We feel accomplished when we break records, even if we can only live vicariously through others that have done all the work. The same applies in the world when we find ownership over some great land. We here in the volunteer state can proudly say we have the tallest waterfall in Tennessee. Not only that, but it is also the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Now that is something to be proud of, and you can hike to the base to get the sheer magnitude of this incredible waterfall.

Fall Creek Falls State Park holds within it this honored waterfall.
Courtesy of Sarah Dodge
When you start your descent to the base of the falls, make sure to take advantage of the overlook before you begin your hike. The overlook gives a great view of not only the waterfall but the grand scale of the gorge below.
The trail is a moderate out-and-back .8-mile hike with 288 feet of elevation gain.
Earl Sessions/ Alltrails
The first part of the trail has you walking down some stairs and through a rocky path. Going down is pretty easy, but what goes down has to come back up. It is a fun hike and relatively easy for most people.
Along the way, you will come to a large rock opening.
Courtesy of Chris Dodge
This is a fun spot to take a quick break and climb into the open cleft. The rock wall towers overhead and the cool air greets you as you walk in further. Take a fun picture, and then get ready for the last leg of the hike.

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The very last section right before the base of the falls is a massive rock face and boulder area.
Courtesy of Chris Dodge
You will have to scramble up a couple of rocks and traverse over a few boulders. This part of the hike is sure to bring out the little kid in all of us.
You will end the trail by emerging out of the woods at the base of the falls.
Courtesy of Chris Dodge
This 256-foot waterfall seems so much bigger when you stand at the bottom. The mist and wind coming off of the falls will cool you off from the hot Tennessee sun. You will certainly feel small looking up at this absolutely stunning waterfall.
You can climb down a little further and find a nice pool the water falls into.
micheal hamby/ Alltrails
The clear and calm water is a striking contrast to the raging fall of Fall Creek Falls. This is a great place to dip your feet in and relax before the trip back out of the gorge.

Being the tallest waterfall in Tennessee makes this an exciting and must-see waterfall. The rapid falling flow of water is also oddly peaceful to watch. If you are a waterfall chaser, then this should be high on your list of hikes to do in the volunteer state. If you want an up-close look at this hike, then make sure to check out this Adventuring in the Moment video. 

Fall Creek Falls is also the biggest state park in the state and is well worth exploring all of it. 

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Fall Creek Falls, Tennessee 37367, USA