To the south and east of Nashville is a corridor that is ideal for chasing Tennessee waterfalls. In particular is one 60 mile stretch along the TN-135 and TN-111 that features (3) State Parks each with waterfalls worth visiting. One has the highest single-vertical drop east of the Mississippi River, another sports (4) unique falls along a 1½ mile round-trip trail and there’s even an 80’ long suspension bridge overlooking a river some 85’ down into the gorge below. If you have a few days you could visit the other great waterfalls in nearby state parks like Old Stone Fort State Park and the Short Springs State Natural Area.
Burgess Falls State Park
Burgess Falls State Park, located in White County, Tennessee, is renowned for its stunning waterfalls on the Falling Water River, including a dramatic 130-foot cascade. The park features several hiking trails that offer scenic views of the waterfalls and surrounding forest, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and hikers. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, picnicking, and birdwatching. Amenities include a visitor center, picnic areas, clean restrooms, and ample parking. The park is open from dawn to dusk with no entrance fee, providing a serene and accessible natural retreat and a great start to chasing Tennessee waterfalls.
Falling Water Cascades
A short path from the Visitor’s Center leads to the Falling Water River and our first falls . . . the Falling Water Cascades. Initially the river is mild and somewhat serene, a nice spot to relax. It starts as a series of wonderfully tiered cascades that stretches across the entirety of the river mouth. Most of the drops are just a few feet until a larger 20’ descent forms on the western bank. The activity on this section of the river is impacted by the amount of seasonal rainfall or lack thereof. Late spring or early summer are ideal times to enjoy this stretch of the Falling Water River.
Little Falls
A short hike along the river’s edge and you begin to hear the rushing of the Little Falls. The falls extend the width of the river and plummet around 30’ into a tranquil reach. In truth, the Little Falls are really more of a cascade with a few jutting rocks that provide some personality, especially along the eastern shoreline. Your view from the trail can be somewhat obscured when the trees are in full bloom and, unfortunately, there’s no way to get down to the water. There are also the remains of an old suspension bridge that used to be part of the local power generation. Uphill from the trail is a viewing platform that provides a different perspective of the Little Falls.
Middle Falls
Soon you begin to hear the magnificent Middle Falls. This 80’ drop falls spans 50’ across but is only visible through a few openings of the trees along the trail. It has four distinct sections, each with it’s own uniqueness. Along the eastern bank the underlying rocks have become smooth with time and resemble a natural slide similar to Sliding Rock in North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest. Moving towards the middle the drop is relatively unimpeded and represents the steepest and most consistent water flow. In the middle there are several layers to the rock formations that force the water to go in multiple directions along its downward path. Finally, the western side of the falls look very much like crystalline stairs out of a fairy tale. Be aware the width can vary depending on the river’s flow, which is influenced by seasonal changes and rainfall.
Burgess Falls
Now for the main feature . . . the magnificent Burgess Falls. Your first look at the largest and most spectacular waterfall within the park, cascading over 130’ into a picturesque gorge, is via a 150’ raised platform that looks down on the falls from a southerly perspective. The falls have a half moon shape with numerous protruding rocks that create a layered look similar to sections of Shoshone Falls in Idaho. The falls are surrounded by 200’ cliffs made of sedimentary rocks, primarily composed of limestone and shale. The limestone is often rich in fossils, indicating the area’s ancient marine environment, while shale layers add to the geological diversity of the site.
Just before the platform you see a sign “TO BIG FALLS”. This leads to a switchback trail (sometimes rather steep) that takes you to the top of the falls. Usually views from the start of falls are rather boring but chasing Tennessee waterfalls in Burgess are the exception. The southern cliff face extrudes just enough to provide a closeup view of the entire 130’ descent. You also get a clearer view of the river below and the angular rock cliffs that envelope the gorge. The top area is well worth the additional hike and provides an excellent spot to relax, have a picnic lunch or just close your eyes and listen to nature’s awesome power.
