Waterfall chasing is one of my favorite pastimes. Though I’ve seen dozens over the years, I never grow tiresome of standing in front of tumbling water. To me, standing in front of or listening to or splashing in a waterfall is equivalent to how most people feel when they slip into bed with freshly-laundered sheets. The warmth, security, and contentment that you feel when those cozy, crisp sheets envelope your body is identical to my reaction when I glimpse a waterfall cascading off a cliff. Many endorphins release from my pores, causing euphoria to pour through my veins. This may sound dramatic to many, but anytime I’m stressed or overwhelmed, I won’t talk to a therapist; I will step into nature and listen to all the sounds of the water, birds, and crunching leaves, feel the encompassing mountain air, and sniff the sweet-smelling pines. Comfort immediately wraps around me like a blanket when I am in the midst of nature; there’s just no other way to describe my incredible passion and overwhelming emotions that I am overcome with when I am in nature or in the vicinity of a waterfall.
If you’re in dire need of some free nature therapy and live in or around Tennessee, let me show you some of my favorite waterfalls in the state!
Laurel Falls
This waterfall is tucked deep into the Smoky Mountains! At 80 feet high, Laurel Falls ties for the tallest waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and one of the most popular falls. During this easy, 2.4 mile out-and-back trail that snakes up Cove Mountain, you will experience incredible views of the Smokies without too much effort. I recommend this trail to almost anyone, as the elevation gain is only 396 feet, and the falls are just over one mile from the parking area.
Once you reach the falls area, there is a bridge that separates the upper and lower falls. The stream that flows under the bridge is the middle ground between the two falls. The upper falls flows into the stream before the water tumbles off the edge of another cliff into what’s known as the lower falls. The upper falls are the main highlight and what is pictured above. The lower falls are viewable just past the bridge and up the mountain a bit further.
We arrived early in the morning, and we were the only two on the trail, allowing us to revel in the beauty in peace and silence. But I know that the crowds file in later in the morning and early afternoon, so arrive as early as you can to experience this serenity!
Rainbow Falls
People enjoy waterfalls that they don’t have to work for. They simply park their car, walk along a boardwalk or short, paved path, and there it is. You can wear any type of footwear and leave the hydration in the vehicle. Though these waterfalls are gorgeous, its easy accessibility attracts large crowds. I prefer falls that are at the finish line of a sweat-inducing, switchback-filled, high-elevated trail. Falls that dot strenuous trails which require a pair of sturdy hiking boots and backpacks bulging with plenty of hydration and fuel. Falls that are less photographed and only trafficked by avid hikers and adventure enthusiasts. Waterfalls, to me, are so much more beautiful, more rewarding, when I have to work to achieve that sight that ultimately lies in front of me. On top of that, crowds are almost always nonexistent. It’s just you, nature and the breathtaking cataracts cascading down a mountain, cliff, or rocky ledge.
Rainbow Falls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park definitely classifies as one of these beautiful rewards at the end of a highly strenuous trail! This rugged, 5.5 mile, out-and-back trail has a steep elevation gain of 1653 feet with an overall elevation of 4285 feet. The trail is clearly marked and easy to follow, but it sure is difficult! The steep elevation gain combined with cascade crossings and switchbacks make it an adventurous, cardio-inducing hike. A few smaller waterfalls dot the trail, and the LeConte Creek runs beside you as you climb the mountain. Footbridges are also used to cross the river in two different spots. (We hiked this trail five summers ago, and the river’s water level was dangerously high, making it an extremely intimidating situation. If you go when the water level is low, the cascade crossings may not be as difficult, as there are stones you can hopscotch across).
Rainbow Falls is 80 feet high, making it tied for the tallest in the Smokies. It was given its name due to shimmery rainbows that the falls produce on bright, sunny afternoons.
The damaging wildfire that engulfed Chimney Tops in 2016 inspired a reconstruction of the Rainbow Falls trail in 2017. This project produced impressive results, boasting new steps through many of the steep, narrow paths, hundreds of drainage elements, and indigenous stones placed along the route to create durability and longevity. Erosion is no longer an issue, and safety has become a higher priority. We hiked this trail in 2015, so we have not seen the improved trail conditions, but I’d highly recommend arriving early to avoid afternoon crowds, and if you’re up for it, continue past Rainbow Falls, which is less crowded. 4.2 miles past Rainbow Falls will lead you to the summit of Mt. LeConte, the third highest mountain in the Smokies.
Believe it or not, this was my very first official hike that I had ever done. I wrote about this crazy adventure here. If you’re up for the challenge, you won’t regret the insane views along the trail and stunning falls at the finish line!
Burgess Falls
For my birthday two years ago, we hiked around the Cookeville area. This neighborhood is filled to the brim with waterfalls and contains a plethora of state parks and natural areas. During our four-day trip, we not only visited Nashville, but hiked through three state parks and a state natural area. We chased waterfalls, boulder-hopped, and wandered through some of the most beautiful trails that were engulfed in brilliant autumn foliage.
The first park that we visited was Burgess Falls. There are not one, not two, but three waterfalls along this easy, 1.5 mile trail. As you wind through the trail, Falling Water River snakes beside you, gracing you with three separate, stunning falls. The first are a series of 20 foot cascades called Falling Water Cascades. The second, Middle Falls, are 80 feet high. The third, and most impressive in the park, is the 136-foot Burgess Falls (pictured above).
Along the trail, not only are there dazzling waterfalls, but stunning views of the canyons and river. I am a bit bias as I have not been in any other season, but I’d highly recommend checking out this gem, along with the others that I’ll mention below, in the fall season. The waterfalls are flowing and framed by shimmery golds, reds, and yellows, creating a picture-perfect scene.
