Time truly is a thief. It seems that before you know it, spring fades to summer quicker than any of us dare hope. While you can chase waterfalls all year long, the spring and summer months are the best times to search for “waterfalls near me” and check out the inspiring views! So, we thought finding a couple of day trips for those long summer days would be a perfect adventure. We’ve found several waterfalls within two hours of Music City, giving you AND your weekends the gift of a quick trip. So, let’s get packing and get out to see some of the best waterfall hikes near Nashville.

Yep. You’re welcome.

1) Burgess Falls - Sparta
Burgess Falls State Park, 4000 Burgess Falls Dr, Sparta, TN 38583, USA
Steve Harwood/Flickr
Located in Burgess Falls State Park, this Putnam and White County stunner is popular among the young folk during the summer months. Take this trail for some of the best views of the waterfall.
2) Twin Falls - Rock Island
J. Stephen Conn/ Flickr
You've seen these falls on your Instagram feed and you've been jealous of this absolute wall of water for ages. It's only a hot second out of the city — a romantic date day, maybe? The best way to see the falls is to take the Twin Falls and Downstream Trail.
3) Savage Falls - Monteagle
Brandon Thomas/ Alltrails
This gorgeous state park is located near Chattanooga, and Savage Falls is a sweet little reprieve from the expansive forest. You can learn more about this waterfall hike near Nashville and the surrounding area in our article about this magical bridge trail. If you need help finding your way, check out this handy map of the trail.
4) Rutledge Falls - Tullahoma
Rutledge Falls, 1276 Rutledge Falls Rd, Tullahoma, TN 37388, USA
Carol VanHook/ Flickr
It's only a short hike to the falls, so no need to worry about blisters and sunburn. It's the perfect reprieve from a summer of work and BBQs.
5) Ozone Falls - Crossville
Ozone Falls, Tennessee 37854, USA
Frank Kehren/Flick
Cumberland County OWNS with this one. With 43 acres of beauty and a waterfall to boot, Ozone Falls is perfect for a day trip. In fact, if searching for waterfalls near me, this is one of the best. With only a short .3-mile hike you can make it from the parking lot to the base of the falls.

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6) Greeter Falls - Altamont
Greeter Falls Waterfall, Overlook, Altamont, TN 37301, USA
Courtesy of Sarah Dodge
Located in South Cumberland State Park, the Greeter Falls trail is a 1.1-mile loop that's great for the kids! Plus, this is one of the best waterfall hikes near Nashville as you get to climb up a unique spiral staircase. Check out this video from Adventuring in the Moment when they went to Greeter Falls:


7) Foster Falls - Marion County
Foster Falls, Tennessee 37374, USA
Brent Moore / Flickr
With sixty feet of waterfall for you to stare at, Foster Falls is worth the solid drive out of the city. You can learn more about this waterfall hike near Nashville in our article about Foster Falls. With a less than a mile trail, you can see this beauty. Also, make sure you know before you go and watch this Adventuring in the Moment video:


8) Fall Creek Falls - Spencer
Fall Creek Falls, Tennessee 37367, USA
Wikipedia/Jsfouche
Known across the state as a stunning sight, part of the state park was used during the filming of the live-action adaptation of "The Jungle Book." The best way to experience this waterfall is to get right down to the base, and you can watch this Adventuring in the Moment video to see it.


9) Cummins Falls - Cookeville
Cummins Falls, Tennessee 38501, USA
Wikipedia/Brenton Rogers
One of the top spots amongst Nashvillians, Cummins Falls is great if you're looking to pull out that old swimsuit and enjoy a traditional swimming hole.
10) Cane Creek Falls - Pikeville
Cane Creek Falls, Tennessee 37367, USA
Wikipedia/Jsfouche
Fall Creek Falls has this gorgeous waterfall hiding in its midst. Though the lesser of the two regarding how well known it is, Cane Creek Falls has a heavier water flow. Also. check out this video from Adventure in the Moment:


Have you planned your trip yet?! To find your way around, the All Trails+ App is perfect for chasing waterfalls.

What are your favorite waterfalls to visit near Nashville? We think these are 10 of the best waterfall hikes near Nashville. Let us know YOUR favorite waterfalls and waterfall hikes near Nashville in the comments!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Courtnie Erickson | July 28, 2022

What are some of the best hikes in Nashville?

If you want to enjoy some fresh air, sunshine, and the sounds of nature, there is no better way than tackling one of the best hikes near Nashville. While there are a handful of these trails that you can explore, one of our favorites is the Day Loop Trail at Long Hunter State Park. This loop trail is approximately four miles and takes you right along the lake. You will enjoy gorgeous views the entire way and it’s quite easy so most of the family can even come along.

If you are searching for another easy trail with scenic views on every step that you take, check out the Stone River Greenway Trail at the Hermitage Public Use Area. This out-and-back trail is right in the heart of Nashville so you won't have to travel far to find it. This trail follows along the river for its majority and the paved pathway features little elevation gain, making it perfect for an afternoon with the family.

Are there any waterfalls near Nashville that don’t require hiking?

Yes! There are several breathtaking waterfalls near Nashville that are actually hiding in plain sight — no hiking required! Cummins Falls is one of the most popular waterfall swimming holes in Tennessee and while it does require a short walk to reach the water, it is very short and quite easy. Make sure to bring a camera because this entire area is gorgeous!

Piney Falls is a stunning waterfall that is surrounded by old-growth forests and rocky cliffs. To see these falls, you’ll simply have to walk down a pathway that takes you to the viewpoint. It’s an excellent stop any day of the week.

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