Cummins Falls State Park
Cummins Falls State Park is best known for its hiking, the Blackburn Fork River and the awesome Cummins Falls. Our time was brief so we focused on just seeing the falls. With more time we would have undertaken the wilderness hike through dense forests, crossing rivers and navigating rocky terrain to reach the base of the river but you need to obtain a permit first. Instead we walked a short trail to reach an overlook platform which provides an excellent view of the falls and, if you’re luck, hikers below in the gorge. Cummins Falls is a stunning 75’ waterfall that cascades in two dramatic tiers into a series of inviting pools and terraces. Nestled within a rugged gorge on the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River, this natural wonder is surrounded by lush vegetation and striking rock formations, offering a picturesque and serene setting. The visitor’s center has a small shop and some history of the area.
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Visiting Fall Creek Falls State Park in Tennessee offers attractions and activities for all interests. The park features Fall Creek Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States, along with Piney Falls, a long suspension bridge and a new lodge. With over 56 miles of hiking trails, you can explore diverse landscapes like forests, rivers and deep gorges. Scenic overlooks provide breathtaking views of the Cumberland Plateau. Recreational activities include fishing, boating, swimming, and family-friendly picnic areas. Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy the rich ecosystems, while camping options range from tents to cabins.
Fall Creek Falls
Only minutes from the parking area is the overlook of Fall Creek Falls, the highest “free falling” waterfall east of the Rockies, cascading 256’ into a picturesque gorge encircled by geologic formations many millennia old. This majestic waterfall, approximately 75 feet wide at its base, is the park’s centerpiece, and is also accessible via hiking trails. Surrounded by lush virgin forests, populated by yellow poplars, mature hemlocks mixed with a diverse wildlife, it offers excellent opportunities for hiking, photography, and enjoying the serene environment. Beloved by outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, Fall Creek Falls makes chasing Tennessee waterfalls a most rewarding experience.
Piney Creek Falls
After enjoying the spectacular Fall Creek Falls you can jump in your car and head northeast on TN-284, following the signs to Piney Falls. From the parking lot you can head north for the falls overlook or west to see the Suspension Bridge. The hike to the overlook is a bit rocky and down hill but the rock platform at the end provides a semi-nice view of the falls through the hickory and sycamore trees. Piney Falls falls an impressive 95’ from its feeder, Piney Creek, down into the Piney Creek Gorge. Halfway between the overlook and the falls is Buzzard Point, so named for the buzzards, or vultures, that are often seen circling and roosting in the area. Note that you can also get a different, and even better, view of Piney Falls along the trail to the Suspension Bridge.
Suspension Bridge
Head back to the parking lot and proceed west (following the sign). The trail to the Suspension Bridge is easy and, though slopped downhill, is relatively flat. The 80’ long bridge is steady and heavily secured so you can feel save navigating from the 85’ drop to the creek below. It spans 80’ across the gorge above Cane Creek Cascades, offering thrilling and scenic views of the rushing water and forested landscape. The views down into the Piney Creek Gorge are spectacular with notable limestone rock formations along the cliffs.
The Falls Creek Falls Lodge
The Fall Creek Falls Lodge in Tennessee’s Fall Creek Falls State Park is a rustic retreat offering comfortable accommodations and amenities near the base of the falls. It provides easy access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and recreational activities like fishing, swimming, and birdwatching. The new 85-room Lodge Fall Creek Falls features modern designs, conference facilities, a full-service restaurant (with balcony service), and stunning views of Fall Creek Lake. Ideal for families, nature lovers, and groups, it also offers catering, meeting spaces, and outdoor recreation, making it perfect for corporate retreats, weddings, and events. Book at reserve.tnstateparks.com to experience this scenic getaway.
George Hole
As you leave the park along Lakeside Road, stop by George Hole Day Use Area. Known for its clear, cool waters and natural beauty, it’s a refreshing spot to swim and relax amidst lush forests and rocky terrain. Surrounded by sandstone cliffs and Eastern Hemlock groves, George Hole features picnic areas with benches, tables, and grills. The sandstone formations, shaped over millennia, frame the swimming area and vary in height from 20-40’, enhancing the scenic beauty and rugged landscape.
Tennessee’s diverse landscapes and natural beauty make it an ideal destination for waterfall enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Whether it’s the numerous stunning waterfalls nestled in lush forests, dramatic gorges or additional activities such as hiking, swimming, fishing, and picnicking . . . there is no reason you shouldn’t add chasing Tennessee waterfalls to your list of activities any time of year.
What is your favorite Tennessee spot to visit?