Twin Falls
Rock Island State Park has the potential to be one of my favorite places that I’ve ever been. It’s definitely on my current, top-ten greatest experiences list. The abundance of waterfalls and pulse-raising, dangerous rock scrambles coupled with the ideal weather, flawless seasonal scenes and overall positive experience heavily influenced my reasoning. I wrote all about this wonderful adventure here.
Rock Island State Park has FIVE waterfalls! Some of these falls can be glimpsed from the parking area, but others require some challenging, boulder-hopping mazes. As mentioned in my blog post about Rock Island, I was quite literally surrounded by waterfalls at all times. No matter where I looked, a waterfall was there, flowing gracefully in my line of vision. 360 views of waterfalls, fall foliage, and a rock-speckled river.
We didn’t park at the Twin Falls parking lot, so we really had to earn the views that we did of this impressive waterfall. We hopped across slippery rocks, fully engaged in a game of “hot lava,” with rushing river currents in lieu of molten lava. We ended up crossing the river, circumventing the main trail and re-routing along a domed canyon until we collected our bearings. We plowed our way through the sharp, broken branches that littered the dirt, keeping our eye on the prize: Twin Falls. When we finally arrived at the finish line an hour or so later–an 80-foot tall, wide, cascading waterfall–our eyes were glued. Since we had worked so hard to achieve this end result, the reward was extra special!
Though there are miles of trails in this state park, we chose to spend most of our time jumping through the rock scrambles that dotted the river. There is plenty of fun to be had along both the river and the trails!
Great Falls
Great Falls was my favorite series of falls in Rock Island State Park. It was pretty much the epicenter of my blog post, Surrounded by Waterfalls. The cliff-eroded river interruption transformed the area into a series of little, higher cascades, which plummeted into a semi-circle smattering of many, taller falls. All of the waterfalls spilled into a natural pool bordered by thousands of uniquely-shaped boulders. Water continued to slip into the rushing current downstream through a small unprotected section where the river continued beyond. The vibrant foliage and clear sky provided a beautiful backdrop, but I couldn’t take my eyes off the centerpiece. When we had researched this park, I saw no mention of these waterfalls, so it was a total surprise. Needless to say, I stood there for a long time, drinking in the views while my wife flew her drone above. These falls require some scrambling across slippery rocks–I even fell along the base of a smaller waterfall cascading off a cliff along the river–so proceed with caution!
Important: If you are visiting Rock Island State Park, you will see many cautionary signs posted along the river that stress the importance of flash flood knowledge. Water will rise rapidly in the gorge, so monitor your surroundings at all times, listen for warning sirens, and proceed with caution as some currents along the river are swift. Swimming is not allowed, but climbing along the rocks is encouraged. Just be careful as they are very slippery and the rapids can be strong!
Cummins Falls
Cummins Falls was the fourth and final park that we visited on our Cookeville road trip. We arrived just after sunrise to Cummins Falls State Park. Utter calm and an almost-tangible silence enveloped the morning air; we were the only two along the trail as we padded across the dirt path. Wispy fog laced the tree-line as we wound our way down the switch-backed, moderate 2.1 mile trail. The trail lead to an overlook of the falls, and then continued down to the river at a steep, rapid decline. From there, if the weather is warm enough, you can brave the icy water with a pair of Chacos and some trekking poles, and navigate your way up the gorge to the base of the falls. We visited in the fall, so the weather wasn’t quite warm enough to river cross. We will definitely be back in the summer to view this impressive, 75-foot waterfall from the bottom!
Fall Creek Falls
Fall Creek Falls is the tallest waterfall in Tennessee, plummeting off a sandstone cliff at a staggering height of 256 feet! This state park is laced with many other impressive waterfalls, as well, along with a plethora of gorges, streams, and towering timber-lined trails. Make sure to hike both the Gorge Overlook and Base of Fall Creek Falls trails; this waterfall must be viewed from both the gorge lookout to the very bottom to see it in its entirety. The stark contrast from top to bottom is astounding.
Since we visited this waterfall in the summer, and the rock scramble to the bottom of the falls was a slippery, sweat-inducing workout, I decided to take a dip in the natural pool just under the falls to cool off. I carefully stepped across the rocky bottom; the closer I moved to the falls, the harder it was to keep my balance. The sheer ferocity of the waterfall swept me off my feet. The powerful wind produced from the waterfalls’ roaring magnitude collapsed my knees and caused me to fall into the pool. My laughs were drowned out by the sound of rushing water; I had an audience within minutes. I was the only daredevil who entered the water– aside from a pair of boys swimming off to my right, farther away from the falls–and amusement spread across people’s faces as they watched me try and fail to regain my footing. Repeatedly, I attempted to stand up, but the sheer force would bring me back down again, giggling. I’m sure I looked ridiculous, but it was quite the adventure, and I’ll never forget it!
So when you go, and if you’re feeling adventurous, bring water shoes as the pool’s bottom is filled with a copious amount of slippery stones, and you’re sure to be knocked off your toes!
Ruby Falls
Ruby Falls is the tallest underground waterfall in the United States. At an astonishing height of 145 feet, this thunderous waterfall lies 1120 feet below Lookout Mountain. To read my blog post on this waterfall, click here.
The waterfall is accessible by booked tour only. The cave tour will lead you through impressive geological formations and eerie rooms that will be capped off by a visit to Ruby Falls. A light show is used to illuminate the falls in an otherwise dark cave; therefore, the water will change from blue to pink to green in a matter of seconds!
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about and seeing some of my favorite waterfalls that lie in the beautiful state of Tennessee. Whether you live in this state, near this state, or are looking for a cross-country adventure, I hope you’ve found something in this post to inspire an adventure that will scratch that waterfall itch!
Wonder. Wander. Repeat. 