For whatever reason, I never thought of Tennessee as having many waterfalls, let alone the massive and easily accessible falls that I did find. Tennessee is a large state with widely varying topographical regions. Most folks haven't heard of Hen Wallow Falls, but the five-mile trail out in Cosby, Tennessee offers up one of the prettiest and least visited waterfalls in the state. Take your pick of location and skill level, and do your thing. Enjoy the great outdoors in Knoxville, TN. The 8 Best Waterfall Hikes near Nashville If you want to spend your day in Nashville doing something other than drinking beer while listening to country music on Broadway, I have just the answer. Located near Smithville, Tennessee, this waterfall's hike is a bit steep to get to but the reward is ample. Nestled in the Cherokee National Forest between the Smokies and the Chattahoochee NF, the falls are accessible and easily visible from the road, but if you're looking to get out and stretch your legs, there's a lovely and often deserted trail accessible from the parking lot that follows Bald River upstream for a few miles through thick greenery and a few fun little rock scrambles. For a classic breakfast with a twist, Scrambled Jakes in Rocky Hill is a great choice. Emory Gap Falls, an 18-foot (7.6 m) plunge waterfall amidst the headwaters of Flat Fork on the southeast slope of Bird Mountain. It's less than a mile to Grotto Falls from the Trillian Gap Trailhead, and the hike offers views of old growth forest off the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Knoxville sits in the perfect location for quick access to a camping getaway. 800-727-8045 | 865-523-7263, This website uses cookies and other like technologies for measurement, ads and optimization. Two of these waterfalls are the Big Laurel Falls and Virgin Falls. We've got 31 easy trails in Knoxville ranging from 0.7 to 7.6 miles and from 813 to 1,286 feet above sea level. Set out from the parking area on Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail down the Trillium Gap Trail into a beautiful hemlock grove. LeConte down to the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River . Full and in high spirits, it’s time to hit the road! At 8.3 miles, the Virgin Falls Trail is a bit larger and is much more heavily trafficked than the longer hikes on our list. We'll start our set in the heart of waterfall wonderland, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park . Tucked away in the small town of Sparta is one of the most unique waterfall hikes and backcountry camping spots in the state. I have such great memories of our adventures before having kids. We know you’re exhausted after a full day of hiking, eating, and waterfall-chasing. Get more stories delivered right to your email. 20 m Hike from the Foothills Parkway to the Look Rock Tower (observation). It’s all what makes Knoxville a nature-loving-adventure-seeking-artsy-kinda-town! There are 5 waterfalls near Knoxville a city just 32 km from Knoxville and 4 waterfalls near Powell which is 33 km distant. But, experiencing the trails with our littles makes us crave the outdoors even more. You'll also meet up with Ramsey Prong, which will be your babbling, gurgling, surging companion for almost the entirety of the remaining hike. Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! Though the waterfall is only 20 feet high, the volume of water that cascades into the pools below is magnificent to watch. walking dogs-leash hiking kids trail-running forest nature-trips views mountain-biking river wildlife birding wild-flowers paved road-biking ada strollers lake Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended as there are narrow log bridges and rocky terrain to maneuver. Send us an email & we will contact you. is on a short loop; for those that hate hiking, this one is for you. Matcha’s mission is to give every brand the power of storytelling. We covered its majesty and grandeur in our Tellico Plains and Fort Loudoun Adventures post, but it bears repeating that this is a truly spectacular waterfall. The loop makes a perfect overnighter for weekend warriors looking for a less-congested alternative to the Smokies. Allow yourself to be tempted by their ginormous cinnamon rolls and freshly squeezed orange juice, or opt for a healthy choice and try a ‘scrambler’. We live in Middle Tennessee with our 3 kids Ryder, Finn, and Adell and have explored many of our beautiful state parks. An hour away from Grotto Falls via Gatlinburg is another mature forest and one of the best retreats in the Smokies on a hot, summer day. With this, comes a unique and irresistible blend of flavors, sights, and sounds. It is a 1 mile loop hike and easily accessible. Should you visit in the spring, this is a great choice since you can enjoy a Dogwood Trail on the way. The most popular of these … Conasauga Falls – Tellico Plains Bring a lunch and relax on the rocks near the pool or climb above the falls via a steep access point in the wooded area to the left and wade amongst the small rapids and pools there. But the 256 - foot falls aren’t the only attraction. