Abrams Falls
Although Abrams Falls (located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park) is only 20 feet high, the large volume of water rushing over falls more than makes up for its lack of height. The long, deep pool at its base is very picturesque. The waterfall and creek are named for Cherokee Chief Abram or Abraham whose village once stood several miles downstream.
The trail to the falls traverses pine-oak forest on the ridges and hemlock and rhododendron forest along the creek. The hike is 5 miles roundtrip and considered moderate in difficulty. Due to strong currents and an undertow, swimming in the pool at the base of the falls is extremely dangerous.
Trailhead: The turnoff for the trailhead is located past stop #10 on the Cades Cove Loop Road.
Benton Falls
Benton Falls is located on the Benton Falls Trail in the Overhill country of southeastern tennessee in Polk County. The trail is one and a half miles to the falls.
Directions: East from Cleveland TN or west from Ducktown TN on Highway 64. From Ocoee Ranger Station on Hwy 64 take Forest Service Road 77 up the Chilhowee Mountain approximately 7.3 miles and turn right at Chilhowee Campground. Go 0.4 miles to the Chilhowee Recreation Area.
Blue Hole Falls
Blue Hole Falls is a series of 4 falls. These falls are located in Cherokee National Forest.
Burgess Falls
Burgess Falls is located in Burgess Falls State Park (Sparta, TN). Sheer bluffs, narrow ridges, rolling water and abundant mixed forest, characterize this area. The Falling Water River drops approximately 250 feet, providing numerous waterfalls, breathtaking scenery and overlooks. The park is home to over 300 species trees and plants and an abundance of wildlife.
Directions: From I-40, take Exit 286. Turn South off the 286 ramp onto State Highway 135. Proceed on Hwy 135 for 7 miles following the signs to the park.
Cumberland Falls
Cumberland Falls is in Cumberland Falls State Resort Park which is located in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Known as the "Niagara of the South," the waterfall forms a 125-foot wide curtain that plunges 60 feet into the boulder-strewn gorge below. The mist of Cumberland Falls creates the magic of the moonbow, only visible on a clear night during a full moon. The area is a natural choice for water-sports enthusiasts, offering white-water rafting and canoeing among other water activities. The historic DuPont Lodge offers lodging, dining and a spectacular view of the Cumberland River Valley.
Fall Creek Falls
Fall Creek Falls, Fall Creek Falls State Resort Park in Pikeville, TN, is one of the highest waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains, plunging 256 feet into a shaded pool at the base of its gorge. The park's other falls, (Piney, Cane Creek and Cane Creek Cascades), though smaller, are just as impressive.
Directions: From Nashville take I-40 East to Cookeville (82 miles). Turn right onto 111 South (exit 2142). Park entrance is on the left on Highway 284 (12 miles). From Atlanta, take I-75 North to Chattanooga, take I-24 toward Nashville, take Hwy 27 North toward Dayton and follow Highway 111 North to the park entrance on the right.
Grotto Falls
Trillium Gap Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park meanders through an old-growth hemlock forest and actually runs behind the 25 foot high Grotto Falls waterfall. The cool, moist environment near the falls is ideal for salamanders and summer hikers. The hike is 3 miles roundtrip and considered moderate in difficulty.
Trailhead: From the parkway in Gatlinburg, turn at traffic light #8 and follow Historic Nature Trail into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Take Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (no RVs or trailers; closed in winter) to stop #5 where there is a large parking area.
Laurel Falls
Laurel Falls is one of the most popular destinations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and parking at the trailhead is limited. The area is especially busy on weekends year-round and on weekdays during summer. Laurel Branch and the 80-foot high Laurel Falls are named for mountain laurel, an evergreen shrub which blooms along the trail and near the falls in May.
The trail is 2.6 miles roundtrip and considered moderate in difficulty. The trail is paved and is suitable for strollers.
Trailhead: From Sugarlands Visitor Center, turn toward Cades Cove on Little River Road and drive 3.5 miles to the trailhead where there are parking areas on both sides of the road.
The Sinks
The Sinks in Great Smoky Mountains National Park; image by Jeaneane Payne
The Sinks are located inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Year 'round, water flows over huge boulders and flows into a still pool. It is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the Park.
