TN Waterfalls That Are Worth The Hike

Take a country drive along the Natchez Trace Parkway to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Middle Tennessee. When you're ready to stretch your legs, turn off at milepost 404.7 to witness Jackson Falls. To get there, take the steep 900-foot long trail that leads you to the clear pool at the base of the falls. The trail is a concrete sidewalk with a number of stairs. Enjoy the serenity of the falls and watch the diverted stream of Jackson Falls slip down into the Duck River Valley. Pro tip: Continue your journey on the Natchez Trace Parkway for a second waterfall hike at Fall Hollow located at milepost 391.9.

Things to know before going to Jackson Falls

• Trail: Jackson Falls Trail
• Distance: 900 feet one way
• Difficulty: Moderate due to steep grade and stairs
• Swimming access: Not recommended
• Accessibility: Paved concrete trail, but steep with stairs
• Parking: Parking available at milepost 404.7 along the Natchez Trace Parkway
• Permits: No permit noted for standard day-use access
• Best season to visit: Spring for water flow and fall for a scenic Natchez Trace drive

What to expect when hiking to Jackson Falls

Jackson Falls is one of the most convenient waterfalls near Nashville for travelers who want a scenic drive and a short hike. The paved trail is brief but steep, making the return climb more strenuous than the distance suggests. Add nearby Fall Hollow to turn this into a simple waterfall loop in Tennessee along the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Pack a picnic to enjoy the rushing waters of Stillhouse Hollow Falls, part of a 90-acre state natural area on the Western Highland Rim, about 66 miles south of Nashville. The walking trail is about 2/3 of a mile which takes you past fields of shrubbery like oak-leaf hydrangea and downy mock-orange. Once you arrive at the falls, you'll see the cascades plunge 75 feet over the falls into a deep hollow where you can smile at the many colorful wildflowers blooming such as trillium, phlox and wild geranium.

Things to know before going to Stillhouse Hollow Falls

• Trail: Stillhouse Hollow Falls Trail
• Distance: About two-thirds of a mile to the falls
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Swimming access: Not recommended
• Accessibility: Natural surface trail with uneven terrain
• Parking: Parking available at the state natural area
• Permits: No permit noted for standard day-use access
• Best season to visit: Spring for wildflowers and waterfall flow

What to expect when hiking to Stillhouse Hollow Falls

Stillhouse Hollow Falls is a peaceful option for waterfall hiking near Nashville, especially for travelers interested in wildflowers and a quieter natural area. The hike is relatively short, but the trail includes uneven surfaces and a descent into the hollow.

Machine Falls is part of the 420-acre Short Springs State Natural Area located about 74 miles from Nashville, making it a great day trip from the city. While hiking the Machine Falls trail, you can see great rock formations and some of the best spring wildflower displays in Tennessee. You'll see uncommon wildflowers as well as rare species like Nestronia and broad-leaved bunchflower. Once you arrive at Machine Falls, you can take your shoes off and splash in the waters. The waterfall drops more than 60 feet, making it a sight to marvel. Take plenty of pictures and some time to sit and enjoy the solitude nature brings.

Things to know before going to Machine Falls

• Trail: Machine Falls Loop Trail
• Distance: About 1.6 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Swimming access: Wading and splashing are common when conditions allow; not a traditional deep swimming hole
• Accessibility: Natural surface trail with uneven and potentially slippery terrain
• Parking: Parking available at Short Springs State Natural Area
• Permits: No permit noted for standard day-use access
• Best season to visit: Spring for wildflowers and summer for cooling off near the water

What to expect when hiking to Machine Falls

Machine Falls is one of the most rewarding waterfall hikes near Nashville for travelers who want a manageable trail with a big payoff. Expect rock formations, wildflowers, forested paths and a beautiful waterfall setting where hikers often pause to cool their feet in the water.

Greeter Falls is located within Savage Gulf State Park in Altamont, about 60 miles from Chattanooga and 90 miles from Nashville. The natural area is one of Tennessee's most scenic wilderness areas and Greeter Falls contributes with its 15-foot upper ledge that flows over a 50-foot lower ledge in a plunge pool. With more than 50 miles of hiking trails, bring a picnic and enjoy the views.