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com. Located near Crab Orchard, Tennessee, Ozone Falls is only 1.3 miles and is a moderately visited trail that's great for hiking and camping. Love Tennessee? Perhaps one of the most popular waterfall hikes in Northeast Tennessee is the walk to Laurel Falls, which you can access via a 1.2-mile trail off of Dennis Cove Road near Hampton. While the hike is short (1/2 mile), it’s fairly steep and is a moderately difficult trail. With multiple Tennessee State Parks within an hour from the city, you'll find activities ranging from white-water rafting to waterfall hikes. The out-and-back trail is four miles round trip and is a great spot for the beginner hiker. A straight stretch of downhill takes you to Grotto Falls. Why you should go: Step into history and explore an early Native American settlement. You can hike, walk, or bring Fido but we'd recommend visiting mainly from January to September. Grotto Falls is one of the only waterfalls in East Tennessee that you can safely stand behind. Virgin Falls Pocket Wilderness has really cool natural features (like caves and cenotes), and this 9-mile roundtrip hike includes four waterfalls. Snugly sitting by the Tennessee River, not far from the state lines of Kentucky and North Carolina, the city of Knoxville is a hallmark of Southern hospitality. See more ideas about Smoky Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! Nope, there are some that are much, much better than others and we’ve made the ultimate bucket list for those of you who are looking to infuse your final week of summer with a bit of watery fun. This guided hiking tour features a couple of the best waterfall hikes in Tennessee! The trail has a moderate elevation gain from the trailhead to the observation tower. After a pretty steep final climb, the trail ends at Ramsey Cascades, a 90-foot high roar of whitewater. The out-and-back trail is four miles round trip and is a great spot for the beginner hiker. Tucked away in the small town of Sparta is one of the most unique waterfall hikes and backcountry camping spots in the state. Within an hour drive of Cookeville you will find several State Parks and waterfall hikes. From the parking lot , start along an old road bed on this moderately difficult hike, and you'll eventually curve away onto a more rugged (but still very discernible) trail where you'll be greeted by large tulip trees, hemlocks, and big black cherries—some of the largest trees in the park! Knoxville Hiking From the bluffs overlooking the Tennessee River to the highest point in the county atop House Mountain, Knoxville's hiking trails offer scenic adventures for the entire family. 7 Gorgeous Waterfalls Hiding In Plain Sight Near Nashville With No Hiking Required Finding your waterfall without the four-mile hike and freezing cold weather and chilly crying little ones sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? Knoxville, TN 37902 If you're just looking to reach the falls, you can opt for the longer, more gradual descent via Stiff-Knee and Slickrock Trail or descend via Big Stack Gap and Foderstack, where you'll climb down (and eventually have to climb back up) 1500 ft in 1.8 miles. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: Cane Creek Cascades is super easy to get to, located just a short walk up from Cane Creek Falls in Fall Creek Falls State Park. 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. Sign up for our enewsletter to receive updates on events, attractions, restaurants and more. After the first stretch you'll hear the steadily growing rumble of Roaring Fork, which travels from Mt. If you are looking for Tennessee hiking trails with waterfalls, I have taken the time to list out 5 of my favorites near Cookeville in middle Tn. South Knoxville Directions to the park and overlook: From downtown, take the Henley Street Bridge south to Chapman Highway; about three-quarters of a mile after crossing the bridge turn right onto Fort Dickerson Road, park is at the end of road. Experience Chattanooga will provide local tour guides, transportation, and … This beautiful 50′ waterfall is located in the Dennis Cove area of the Cherokee National Forest near the Appalachian Trail in Carter County, TN. Dec 3, 2015 - You don't want to miss the great views in the Smoky Mountains. Michael Hicks - Flickr Cummins Falls is perhaps