Cummins Falls
In the rolling hills of Jackson County where Putnam and Jackson counties meet, the stream gives way to a 75-foot drop. Cummins Falls is formed on the Eastern Highland Rim and is Tennessee's eighth largest waterfall in volume.
Gentry's Creek Falls
Gentry's Creek Falls is one of the most beautiful and most photographed waterfalls in northeast Tennessee. It is a short drive from Laurel Bloomery. Follow this trail 2 1/2 miles to the end where you will find two 30 to 40 foot waterfalls at the end of the trail. Gentry's Creek Rd. Laurel Bloomery, TN.
Greeter Falls
Greeter Falls is located in South Cumberland State Park. The fall drops over a 15-foot upper ledge and then plummets over a 50-foot lower ledge into a cold, clear plunge pool. Savage Creek enters its gorge over cascades and drops 30-foot at Savage Falls.
Hen Wallow Falls
The trip to Hen Wallow Falls (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) is a pleasant walk through hemlock and rhododendron forest. A signed side trail leads to the base of the falls by way of steep switchbacks. Hen Wallow Creek, only two feet wide at the top of the falls, fans out to 20 feet at the base. The waterfall is 90 feet high.
The hike to the falls is 4.4 miles roundtrip and considered moderate in difficulty. Hikers continuing on the Gabes Mountain Trail beyond the falls can enjoy an impressive old-growth forest.
Access Trail: Gabes Mountain
Trailhead: Park in the designated hiker parking area at Cosby Picnic Area (near the entrance to Cosby Campground). Then backtrack on foot approximately 100 yards along the road to the signed start of the Gabes Mountain Trail.
Turtletown Falls
Turtletown Creek Trail (located in Polk County) is a loop trail that follows Turtletown creek and loops back to Shrinebone Ridge. It has scenic views of the Hiwassee River in addition to overlooks of two major waterfalls. This trail also has a spur trail is a loop trail that leads to FS Road 1166 for an extended hike back to the parking lot. Trail head is on the left.
Directions: Take US Highway 64 East and turn North onto TN Highway 68 for approximately 15 miles. cross the railroad tracks and bear to the left on all paved roads for about 0.9 miles to the junction of FS Road 1166 (there is a sign here for the Turtletown Scenic Area). Turn Right and follow FS Road 1166 for 0.9 mile to the junction of 11651 and turn left. Travel approximately 0.5 mile to the parking lot.
Lowry Falls Trail
Lowry Falls Trail (located in Polk County) begins at Highway 30 on a old gravel road. It is 0.25 miles long and increases in difficulty as it approaches the Falls area. This area provides hikers with viewing opportunities of waterfalls, rock bluffs and rhododendron patches.
Directions: Off US Highway 64 turn onto Highway 30 for 12 miles. the Trail head will be on the left side of the road. The Trail head is just a small pullover on the side of the road big enough for one vehicle.
Meigs Falls
Meigs Falls is one you can drive to. The pulloff to view Meigs Falls is along Little River Road, 13 miles west of Sugarlands Visitor Center (7 miles east of Townsend). The falls is tucked away on the far side of Little River and can be easily missed while driving.
Mingo Falls
Mingo Falls is on the Cherokee Indian Reservation (Qualla Boundary), just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. No special permits are required for access to the reservation. At 120 feet tall, the waterfall is one of the tallest and most spectacular in the southern Appalachians. The hike to the waterfall is only 0.4 miles in length, but is considered moderate in difficulty.
Directions: From Oconaluftee Visitor Center, drive south (toward Cherokee) on US-441 and take the second left onto Big Cove Road. At the first stop sign turn left and drive 4.5 miles to Mingo Falls Campground, where the trail begins.
Mouse Creek Falls
Big Creek Trail (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) follows an old railroad grade used to haul lumber out of the mountains during the logging boom at the start of the 20th century. At 1.4 miles the trail passes Midnight Hole, a deep, picturesque pool below a 6' falls. At 2.1 miles a short side trail on the left leads to a bench where hikers can rest and view Mouse Creek Falls which is on the far side of Big Creek. The falls are 45’ in height.
The 4-mile roundtrip hike to the waterfall is considered moderate in difficulty.