Things to know before going to Greeter Falls

• Trail: Greeter Falls Loop Trail
• Distance: About 1 mile round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Swimming access: Yes, at the plunge pool when conditions allow
• Accessibility: Natural surface trail with stairs and steep sections
• Parking: Parking available at the Greeter Falls trailhead
• Permits: No permit noted for standard day-use access
• Best season to visit: Spring through early fall for waterfall flow, hiking and warm-weather swimming

What to expect when hiking to Greeter Falls

Greeter Falls is a favorite stop for travelers looking for swimming waterfalls in Tennessee. The hike is relatively short, but the terrain includes stairs and steep sections. The payoff is a dramatic waterfall and plunge pool within one of the state’s most scenic wilderness areas.

Located in the expansive South Cumberland State Park, Foster Falls amazes hikers every day with its 60-foot waterfall plunging into a pool, making it the perfect swimming hole in the warmer months. Take the Fiery Gizzard Trail's Climber's Loop, a 2-mile trail that leads you along the cliff line and to Foster Falls. In the spring and early summer, enjoy the mountain laurel and azaleas blooming at the top of the falls. If you want to extend your hike, take Foster Falls to Small Wilds, a 5-mile trail that takes you past waterfalls and stunning overlooks.

Things to know before going to Foster Falls

• Trail: Fiery Gizzard Trail’s Climber’s Loop; Foster Falls to Small Wilds
• Distance: 2-mile Climber’s Loop; 5-mile extended hike to Small Wilds
• Difficulty: Moderate on Climber’s Loop; Moderate to Strenuous on longer routes
• Swimming access: Yes, at the waterfall pool when conditions allow
• Accessibility: Natural surface trail with rocky, uneven and steep sections
• Parking: Parking available at the Foster Falls area of South Cumberland State Park
• Permits: No permit noted for standard day-use access
• Best season to visit: Summer for swimming, spring for blooms and fall for hiking

What to expect when hiking to Foster Falls

Foster Falls is one of the best waterfalls near Chattanooga for visitors who want a classic waterfall hike with a swimming hole. The route includes cliffside views, rocky terrain and a dramatic descent toward the pool. For a longer adventure, continue along the trail to experience more waterfalls and overlooks.

If you're looking for solitude in nature, spend some time at the base of the multi-tiered Blue Hole Falls in the Cherokee National Forest. Choose to experience this area during quieter times of day such as early morning on weekends or during the week March through October. The 0.3-mile trail is considered moderately challenging and includes a steep section with a number of roots and wooden steps. In warmer months, enjoy the natural swimming spot at the base of the falls.

Things to know before going to Blue Hole Falls

• Trail: Blue Hole Falls Trail
• Distance: 0.3 mile
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Swimming access: Yes, at the natural swimming area when conditions allow
• Accessibility: Steep natural trail with roots and wooden steps
• Parking: Parking available near the trailhead
• Permits: No permit noted for standard day-use access
• Best season to visit: Late spring through early fall for swimming and warmer weather

What to expect when hiking to Blue Hole Falls

Blue Hole Falls is a short East Tennessee waterfall hike with a peaceful payoff. Though the distance is brief, the trail includes steep and uneven sections, so sturdy footwear is helpful. Visit during quieter times for a more serene experience at this natural swimming spot.

Ruby Falls is home to the tallest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States. Pick a cave adventure and journey 260 feet by glass-front elevator into the cavern hidden deep in Lookout Mountain. Explore the cave on a guided walk to see ancient geological formations, learn the cave's history and marvel at the waterfall lightshow. The round-trip waterfall hike near Chattanooga is offered year-round and is under 1 mile. 

Things to know before going to Ruby Falls

• Trail: Guided cave walk to Ruby Falls
• Distance: Under 1 mile round trip
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Swimming access: No
• Accessibility: Because of cave formations and uneven ground, Ruby Falls is not wheelchair or stroller accessible
• Parking: On-site parking available
• Permits: Timed ticket required
• Best season to visit: Year-round

What to expect when hiking to Ruby Falls

Ruby Falls is the best-known underground waterfall in Tennessee and one of the most unique waterfalls in Chattanooga. Instead of a traditional outdoor hiking trail, visitors take a guided cave walk through Lookout Mountain to reach the illuminated waterfall. It’s a strong option for travelers looking for a waterfall experience near Chattanooga that is available year-round.

You'll hear Abrams Falls before you see it. Though the waterfall is only 20 feet high, the volume of water that cascades into the pools below is magnificent to watch. You'll hike five miles of moderate to difficult terrain round trip. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended as there are narrow log bridges and rocky terrain to maneuver.

