Waterfalls in Tennessee are some of the most beautiful and majestic sights to behold. There are over 250 waterfalls scattered throughout the state, ranging from small cascades to larger plunges. The majority of these falls can be found within the eastern half of the state, particularly along its major rivers such as: Clinch River, Little Pigeon River, Caney Fork River and Ocoee Rivers. With so many opportunities for exploration and adventure, it is no wonder why waterfalls in Tennessee have become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts all across America.
List of Top Waterfalls to Visit in Tennessee
Abrams Falls
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best places in Tennessee to view spectacular waterfalls. This area boasts over 80 different falls ranging from small trickles to large plunges such as Abrams Falls and Laurel Falls. Cascading down rocky cliffsides, many of these falls provide excellent photo opportunities with their lush surroundings and unique formations. While visiting this park, be sure not to miss out on Grotto Falls which can be seen by walking behind it through a cave-like tunnel!
Foster Falls
Just outside Chattanooga lies Foster Falls State Natural Area where visitors can find two beautiful waterfalls tucked away in the forested hillsides along South Suck Creek Road. The main attraction here is Big Foster Falls which drops 60 feet into a wide pool below surrounded by tall cliffs and greenery creating an idyllic setting ideal for picnics or just relaxing with friends or family. Additionally, there are several smaller falls located further upstream if you feel like exploring further upriver during your visit!
Piney Falls
Another must-see destination for waterfall lovers is Fall Creek Falls State Park near Pikeville, TN where visitors can explore more than 250 miles of hiking trails throughout its 26000 acres including stops at several breathtaking cascades such as Piney River Cascade and Falling Waterfall both flowing into pristine pools beneath them perfect for swimming on hot summer days! This park contains an impressive array of waterfalls including; Piney Falls (the largest single drop waterfall east of Mississippi), Cane Creek Falls (which has two tiers) and Rockhouse Falls (one of the tallest free-falling waterfalls in the south). Visitors will find both easy access trails leading up to each fall or more challenging routes that take you deeper into this lush landscape filled with spectacular views along your journey.
Ozone Falls
For those who prefer less strenuous hikes but still want access to incredible views; Ozone Falls near Crossville provides easy access right off I-40 making it great spot for families traveling with young children who may need frequent breaks while exploring new scenery! Ozone’s sheer drop makes it one of the tallest single drop waterfall east of Rocky Mountains providing excellent photo ops from various angles around its base as well as viewing platforms above offering expansive vistas across Cumberland Plateau region stretching far beyond site boundaries!
Laurel Falls
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also home to some breathtakingly beautiful falls that draw thousands each year who come to experience their grandeur firsthand. Laurel Falls stands at 80 feet tall while Grotto Falls offers visitors a unique opportunity by being one of few hikes where you can walk behind a curtain like wall of falling waters!
Ramsey Cascades
Other notable falls include Ramsey Cascades which stands at 100 feet tall making it one of highest waterfall’s found inside this national park system! In addition to these two main regions there are numerous other locations around Tennessee containing stunning examples on nature’s beauty such as Cummins’ Falls State Park near Cookeville and Virgin’s Fall located close by Chattanooga offering plenty options if you decide explore beyond what was mentioned above!
Whether looking for an easier day hike or something more adventurous requiring technical gear be sure check out all has offer when comes visiting Waterfalls in Tennessee!
Top 10 Waterfalls in Tennessee
1. Ruby Falls – Chattanooga, TN
2. Burgess Falls – Sparta, TN
3. Ozone Falls – Ozone, TN
4. Fall Creek Falls – Spencer, TN
5. Twin Falls – Rock Island State Park, Warren County, TN
6. Cane Creek Falls – Smithville, DeKalb County,TN
7. Meigs Cascade – Tellico Plains area of Monroe County ,TN
8. Cummins Falls – Jackson/Putnam Counties border in Tennessee
9. Greeter’s falls– Van Buren County near Spencer ,Tennessee
10. Indian Boundary Lake Waterfall- Unaka Ranger District of Cherokee National Forest
Types of Waterfalls in Tennessee
1. Plunge Waterfall: A plunge waterfall is a type of waterfall where the water plunges vertically down a steep face or cliff.
2. Block Waterfall: A block waterfall occurs when a river or stream flows over an abrupt drop in elevation, creating a vertical wall of water that drops straight down with no horizontal movement.
3. Cascade Waterfall: A cascade waterfall is one of the most common types of falls and is created when the flow of water tumbles over several rock ledges before it reaches its final destination below.
4. Segmented Waterfall: A segmented waterfall occurs when two separate streams combine to form one large fall at the bottom, forming multiple cascading segments along its descent from top to bottom.
5. Horsetail Waterfall: This type of waterfall has an interesting shape because it appears as if water is being poured out from a spout like liquid flowing through an hourglass-shaped tube structure before reaching its destination below ground level, often resembling something like hair flowing downward in slow motion, hence why it’s called horsetail!
Location and Map of Waterfalls in Tennessee
Check out our Tennessee Waterfalls Map for even more locations and directions on some of the states best falls to visit.
Eagle Loop Trail