Summer in Tennessee is known for its blockbuster music festivals, family road trips and delicious cuisine. But if you’re interested in the great outdoors, waterfall chasing is the pastime you’ll want to enjoy this summer. From May until September, Tennessee’s waterfalls deliver stunning views, an escape from the heat and beautiful natural swimming holes. There are too many great spots to name, but here are 10 Tennessee waterfalls to get you into the flow.
Tall Falls: Fall Creek Falls
Spencer’s Fall Creek Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States at an awe-inspiring 256 feet. You’ll find the falls located in one of Tennessee’s largest and most-visited state park, Fall Creek Falls State Park, with 29,800 pristine acres. Make your way to one of several scenic outlooks, feel the spray and soak up the views.
A Mighty Roar: Abrams Falls
There are taller waterfalls in Tennessee — but Abrams Falls might be the loudest. Standing at 20 feet tall, the water cascades with a mighty roar into the pools below. You’ll hear it before you see it! Located in the legendary Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Abrams is ideal for hikers; you’ll take a round trip of five miles of moderate to difficult terrain, including a few narrow (but fun!) log bridges. Bring your best hiking shoes!
Easy To See: Bald River Falls
Don’t feel like hiking? No problem. You can get an eyeful of the 90-foot Bald River Falls in Cherokee National Forest from the comfort of your car. But if you want to stretch your legs a bit, trails take hikers high above the falls along the Bald River Gorge. However you see it, this spot is truly spectacular year-round, with nature lovers and photographers flocking to enjoy its majesty.
Waterfall For All: Cummins Falls
Nine miles north of Cookeville on the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River, Cummins Falls State Park has been a summer favorite amongst Tennesseans for over a century now. But in 2024, things are getting even better. The park just unveiled a 3,600 sq. ft. ADA accessible overlook at the end of the .4-mile Falls Overlook Trail, providing easy access for wheelchair users to enjoy the 75-foot-tall Cummins Falls. Good to know: Gorge Access Permits are required to access the gorge — reserve yours here.
Tennessee Jungle: Lost Creek Falls
Fun fact: Lost Creek Falls (located in Lost Creek State Natural Area) was one of a handful of Tennessee filming locations in the 1994 version of Disney’s beloved The Jungle Book. Once you see it, you’ll understand why Mowgli and Baloo felt so at home here. Surrounded by lush ferns and flowers in the summer, Lost Creek Falls drop dramatically 40 feet from a large spring before disappearing mysteriously into underground caverns.
Hidden Historic Gem: Walls of Jericho
According to local lore, the Walls of Jericho in Belvidere were one of famed frontiersman David Crockett’s favorite hunting grounds. He kept them a closely guarded secret back in the old days, and they’re still among the lesser-known falls in Tennessee. But they’re very much worth seeking out. Located along the Tennessee-Alabama line, the water spills down rugged cliffsides into gorgeous blue pools.
Kayaker’s Delight: The Great Falls
Freestyle Kayakers at The Great Falls in the 883-acre Rock Island State Park get to enjoy an authentically interactive experience at the 30-foot horseshoe cascading waterfall. The power of the falling water often creates whitewater-like conditions, creating a thrilling challenge for even the most experienced aquatic adventurers.
Make A Splash: Greeter Falls
Located within the scenic Savage Gulf State Park in Palmer, Greeter Falls boasts a lovely 15-foot upper ledge that flows freely over a 50-foot lower ledge. The water ends up in a plunge pool that provides the perfect opportunity for cooling off in during summer’s hotter days. Be cautious, however — there are no lifeguards on duty! Good to know: Between them, the nearby South Cumberland State Park and Savage Gulf State Park have several major waterfalls, and many smaller ones.
Hancock County Hot Spot: Elrod Falls
Take a day trip to Hancock County, a northeastern Tennessee rural gem filled with bluegrass heritage, rolling hills — and waterfalls, of course. About half an hour southwest down the valley from downtown Sneedville you’ll find the multi-tiered Elrod Falls, a must-see natural attraction in the area. The first tier of this three-tiered waterfall can be accessed via car, and a short hike will bring you up and around to the second and third tiers.
Grand View: Upper Piney Falls
This waterfall is located in the aptly named Grandview. And grand views are what you’ll get when you reach Piney Falls, one of only 14 National Natural Landmarks in Tennessee. Little Piney Creek plunges 80 feet over Upper Piney Falls into a pool below and then drops another 40 feet over Lower Piney Falls. At Upper Piney Falls, a concave ledge circles behind and around the falls where you can follow a trail for incredible panoramas of the gorge.
