Here’s The Perfect Weekend Itinerary If You Love Exploring Tennessee’s Waterfalls
Tennessee is positively brimming with gorgeous waterfalls, and there are almost too many to explore in one afternoon. This is why we made the perfect waterfall weekend in Middle Tennessee, the best places to go, how to get there, and even a couple of restaurants to round out the week. So the next time you’re curious to research “waterfalls near me” in Tennessee, you’ll find that this itinerary will come in handy. Ready to head out and explore?
You can find a map and all addresses for our weekend itinerary, here.
Ledford Mill Falls is located right outside the historic Ledford Mill and the 1884 gristmill that has since been renovated into a B&B. Though the original mill went out of business years ago, the stunning forested area is absolutely beautiful. It's one Tennessee hiking trail with an amazing payoff.
2. Stay the night at Ledford Mill Bed & Breakfast.
And why not stay that night? The reviews of this three bedroom bed & breakfast is the perfect spot to spend a Friday night after your first waterfall, where you can enjoy a quiet evening in the forest to yourself. Learn more about booking your stay when you check out Ledford Mill Bed & Breakfast online.
The Machines Fall Loop Trail is located in Short Springs Natural Area, it's 1.6 miles and considered a moderate level trail. You can even bring Fido - just keep him on a leash. Machine Falls is one of Tennessee's hidden waterfalls, and it's definitely worth seeking out.
The privately-owned area is open from dawn until dusk, and proves over and over to be one of the most amazing views in the state. In the summertime, the water is icy and refreshing! This short and sweet hike in Tennessee is one you'll want to take time and time again.
Burgess Falls State Park is rife with stunning waterways, a day use park that is located on the Falling Water River. There are four waterfalls in the park, so you can even spend the whole of an afternoon chasing waterfalls. Learn more about what makes this waterfall such a stunning Tennessee day trip destination any time of the year.
6. Grab a delicious meal at Foglight Foodhouse
Foglight Foodhouse, 275 Power House Rd, Walling, TN 38587, USA
This rustic and fun restaurant is located in Walling and their main menu options include the best kind of Creole dishes of New Orleans. A platter of fresh seafood is the perfect way to end a hiking adventure on a Saturday - we recommend the jambalaya! Learn more when you check out Foglight Foodhouse online.
Ready to walk off that amazing Creole meal with a hike in the Piney Falls State Natural area? At 1.6 miles, this Grandview-located hiking trail rewards your efforts with both upper and lower Piney Falls. It's a picturesque waterfall in Tennessee you'll immediately fall in love with.
Cane Creek Falls is an 85-foot waterfall that runs in a sheet of a water from the waterway above is a beautiful view for any time of day. Located in Fall Creek Falls State Park, this Van Buren-based waterfall is picture-perfect any time of the year. Plus, while you're in the area, you can walk across this beautiful suspension bridge in Tennessee.
9. We'd recommend camping out in Fall Creek Falls State Park.
Fall Creek Falls State Park, 2009 Village Camp Rd, Spencer, TN 38585, USA
Nights run from $13.75 — $31.25, which makes this campground easy on the wallet AND easy on the eyes. The park is chock full of stunning watery views, so you can even get up early and enjoy the views. Not to mention the fact that Fall Creek Falls just so happens to be the tallest waterfall in Tennessee.
10. Fortes Restaurant on the Square
Forte's Restaurant, 27 E 4th St, Crossville, TN 38555, USA
Good morning! Are you hungry? We'd recommend sleeping in and grabbing an early lunch when Fortes opens at 11. This cute and sweet place is great for families and hungry hikers just off the trail. Learn more about this delightful local restaurant when you visit Fortes Restaurant on the Square online.
Ozone Falls State Natural Area is the last stop on our list, not too far from our lunch spot. Ozone Falls plunges roughly 110 feet into a gorgeous watery pool below, making this place straight out of a fantasy tale. Learn more about visiting one of the most scenic waterfalls in Tennessee.
Before Googling “waterfalls near me,” be sure to check out this itinerary for all things waterfalls in Tennessee! If you’re still looking to explore, these hidden places are just a lovely. Happy hiking!
Address: 1195 Shipman Creek Rd, Wartrace, TN 37183, USA
Address: Ledford Mill Road, Ledford Mill Rd, Tullahoma, TN, USA
Address: Burgess Falls, Tennessee 38544, USA
Address: Rutledge Falls Trail, Tullahoma, TN 37388, USA
Address: Machine Falls, Tullahoma, TN 37388, USA
Address: Foglight Foodhouse, 275 Power House Rd, Walling, TN 38587, USA
Address: Piney Falls Overlook, Tennessee 37367, USA
Address: Cane Creek Falls, Tennessee 37367, USA
Address: Forte's Restaurant, 27 E 4th St, Crossville, TN 38555, USA
Address: Fall Creek Falls State Park, 2009 Village Camp Rd, Spencer, TN 38585, USA
Address: Ozone Falls, Tennessee 37854, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
waterfalls near me
April 24, 2022
Beth C.
What’s the most beautiful drive in Tennessee?
There’s nothing like loading up the car and embarking on a scenic road trip. Here in Tennessee, we’re lucky to enjoy countless beautiful drives, many of which are backroads. One of the most beautiful drives in Tennessee is known as the Cherohala Skyway. Also known as Highway 143, it’s largely considered to be one of the region’s most stunning routes. It was constructed in 1958 and took almost four decades to complete. Plus, the cost of construction was $100 million! The road meanders past waterfalls, lakes, and beautiful views of the Cherokee National Forest and Great Smokey Mountains. Plus, it’s only 43 miles, which makes it perfect for a day’s journey. The Cherohala Skyway connects Tellico Plains and Robbinsville, North Carolina. If you’re curious about the history of the region, be sure to stop by Cherohala Skyway for additional information. Learn more about why a drive on the Cherohala Skyway belongs at the top of your Tennessee bucket list.
Address: 1195 Shipman Creek Rd, Wartrace, TN 37183, USA
Address: Ledford Mill Road, Ledford Mill Rd, Tullahoma, TN, USA
Address: Burgess Falls, Tennessee 38544, USA
Address: Rutledge Falls Trail, Tullahoma, TN 37388, USA
Address: Machine Falls, Tullahoma, TN 37388, USA
Address: Foglight Foodhouse, 275 Power House Rd, Walling, TN 38587, USA
Address: Piney Falls Overlook, Tennessee 37367, USA
Address: Cane Creek Falls, Tennessee 37367, USA
Address: Forte's Restaurant, 27 E 4th St, Crossville, TN 38555, USA
Address: Fall Creek Falls State Park, 2009 Village Camp Rd, Spencer, TN 38585, USA
Address: Ozone Falls, Tennessee 37854, USA
Tennessee In Your Inbox
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
