The 10 Must-See Waterfall Hikes in Tennessee

Welcome to East Tennessee, the home to the nation's most visited national park— the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Tennessee is famous for beautiful outdoor scenes. With its beautiful blend of rustic scenery, smoky mountaintops, rolling hills and countryside, it’s pretty clear Mother Nature lay her place in Tennessee. 

As one of the Appalachian Trail’s highlighted states, Tennessee is a paradise for backpackers and hikers,  and the state has plenty of hot spots for black bear sightings. Challenge your self  and your family! Join numerous hikers that have logged over 100+ miles and the park will reward you with mileage pins.

Here are 10 must-see hiking trails and waterfalls in Tennessee, in no particular order. (Click each waterfalls name to view more photos.)

1. Hike to Ozone Falls

Located just off U.S. Highway 70, Crab Orchard, Tennessee. This stunningly grand Ozone Falls is a 110-foot waterfall with a pool below it has been a popular tourist attraction for more than a century. The waterfall was named Ozone, because the mist from the falls was believed to have healthy qualities. Today, the waterfall is protected as part of Ozone Falls State Natural Area and it's just a short hike — less than a mile — and easy, but the trail that takes you to the pool below is strenuous, especially on the way back up.

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33 comments Crossville, Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Tennessee, Tennessee State National Park, Travel Tips, Waterfalls

Falls Creek Falls State Park - Part 2

This is our second trip to Falls Creek Falls this time we  hiked the trail  down to the bottom of the big falls. It is a strenuous hike over some rocky areas, but it is well worth it. Going up is physically challenging. The fall doesn't have much water flow to it but it is one of the tallest I have seen. It's like being in another world. You can get in the swimming hole  at the bottom of the falls and it was amazing. There is only one trail that goes in and out , expect that it could be crowded at times. The rocks at the bottom are a tad scary, because some of them are loose so be careful. We were sitting on the rocks at the bottom of the falls for about 30 minutes. 

If you are a person who likes to spend time outdoors or hike, you will truly enjoy a day here. Be sure to plan on making it a day trip, it's in the middle of nowhere. Happy hiking!

Falls Creek Falls State Park

10821 Park Rd

Spencer, TN 37367

One of Tennessee's gem

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11 comments Crossville, Fall Creek Falls, State Parks, Summer Getaway, Tennessee, Waterfalls

Cinematic Ozone Falls

Spring is fast approaching and we're both itching to get outside and breathe in the fresh air. We wanted to do a short hike with lots of cliffs and waterfalls. So we decided to check out the Ozone Falls which I have read that this is the area where a battle scene in the "Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book"  movie took place in 1994. (pretty cool , huh?) 

Stunning Grand Ozone Falls

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21 comments Crossville, State Parks, Summer Getaway, Tennessee, Tennessee State National Park, United States, Waterfalls

A Day Hike at Cummins Falls State Park

My husband and I had wanted to visit Cummins Falls since we moved to Tennessee three years ago and I finally convinced him to go. This place is beautiful! I can see why it was ranked one of the ten best swimming holes in America. We left  at home around 11 A.M. and there were only maybe less than 20  people when we arrived. The weather is nice for a hike but the water is still freezing.  I would absolutely recommend this if you go on a hot day in summer but expect it could be pretty crowded. 

This is definitely not the adventure for you if you're not pretty active and in decent shape, it can be really dangerous. But once you get to the falls, I promise you it will all be worth it!! We will definitely be going back again but next time we will be more prepared.

Cummins Falls simply beautiful and serene.

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23 comments Crossville, Outdoor Activities and Adventures, State Parks, Tennessee, United States, Waterfalls

Burgess Falls State Park

I seriously cannot get over what a beautiful place this is. Burgess Falls is one of the most gorgeous parks in the Cumberland Plateau, with great trails and impressive waterfalls.  The trails heading down to Burgess Falls are no more than moderate and you can see the first fall within a few minutes of hiking.  Little Falls is just that - quite little - but in another half mile are the Middle Falls, which span the width of the river and are about 35' tall.  The trail is straight out & back. You can walk along the river or you can walk along a gravel road that leads to the Burgess Falls (136 feet).

Burgess Falls 136 feet high

Unfortunately, you can only view Burgess Falls from an overlook and can't get down to it.  They had the trail going down blocked off due to flood damage. Would love to go back sometime in October, so we can see the falls at the bottom. Just disappointed we drove almost 2 hrs. and didn't get to see much.

Address: 4000 Burgess Falls Drive, Sparta, TN 38583-8456; Phone Number: 931-432-5312

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4 comments Crossville, State Parks, Summer Getaway, Tennessee, Waterfalls

Cane Creek Cascade Falls

We have only been to Fall Creek Falls State Park to hike and haven't had the chance to camp yet, although I would love to go back for a full camping experience.  We started out viewing the massive 254 foot Fall Creek from an overlook and headed down to the base of the falls on a trail that was fairly strenuous and rocky at times.  On another trail going towards the nature center, we viewed the Cane Creek Falls, which are only 85 feet, but still rather impressive.  Only few people were there, so we sat on some rocks and dipped our feet. The water continues to flow around a small bend which we followed, and came across the top of another waterfall. By the time we reached the nature center, we were at the Cane Creek Cascades Falls, which are 45 feet and flow into a swimming hole area that was quite crowded but its pretty fun to splash around. 

Location Address: 2009 Village Camp Rd Pikeville, Tennessee 37367

No need to describe this beauty

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10 comments Crossville, State Parks, Summer Getaway, Tennessee, Waterfalls

The World's Longest Yard Sale

We live an hour away in Crossville TN which is considered the mid way point of the World's Longest Yard Sale. This is our first time that we went on a yard sale. This event is open for 4 days only , and it extends through 5 states: Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama you have to take route 127.  Along the way, you're going to discover some neat places, interesting people and quaint stops that you'll probably want to visit again and again. So pack your camera, sunglasses, a good pair of walking shoes and plenty of cash. This yard sales does have junk, but it also has good stuff. You just have to being willing to make the trip and go through stuff. The open fields were a great way to browse through a lot of merchandise in one stop. You won't believe the bargains you can find and I was pleasantly surprised that every yard sale was willing to negotiate on the price for their items. I found few items that I am familiar with that brings back my  past memories.

I Drove, I Stopped, I Shopped till I Dropped

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16 comments Crossville, Summer Getaway, Tennessee