If you have explored any number of them you would have to agree — we have some incredible state parks in Tennessee, don’t we? Some of them even rival the great national parks that we have all over our country. You could spend a lifetime adventuring in the many different state parks we have. There is one place within a state park that is a swimming hole and waterfall loop trail in Tennessee. It is very easy to see why this blue hole trail is so popular.

South Cumberland State Park is a very unique park because it actually has nine separate areas.
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Spread out through the central part of Tennessee, South Cumberland State Park makes up over 30,000 acres. Zero in on the Salvage Gulf West section of the park and you will find a swimming hole and waterfall loop trail.
This moderate trail will take you just over 2 miles with an elevation gain of 357 feet.
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You will have lots of points of interest along the way. From the parking lot if you head right to the trailhead you will be on your way to Blue Hole. This first stop will take you to a secluded swimming hole about half a mile down. The clear water is very inviting on a hot summer day. You can also enjoy the water trickling down the rocks leading to the deeper water.
Head out of the Blue Hole area and you will be back at the trailhead.
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From there take a left and you will come to another fork in the path. This is where the true loop comes from. You can take a left or a right and they both lead right back to this point. Take a left to get to Boardtree Falls. This is a much smaller waterfall than Greeter Falls but the steady cascading water over the rock face is absolutely beautiful. This is a nice place to take a break and enjoy Boardtree Falls.

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Leaving Boardtree Falls the trail will then take you to a large rocky cliff.
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As you walk along the base of this cliff cool rocks will jet out overhead shadowing the path. Slates of the wall will have to be traversed, making this more than just a walk through the woods. These rock faces tower over you like ancient behemoths long lost to the overgrowth of the woods.
You will soon reach the path leading down to Greeter Falls.
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Right before you reach the waterfall, you will climb down a winding spiral staircase. There is something magical and exciting about this place in the middle of the woods. We have all seen stone stairs or carved-out steps with wooden boards, but very few times do you get the opportunity to walk down a spiral staircase to a waterfall.
When you arrive at Greeter Falls in Tennessee, prepare to be blown away.
Courtesy of Sarah Dodge
The water will freefall 50 feet to the clear blue pool below. Find a place on a flat rock and enjoy this amazing find in the middle of the woods. This is also a swimming area and a great place to cool off in the heat of the day. Spend some time taking in the beautiful scenery found at the base of the falls. There is nothing like the beauty of the Greeter Falls loop!

With this swimming hole and waterfall loop trail in Tennessee, it’s easy to see why South Cumberland State Park is an incredible treasure trove of natural wonder. We highly recommend you spend some time adventuring on this trail and enjoying everything it has to offer. Watch this video of the trail from Adventuring in the Moment to feel like you’re there right now!

Check out more about this beautiful state park in Tennessee and why it is one of the best. And if you need some outdoor gear to prepare yourself for your hike, check out REI.

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Blue Hole Trail & Greeter Trail, Tennessee 37301, USA