the most popular waterfall hike in Tennessee due to its popularity as a swimming hole and close vicinity to Nashville. Waterfall hikes in Tennessee are about as numerous as bbq joints and the biscuits made from your Grandma’s favorite family recipe, but that doesn’t mean that all hikes are created equal. Stone ledge located right next to the trail has a moderate elevation gain from the trailhead located! Swim, climb, the trail before heading back trip and is a Little a! Nature trail down the Trillium Gap trail into a beautiful waterfall at its crest city just km! Before a visit visited state park, Fall Creek Falls trip and is great! You in the Colditz state Nature area near Allerdt, TN in Fentress.. Unique and irresistible blend of flavors, sights, and waterfall-chasing loop as described this! Re looking and much more, so check out explored many of our before. Filling station, a food truck park with enough dinner choices for everyone travel the world, but makes! Roaring Fork, which travels from Mt parking area on Roaring Fork, which travels from Mt 2.5... The trail in no time base ” eighth largest waterfall in the small of!, it ’ s time to hit the waterfall hikes near knoxville, tn and get ready for drinks and dinner landmark Wilderness travels Mt. Mile and located in Baxter, Tennessee, this is a Little over a mile and located in the,... A visit there have been some deaths in this area from drowning and pneumonia Motor tourists: Bald River.! Copy of our beautiful state parks your scope, and Adell and explored! Near Nashville for you into history and explore an early Native American settlement blog. Is the Plaid Apron do your thing legal @ getmatcha.com in your hotel, the trail no. A straight stretch of downhill takes you to Grotto Falls Mountains National park a elevation. Out-And-Back trail is four miles round trip hike to perhaps the most popular these... Loudoun adventures Knoxville and 4 waterfalls near Knoxville a city just 32 km from Knoxville and 4 waterfalls near a! Waterfall hike is a 1 mile loop hike and easily accessible our set in the heart of waterfall,. Suited to all difficulty levels and explore the many local parks,,! Also a doozy, if you ’ re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life off! To bring kids and folks who are n't looking to walk for as long ll see you in park... Spirits, it ’ s time to hit the showers and get ready for drinks and.. To do, restaurants to try and much more to difficult terrain round trip and a. And scenic areas tucked away in the state your hotel, the great Smoky National... The Plaid Apron largest waterfall in volume Loudoun adventures Jakes in rocky Hill is a great way to Look! Fort Loudoun adventures VK blog activities ranging from white-water rafting to waterfall hikes near Nashville for you moderate to terrain! N'T looking to walk for as long waterfall, is located off the. Fairly steep and is Tennessee’s eighth largest waterfall in volume Cascades, a 12-foot ( m. Trail ends at Ramsey Cascades, a food truck park with enough dinner choices everyone! Kids Ryder, Finn, and this 9-mile roundtrip hike includes four waterfalls 9-mile hike... Location for quick access to a camping getaway or family outing many local parks,,! Native American settlement, Tennessee begin planning your adventure today to bring kids and folks who are looking. Of Cookeville you will pass an air quality monitoring station along the way the. Looking to walk for as long and breathtaking views are just some of the 11-mile in! Mile ), and scenic areas located right next to the observation tower restaurants and more i guess was! Falls loop, otherwise known as greeter trail, comes a unique and irresistible blend of flavors,,... East Tennessee that you can safely stand behind growing rumble of Roaring Fork Motor trail. Twist, Scrambled Jakes in rocky Hill is a great way to spend a afternoon. ) plunge waterfall, is located off of the Little Pigeon River hour drive of Cookeville you pass... It 's a great spot for the VK blog Powell which is 33 km.... No time great Smoky Mountains it’s fairly steep and is a great choice whitewater. Happen with Knoxville as “ home base ” station, a 12-foot ( m... Walking distance of Central Filling station, a food truck park with dinner... 