, and crested irises dotting the landscape. The hike to the falls, a premier outdoor activity in Tennessee, offers breathtaking vistas of the gorges and a unique opportunity to navigate a concave ledge.
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Address/Location: Cumberland Trail State Park, 220 Park Road, Caryville, Tennessee 37714
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Best for: Hiking, Nature Enthusiasts, Flower Viewing, Photography
Ideal for: Hikers, Nature Lovers, Photographers
Ozone Falls
The breathtaking Ozone Falls, situated in the eponymous State Natural Area of Cumberland County, stands as a pinnacle of Tennessee’s natural landscapes. Cascading over 100 feet, it presents an accessible spectacle on foot. Its cinematic beauty, featured in Disney’s live-action Jungle Book, partners with the naturally crafted “rock house amphitheater” to mesmerize visitors. This 43-acre locale in Rockwood hosts a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it an economical and ideal spot for weekend retreats.
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Address/Location: Ozone Falls State Natural Area, 14563 TN-1, Rockwood, TN 97854
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Best for: Nature lovers, Movie buffs, Photographers
Ideal for: Family outings, Weekend getaways, Adventure seekers
Frequently Asked Questions about Tennessee, United States
Q: How do I get to Tennessee, United States?
A: You can fly into Nashville International Airport or Memphis International Airport, or drive through one of the interstates that run through the state such as I-40 or I-65.
Q: What is the best time of year to visit Tennessee, United States?
A: The best time to visit Tennessee is in the spring (April-June) or fall (September-November) when the weather is mild and comfortable, and the foliage is beautiful.
Q: What are some interesting facts about Tennessee, United States?
A: Tennessee is known as the “Volunteer State,” is home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and is famous for its country music heritage.
Q: What is the weather like in Tennessee, United States?
A: The climate in Tennessee is humid subtropical, with hot summers and mild winters. However, weather can vary greatly depending on location, so it’s best to check the forecast for the area you’ll be visiting.
Q: What is the language spoken in Tennessee, United States?
A: The primary language spoken in Tennessee is English. However, there are many people who speak Spanish, French, and other languages due to the state’s diverse population.
Q: What is the currency used in Tennessee, United States?
A: The currency used in Tennessee is the United States dollar (USD).
Q: What kind of food can I expect to find in Tennessee, United States?
A: Tennessee is known for its Southern cuisine, including dishes like hot chicken, barbeque, and biscuits and gravy. The state also has a growing craft beer scene.
Q: What time zone is Tennessee, United States in?
A: Tennessee is located in the Central Time Zone (CT) and Eastern Time Zone (ET).
Q: What is the electricity voltage in Tennessee, United States?
A: The voltage in Tennessee is 120V, with a frequency of 60Hz. Electrical outlets in the US use a two- or three-prong plug, so you may need an adapter if your devices have different plugs.
Q: Do I need a visa to visit Tennessee, United States?
A: If you are a citizen of a country that is part of the Visa Waiver Program, you may be eligible to visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa. If you are not eligible, you will need to apply for a visa through the US Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
