Beautiful natural experiences tend to be the calling card of the Volunteer State. Whether you’re looking to kayak down a river or hike to the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains, the best place to do it is right here in Tennessee. With your sunny-day adventures in mind, we’ve put together a quick list of easy-access waterfalls in Tennessee that are bound to up the ante on your hikes. Learn more about these gorgeous natural highlights below, and perhaps plan a trip for yourself. There’s no time like the present, right? Right. These are some of the best falls in the entire state.

1. Twin Falls, Rock Island State Park

Rock Island State Park, 82 Beach Rd, Rock Island, TN 38581, USA
Brent Moore - Flickr
Rock Island State Park is the home of Twin Falls, a perennial waterfall that boasts gushing streams of water no matter when you visit. The trail, which is one of the best waterfall hikes in Tennessee, is short and sweet and the views are well worth the effort. Rock Island State Park itself contains 883 acres of land, so the adventure can continue all day long. This incredible waterfall in Tennessee is like something out of a dream.

2. Cummins Falls, Cummins Falls State Park

Cummins Falls, Tennessee 38501, USA
Michael Hicks - Flickr
Cummins Falls State Park is perhaps one of the most popular spots to visit for Nashvillians and Middle Tennessee folk alike. The 75-foot-tall waterfall has a famed swimming hole at its foot, and the short mile-long hike to the falls is easy and well-trafficked. If you're looking for easy-access waterfalls, this one is definitely at the top of the list!

3. Burgess Falls, Burgess Falls State Park

Burgess Falls, Tennessee 38544, USA
Steve Harwood - Flickr
Burgess Falls is located in the aptly named Burgess Falls State Park and can be found in Sparta, Tennessee. The hike is a bit more challenging than the others on this list, but at only 1.5 miles it's worth the trek. You'll see four different waterfalls along the hike, including the famed Burgess Falls.

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4. Lower Greeter Falls, Savage Gulf State Park

Greeter Falls Waterfall, Overlook, Altamont, TN 37301, USA
Tim Lumley - Flickr
Make sure you hike the Greeter Falls Loop Waterfall Hike, which is one of the best waterfall hikes in Altamont, TN. Even if you're not really into hiking, this is a good one. The short loop shows off a swimming hole and three different waterfalls in Savage Gulf State Park.

5. Foster Falls, South Cumberland State Park

Foster Falls, Tennessee 37374, USA
Derek Bruff - Flickr
You can find the famed and beautiful Foster Falls in Sequatchie, Tennessee, and the hike is just over half a mile. The massive waterfall has a beautiful swimming hole at its foot, and you get to cross a swinging bridge before you reach the falls. It's truly a magical experience! This is a short and sweet hike in Tennessee that we think you'll love.

6. Fall Creek Falls, Fall Creek Falls State Park

Fall Creek Falls, Tennessee 37367, USA
Kevin Wood - Flickr
Fall Creek Falls State Park is home to the aptly named Fall Creek Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the southeast. Fall Creek Falls is roughly 256 feet tall, and highly recommend hiking to the base of this waterfall. Be aware that it is also one of the most popular hiking trails with waterfalls in Tennessee, so plan your visit accordingly.

If you’re intent on finding some of the best waterfalls in Tennessee, we hope this list helps. Have you been to any of these waterfalls? Which were your favorites? Do you know of any waterfalls you can drive to in the state? We’d love to see your photos and hear about your experiences there. One of the best apps to have to navigate your way around while hiking is the AllTrails+ app we use it on every trip and would suggest to give it a try yourself.

There’s more fun to be had in Tennessee, folks! One example is the beautiful Pogue Creek Canyon where you can enjoy stunning rock features and awesome views.

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Waterfalls Near Me

Tori Jane | April 10, 2022

What are some of the best hiking trails with waterfalls in Tennessee?  

Some of the best hiking trails with waterfalls in Tennessee include the following:

 

How many waterfalls in Tennessee are there? 

Tennessee appears to be home to more than 800 waterfalls. Many of the state's more than 57 state parks contain one or more (usually more) waterfalls, and the state and National Forests do as well. Fall Creek Falls is the tallest waterfall in the state, at an impressive 256 feet-plus in height. It’s one of the most-visited waterfalls in Tennessee. Other waterfalls of note in Tennessee include Caney Creek Falls, Piney Falls, Great Falls, Twin Falls, and Burgess Falls.

Where can I find some kid-friendly hikes in Tennessee? 

Some of the best kid-friendly hikes in Tennessee are located in the Nashville area. There's the easy half-mile loop called the Limestone Sinks Trail. Located in Cedars of Lebanon State Park the trail is beautiful, and the kids will love checking out the impressive rock formations along the way.

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