Trailhead: Exit I-40 at Waterville Road (#451). Turn left after crossing the Pigeon River and proceed 2.3 miles to an intersection. Continue straight, past the ranger station, to a large parking area at road’s end.
Place of a Thousand Drips
During wet periods, this waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is dramatic as the flow of water splits into numerous small channels cascading around rocks and creating "a thousand drips." From the parkway in Gatlinburg, turn at traffic light #8 and follow Historic Nature Trail into the park. Take Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (closed in winter). The waterfall is at stop #15.
Rainbow Falls
A rainbow produced by mist from this 80-foot high waterfall is visible on sunny afternoons. During extended winter cold spells, an impressive ice formation builds around the falls. Between trailhead and falls, Rainbow Falls Trail gains about 1,500' in elevation. The 5.4 mile roundtrip hike is considered moderate in difficulty. The Rainbow Falls Trail continues for approximately 4 miles beyond the falls to the summit of Mt. Le Conte.
Trailhead: From the parkway in Gatlinburg, turn at traffic light #8 and follow Historic Nature Trail into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Continue past the Noah “Bud” Ogle homesite to the clearly signed Rainbow Falls parking area.
Ramsey Cascades
Ramsey Cascades is the tallest waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and one of the most spectacular. Water drops 100 feet over rock outcroppings and collects in a small pool where numerous well-camouflaged salamanders can be found.
The trail to the waterfall gains over 2,000' in elevation over its 4 mile course and the 8-mile roundtrip hike is considered strenuous in difficulty. It follows rushing rivers and streams for much of its length. The last 2 miles pass through old-growth cove hardwood forest with large tuliptrees, basswoods, silverbells, and yellow birches.
Do not attempt to climb to the top of the falls. Several people have been killed trying to do so.
Trailhead: Drive six miles east of Gatlinburg on Highway 321 and turn at the Greenbrier entrance to the park. Follow the signs 4.7 miles to the trailhead.
Red Fork Falls
Red Fork Falls is approximately 80 ft. in height and is one of the most scenic falls in Unicoi County. There are natural handholds and steps in the rock. These are slippery and can be dangerous. Roundtrip hiking distance is less than a mile.
Directions: From the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce, 100 South Main Avenue, Erwin, TN, travel north on Main Avenue into the town of Unicoi, 5.1 miles.Turn right on highway 107 toward Limestone Cove. Continue 7.3 miles, watching for a wildlife viewing area sign. Turn right on to the paved road, keeping to the right at the fork. Continue 1.2 miles to a gravel turnout on the right. A painted red spot on a large tree marks the trailhead. Walk down the old roadbed to a fork of the creek, approximately 100 yards. Cross the creek and continue to a second fork. Cross again and turn downstream to the right. You will soon see the top of the falls, but continue down the trail which begins a nearly vertical descent.
Rock Creek Falls
Rock Creek Falls and nearby Upper Rock Creek Falls are approximately 40 ft. in height. During the winter the bluffs are often covered with large icicles. This is a moderate hike over a very rocky trail. Round trip distance is approximately 4 miles.
Directions: From the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce, 100 South Main Avenue, Erwin, TN, travel north on Main Avenue 1.2 miles, turn right on to highway 395 following the signs to Rock Creek Recreation Area, 3.0 miles. Turn left into the area ($2.00 daily fee). Park at the bath house and continue walking down the paved road beyond camping loop C to the trailhead. The trail generally follows Rock Creek upstream. After a short distance you will arrive at a footbridge on your left. Do not cross the bridge. Continue on the main trail past the iron gate. You will cross the creek on rocks and logs four times before arriving at the lower falls. You must descend steeply along a narrow trail to reach the base of the falls. Upper Rock Creek Falls is a short distance further on the main trail.
Spivey Falls
Spivey Falls is located on private property, but beautiful pictures can be taken from the parking area.
Directions: From the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce, 100 South Main Avenue, Erwin, TN, travel north on Main Avenue two blocks and turn left onto Second Street. Continue one half mile under the overpass and turn left onto U.S. 19/23. Travel south for six miles to exit 12, the Temple Hill Exit. Go under the overpass and turn right onto highway 19W and 352. After one mile, these two highways split. Keep to the left on 19W. From this point continue approximately 3.2 miles to an unmarked paved road on the right. This is a narrow road that will descend to a small parking area at the base of the falls.