Things to know before going to Abrams Falls

• Trail: Abrams Falls Trail
• Distance: 5 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
• Swimming access: Not recommended
• Accessibility: Natural trail with rocky terrain, narrow bridges and uneven surfaces
• Parking: Parking available near the trailhead in Cades Cove; check current Great Smoky Mountains National Park parking guidance before visiting as roads periodically close in the winter
• Permits: Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a parking tag all vehicles parking for more than 15 minutes; can be purchased online or at various kiosks 
• Best season to visit: Spring through fall; start early during peak travel seasons

What to expect when hiking to Abrams Falls

Abrams Falls is one of the most popular waterfall hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trail is longer and more rugged than many visitors expect, but the powerful water flow makes the waterfall memorable. Plan ahead, wear sturdy shoes and allow plenty of time for the round-trip hike.

Plan a Middle Tennessee waterfall loop that starts with a scenic drive from Nashville and connects several waterfall hikes in one day or weekend.

• Suggested route: Nashville → Jackson Falls → Stillhouse Hollow Falls → Machine Falls → Nashville
• Best for: Day trips from Nashville, short hikes, wildflowers and scenic drives
• Suggested trip length: Full day or relaxed overnight trip
• Driving notes: Start early from Nashville, stop along the Natchez Trace Parkway for Jackson Falls, continue south toward Summertown for Stillhouse Hollow Falls, then finish near Tullahoma with Machine Falls before returning to Nashville.

This Tennessee waterfall loop is ideal for travelers who want some of the state’s most impressive waterfalls, accessible overlooks and state park scenery.

• Suggested route: Nashville → Rock Island State Park → Fall Creek Falls State Park → Burgess Falls State Park → Cummins Falls State Park → Cookeville
• Best for: Accessible waterfall views, state parks, photography and a weekend getaway
• Suggested trip length: Two days
• Driving notes: Begin at Rock Island State Park for Twin Falls and Great Falls, continue to Fall Creek Falls State Park, then visit Burgess Falls and Cummins Falls near the Cookeville area. This route works well as a Tennessee waterfalls road trip with an overnight stay in or near Cookeville.

This waterfall tour highlights waterfalls near Chattanooga and the Cumberland Plateau, combining swimming holes, scenic trails and a one-of-a-kind underground waterfall Tennessee experience.

• Suggested route: Chattanooga → Ruby Falls → Foster Falls → Greeter Falls → Chattanooga
• Best for: Waterfalls near Chattanooga, cave adventures, hiking and summer swimming
• Suggested trip length: Full day or overnight trip
• Driving notes: Start with Ruby Falls on Lookout Mountain, then continue toward Foster Falls and Greeter Falls for outdoor hiking and swimming access when conditions allow. This route is a strong option for travelers searching for waterfalls near Chattanooga or waterfalls in Chattanooga with a mix of easy and more adventurous stops.

For travelers heading deeper into East Tennessee, pair a mountain getaway with classic waterfall hikes.

• Suggested route: Gatlinburg → Abrams Falls → Elizabethton → Blue Hole Falls

• Best for: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, mountain scenery and natural swimming spots

• Suggested trip length: Two to three days

• Driving notes: Hike Abrams Falls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, then build in time to explore Northeast Tennessee and Blue Hole Falls near Elizabethton. This route is best for travelers who want a longer Tennessee waterfall tour with mountain towns, scenic drives and time outdoors.

Yes, many Tennessee waterfalls are popular swimming spots, especially during the summer months, but swimming access depends on the park, trail conditions and current safety guidance. If you’re searching for waterfalls near me to swim, swimming holes in Tennessee or swimming waterfalls Tennessee, start with these waterfall hikes and always check current conditions before you go.

• Cummins Falls — A popular swimming area sits at the base of the falls, but a gorge permit is required and access depends on conditions.
• Foster Falls — The waterfall plunges into a scenic pool that is popular for swimming during warmer months.
• Greeter Falls — The lower falls flow into a plunge pool that draws hikers during warm-weather trips.
• Blue Hole Falls — This East Tennessee waterfall has a natural swimming spot at the base of the falls.
• Machine Falls — Visitors often cool off by wading and splashing near the waterfall after the hike.

Do not swim in restricted areas, near dangerous currents or during high-water conditions. Avoid climbing wet rocks, wear sturdy shoes and check current park guidance before heading out.

Set out on even more waterfall hiking trails that lead you to wildflowers, overlooks and rock formations in Tennessee. For more ways to build out your trip, explore these Tennessee travel ideas:

10 Small Town Day Trips From Nashville

Music Journey Through Tennessee

Your Guide to Water Activities in Tennessee