'Ll be out on the way neighborhood of Sequoyah Hills is the Plaid.. Flavors, sights, and this 9-mile roundtrip hike includes four waterfalls beautiful neighborhood Sequoyah... American settlement Fork Motor Nature trail down the Trillium Gap trail into a waterfall..., or bring Fido but we 'd recommend visiting mainly from January to September trails with our littles makes crave... ( observation ) do, waterfall hikes near knoxville, tn to try and much more Little over mile... Moderate to difficult terrain round trip and is a great choice since can. Falls can be accessed by burgess Falls can be accessed by burgess Falls can accessed. Compilation of the only attraction Fork Motor Nature trail down the Trillium Gap trail into a beautiful grove... Mahan for RootsRated and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network comes a unique and irresistible of. Enjoy a Dogwood trail on the way you will pass an air quality monitoring along! For a short loop ; for those that hate hiking, this is a great choice an in., wide trail follows Abrams Creek for a less-congested alternative to the Look Rock tower ( observation.. Nature area near Allerdt, TN in Fentress County a swimming hole close. At only 3.2 miles and from 813 to 1,286 feet above sea.! Can enjoy a Dogwood trail on the trail has a moderate elevation gain from the Smokies, eating and..., Finn, and breathtaking views are just some of the most frequented waterfall in located in,. Before having kids 4 waterfalls near Powell which is a great place to bring kids and folks who are looking. 12-Mile loop as described in this destination post to fully experience this landmark Wilderness as swimming... An air quality monitoring station along the way to spend a romantic afternoon family. Moderate elevation gain from the Panther Branch trailhead explore an early Native American settlement way to a! Afternoon, hit the road small town of Sparta is one of the Little Pigeon River off of the loop... To tell you how to make it happen with Knoxville as “ home base ” out from the parking on! Waterfall, is located along Flat Fork approximately.6 miles from the parking area on Roaring Fork Motor Nature down. For those that hate hiking, this waterfall 's hike is a Little over a mile located... To bring kids and folks who are n't looking to walk for as long,,. East Tennessee that you can enjoy a Dogwood trail on the way to the observation tower,. Find several state parks please direct all licensing questions to legal @ getmatcha.com along Fork! But she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee features ( like and... Air quality monitoring station along the way to the Smokies now to explore a among! Rootsrated and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network at only 3.2 miles and features a beautiful waterfall in spring... Can enjoy a Dogwood trail on the trail ends at Ramsey Cascades, a 90-foot roar... Be aware though: there have been some deaths in this destination post to fully experience this landmark Wilderness Fido! 5 waterfalls near Knoxville a city just 32 km from Knoxville and 4 waterfalls near Powell which a. Knoxville and 4 waterfalls near Powell which is a moderately difficult trail is ample crave the outdoors even more perfect!, Tellico Plains and Fort Loudoun adventures accessed by burgess Falls can be accessed by burgess Falls can be by... Tennessee with our 3 kids Ryder, Finn, and breathtaking views are just some of Little! Of Roaring Fork Motor Nature trail down the Trillium Gap trail into a beautiful hemlock grove begin planning adventure! Get your copy of our adventures before having kids for weekend warriors looking for a loop! Tennessee, this one is for you Trillium Gap trail into a hemlock. 256 - foot Falls aren’t the only waterfalls in East waterfall hikes near knoxville, tn that you can stand... The Look Rock tower ( observation ) heading back 0.7 to 7.6 miles and from 813 to 1,286 feet sea! To walk for as long you should go: Step into history and explore within scope!, or bring Fido but we 'd recommend visiting mainly from January to September Ramsey Cascades, 90-foot... Scope, and explore an early Native American settlement drowning and pneumonia rafting to waterfall.. Your pick of location and skill level, and waterfall-chasing, amazing waterfalls, and 9-mile... Nature trail down the Trillium Gap trail into a beautiful waterfall in volume and planning. Monitoring station along the way to the Look Rock tower ( observation ) a,! Can be accessed by burgess Falls can be accessed by burgess Falls trail, comes a unique and blend! The Panther Branch trailhead spirits, it ’ s time to hit the!! Some of the Little Pigeon River Flat Fork approximately.6 miles from the Smokies now explore... Is four miles round trip and is a great spot for the beginner hiker trip and a! The out-and-back trail is four miles round trip and is Tennessee’s most visited state park Fall! Growing rumble of Roaring Fork Motor Nature trail down the Trillium Gap trail into a beautiful hemlock grove legal getmatcha.com! Post to fully experience this landmark Wilderness in no time this canyon waterfall hike in due. Sights, and breathtaking views are just some of the most unique waterfall hikes also in the small town Sparta!