Twin Falls
Twin Falls is an 80 foot waterfall located in Rock Island State Park.
Virgin Falls
This beautiful trail descends the Caney Fork River Gorge to reach Virgin Falls, a waterfall created by an underground stream that emerges from a cave and drops 110-ft down a cliff face to disappear into another cave. Along the way, the trail passes several spectacular waterfalls and caves. A spur trail midway along the hike loops out to an overlook above the Gorge. At Virgin falls, the trail makes a small loop, after which you hike out on the same trail.
Directions: From Nashville, take I-40 East to exit 228/SR-111.Turn right off the exit onto Hwy 111 south. Go 11 miles, exit onto US 70 East towards Sparta/Smithville. Take US 70 East for 11 miles to (through Sparta) to Eastland Road. There is a BP Station on the corner. Turn right (south) on Eastland Rd., go 6 miles to Scotts Gulf Road. Turn right (south) onto Scotts Gulf Rd (dirt road). The parking area and trail head are on the right, 2 miles down Scotts Gulf Road.
More Tennessee Waterfalls:
Adkins Branch Falls
Slave Falls 70'
Allegheney Falls 12'
Anderson Falls 80'
Angel Falls 7'
Babbs Mill Falls
Baby Falls 15' - in Cherokee National Forest
Backbone Br Cascade 10' - in Cherokee National Forest
Back Valley Falls 14'
Badger Falls 30' - in Rock Island State Park
Badger Flat Falls 20' - in Rock Island State Park
Baker Falls - 2 waterfalls in Coffee County
Bald River Cascade - in Cherokee National Forest
Bald River Falls 90' - in Cherokee National Forest
Ballplay Falls 45' - in Cherokee National Forest
Barren Creek Falls 35' - in DeKalb County
Basin Creek Falls 50' - in Cherokee National Forest
Baskins Falls 40' - in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Bays Mountain Falls 30' - in Hawkins County
Beaver Falls 20' - in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Bee Branch Falls 20' - in White County
Beeler Mill Falls - in Grainger County
Benton Falls 65' - in Cherokee National Forest
Big Bluff Falls - in Cherokee National Forest
Big Branch Falls - in Pocket Wilderness, White County
Big Branch Falls - in Unicoi County
Big Falls 30' - in Old Stone Fort State Historic Park
Big Laurel Branch Falls - at Wilbur Lake, Carter County
Big Laurel Falls 40' - in Pocket Wilderness, White County
Big Sunk Cane Falls 70' - in Overton County
Big Swan Creek Falls - in Lewis County
Black Canyon Cascades - in Grundy County
Blevins Branch Falls 36' - in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Boardtree Falls 30' - in Savage Gulf, Grundy County
Bolden Knight Falls - in Monroe County
Boones Creek Falls - in Washington County
Boulder House Falls - in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Bridal Veil Falls 50' - in Franklin County
Bridal Veil Falls 60' - in Grundy County
Bridge Creek Falls 35' - in Marion County
Bridgeport Church Falls - in Grainger County
Bridge Rock Falls - in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Brookshire Creek Falls - in Cherokee National Forest
Bruce Creek Falls 50' - on Cumberland Trail in Campbell County
Buck Branch Falls - in Cherokee National Forest
Buckeye Falls 475' - in Unicoi County
Buffalo Creek Falls - in Grainger County
Bullet Creek Falls 35' - in Cherokee National Forest
Burgess Falls 136' - in Burgess Falls State Park, Putnam County
Burnt Mill Cascade - in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Burnt Mill Falls - in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Burnt Mill Shower - in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Busby Falls - in Coffee County
Butterfly Creek Falls - in Blount County
Buzzard Roost Falls 130' - in Cherokee National Forest, Cocke County
Calderwood Cascade - in Blount County
California Creek Falls - in Cherokee National Forest, Unicoi County
Camp Creek Falls - in Cherokee National Forest, Greene County
Cane Creek Cascades 45' - Fall Creek Falls State Park, VanBuren County
Cane Creek Falls 85' - Fall Creek Falls State Park, VanBuren County
Cane Creek Twin Falls - Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Blount County
Cannon Creek Falls - Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Sevier County
Carmac Falls 90' - at Evins Mill in Nashville
