Do you have a free Saturday coming up? Is spring calling your name, the beauty of the fall colors, or maybe fresh flowers the only hope cracking through the winter chill? Well, you lucky Middle Tennesseans – we have quite the treat for you: a Tennessee waterfalls road trip that circles five of Ol’ Rocky Top’s gorgeous waterfalls and is absolutely perfect for spring, summer, or the burning depths of autumn. Time to fill up the gas tank, because you’re going to want to take this epic road trip to the best waterfalls in Tennessee as soon as possible!

If you drove straight through, this road trip would take you just under four hours.
GoogleMaps
Of course, you'll want to stop, ogle, and explore at each of the falls to get a closer look, so plan accordingly to ensure you're not rushing to each waterfall.
1. Cummins Falls
Cummins Falls, Tennessee 38501, USA
Michael Hicks / Flickr
Located on the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River, Cummins Falls is one of the most popular day trips for Nashvillians, coaxing suburban families and camera-toting hipsters alike out into the wilderness on summer afternoons. During the warmer months, it's a popular spot for summer swimming, too! All that beauty combines to make this one of the best waterfalls in Tennessee.

2. Burgess Falls
Burgess Falls, Tennessee 38544, USA
Michael Hicks / Flickr
Putnam County has the ability to boast in Burgess Falls, a cascading wall of water that puts rural Tennessee on the map. Burgess Falls State Park is only open during the daytime, so be sure to check hours! Plus? There are a total of FOUR falls in the park, making a stop here a mini Tennessee waterfall tour all of its own.

3. Ozone Falls
Ozone Falls, Tennessee 37854, USA
Michael Hicks / Flickr
Located in the Ozone Falls State Natural Area, you're going to have to go on a bit of a hike to find this secluded waterfall in Tennessee. The 43-acre natural area is a beautiful spot for you and your family to get away from it all.
4. Fall Creek Falls
Fall Creek Falls, Tennessee 37367, USA
Kevin Wood / Flickr
Famous for appearances in feature films and wildly popular amongst Tennesseans, Fall Creek Falls State Park is one of the most visited parks during the warmer months. Uniquely, Fall Creek Falls straddles both Van Buren and White counties. It's also the tallest waterfall in the state.
5. Twin Falls
Twin Falls, Rock Island, TN 38581, USA
Arthur T LaBar / Flickr
Just. Look. AT. THIS. PICTURE. You really can't beat Tennessee in any season, but during autumn? Well, then you really can't beat Tennessee. Twin Falls is not actually a natural waterfall, but was instead created as a byproduct after construction of the dam on the Caney Fork River. Doesn't mean it can't be stunning as all get out, though!

And here is the exact Google map for this Tennessee waterfalls road trip. Did we miss your favorite waterfall in TN? Let us know below!

While you’re out and about hopping from one gorgeous cascade to another, this pretty little farmhouse in Cookeville is a lovely basecamp and comes with acres and acres of woods to explore during your stay. In fact, the whole town of Cookeville is positively charming and worthy of exploring from top to bottom!

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Tennessee Waterfalls Road Trip & Related Info

Jackie Ann | February 25, 2021

What are the best waterfall hikes in Tennessee?

It’s no surprise that there are tons of breathtaking waterfall hikes in Tennessee. Some of the best include:

  • Hen Wallow Falls, located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park it is an ideal destination for peeping falls. After exploring the 4.4-mile trail, relax among the park’s beautiful wildflowers with a picnic lunch, or if you want to extend your visit pitch a tent at one of the 100 surrounding campgrounds.
  • Virgin Falls and Big Laurel Falls over in Sparta’s Virgin Falls Pocket Wilderness are where hikers discover unique natural caves and cenotes trekking the stunning 9-mile path.
  • Laurel-Snow Falls near Dayton is a great waterfall hike for those looking for a little challenge. The 10-mile round trip trail winds along through creeks, an old coal mine, and the Dayton Reservoir famous for its crystal teal waters.

 

What are the best road trips through Tennessee?

 

With so many exciting destinations unique to Tennessee there’s no shortage of road trips through Tennessee to keep your weekends busy all year round. Our country’s musical history is deeply rooted in Tennessee, birthing country music, influencing blues, rock and roll, and R&B cultures, and is home to the most popular tourist attraction, Dollywood.

  • Road trip to the Country Music Capital of Nashville and explore the Music City Walk of Fame and the beloved Grand Ole Opry.
  • The beautiful town of Gatlinburg is home to traditional mountain music where you can immerse yourself in Tennessee’s heritage and incredible natural beauty.
  • Head down the old Blues Highway to Memphis and check out some live music and of course, their world-famous BBQ. We guarantee you won’t be singing the blues!

 

Where are the best places to take photos of Tennessee?

Picturesque places are innumerable across our state and photographers can capture incredible images during every season of the year. Some of the best places to take photos of Tennessee are:

  • The lush and majestic mountain landscapes of Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It's an extremely popular destination to snapshot Tennessee's endless natural beauty.
  • Downtown Knoxville harbors the World's Fair Park, an entertainment complex offering incomparable 360-degree views from the iconic Sunsphere observation deck.
  • On the border of North Carolina, Clingmans Dome rises 6,643 feet, the highest point in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and has an observation tower where visitors can take in views of the Smokies’ incredible terrain.

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