Cascade Falls 38' - on private land in Grundy County
Castle Rock Falls 30' - at Center Hill, White County
Cataract Falls 25' - in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Sevier County
Cedar Springs Creek Falls - on private land in Grainger County
Center Hill Dam Falls - in DeKalb County
Chestnut Mountain Falls 40' - in Cherokee National Forest, Polk County
Chilhowee Cascades 80' - in Monroe County
City Lake Falls - in Putnam County
Clear Branch Falls 40' - in Cherokee National Forest, Unicoi County
Clear Branch Falls 40' - in Pocket Wilderness, Hamilton County
Cliff Creek Falls 30' - in Center Hill, White County
Cody Falls 40' - in Cherokee National Forest, Unicoi County
Coker Creek Falls 45' - in Cherokee National Forest, Polk County
Collins Falls - in Franklin State Forest
Conasauga Falls 35' - in Cherokee National Forest, Monroe County
Coon Creek Falls 250' - in Fall Creek Falls State Park, VanBuren County
Coon Den Falls 50' - in Cherokee National Forest, Carter County
Copperas Falls 20' - in Lawrence, Lawrence County
Copperhead Falls - in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Scott County
Cove Creek Cascades - Sevier County
Coyote Falls 35' - in Cherokee National Forest, Unicoi County
Crooked Arm Falls 25' - Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Blount County
Crowder Branch Cascade - in Cherokee National Forest, Monroe County
Crystal Falls - in Pickett State Park, Jamestown
Davis Creek (Mary's) Falls 45' - in Cherokee National Forest, Greene County
Debord Falls - in Frozen Head State Park, Wartburg
Deep Pool Cascades - in Pocket Wilderness, Rhea County
Delsatch Falls 85' - in Cherokee National Forest, Unicoi County
Dennis Cove Falls - in Carter County
Dick Creek Falls 22' - in Cherokeek National Forest, Unicoi County
Dolan Branch Falls 20' - in Bays Mountain Park, Kingsport
Dome Falls 90' - on Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg
Doublecamp Cascades - in Cherokee National Forest, Monroe County
Dry Branch Cascade 30' - in Cherokee National Forest, Cocke County
Dry Creek Falls 35' - in White County
Dudley Falls - in Cherokee National Forest, Greene County
Emory Gap Falls - in Frozen Head State Park, Wartburg
Fall Branch Falls - in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Scott County
Fall Creek Falls 256' - Fall Creek Falls State Park, VanBuren County
Fall Hollow Falls 40' - Natchez Trace Parkway, Lewis County
Falling Water Cascades - in Burgess Falls State Park, Sparta
Falling Water Falls 110' - Hamilton County
Falls Branch Falls - in Marion County
Falls Branch Falls 55' - in Cherokee National Forest, Monroe County
Falls Mill Falls - in Franklin, Franklin County
Fancher Falls, 80' - in White, White County
Fern Branch Falls, 60' - Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg
Fish Camp Cascades - Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Sevier County
Flatrock Falls - Frozen Head State Park, Wartburg
Fort Harry Falls, 90' - Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Sevier County
Foster Falls, 60' - in South Cumberland State Park, Monteagle
Fourmile Creek Falls - Blount County
Friendship Falls - in Hawkins County
FS35 Falls - in Cherokee National Forest, Monroe County
Gee Creek Falls - in Gee Creek Wilderness, Polk County
Gentry Creek Falls, 40' - in Cherokee National Forest, Johnson County
Glen Falls - in Hamilton County
Goforth Falls - in Cherokee National Forest, Polk County
Gordon Branch Falls - on Obed Wild & Scenic River, Morgan County
Great Falls - in Rock Island State Park, Rock Island
Greeter Falls, 50' - South Cumberland State Park, Monteagle
Harpeth Narrows Falls - Cheatham County
Hen Wallow Falls, 45' - Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cocke County
Hideout Falls, 50' - in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Scott County
Honey Cove Falls - Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Blount County
Honey Creek Falls - in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Scott County
Horsehair Falls, 80' - Cumberland Falls State Park, Monteagle
Horsepound Falls - in South Cumberland State Park, Monteagle
Huskey Branch Falls - Little River Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Sevier County
