Jace Lamonica
Tennessee is home to waterfalls that feel like nature’s best-kept secrets. Some roar with power, while others quietly flow through hidden corners of the state. Each one has its own charm and adventure. Here are ten unforgettable waterfalls that should be on your list for your next adventure to the state.
Fall Creek Falls
With a 256-foot drop into a rocky gorge, Fall Creek Falls towers as the tallest waterfall in the eastern US. This waterfall is surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and mysterious caves, each adding to its mystique. It’s also home to seasonal wildflowers and abundant wildlife.
Burgess Falls
Some waterfalls take your breath away, and Burgess Falls is one of them. In Burgess Falls State Park, this waterfall cascades 136 feet in a mesmerizing series of streams. The fountain rewards a short yet scenic hike, and the mist-filled basin makes it a perfect stop for photographers and nature lovers alike.
Cummins Falls
This one’s for the adventurers. Cummins Falls, with its two-tiered 75-foot cascade, feels like a natural playground surrounded by rocks. A challenging 2.4-mile hike and a $6 ticket take you to this beauty, where the freshwater greets you with a breeze. Plus, you can even swim in it!
Ruby Falls
This geological wonder draws millions of visitors who marvel at its natural and artistic beauty. Hidden deep inside Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls is one of Tennessee’s most unique waterfalls. At 145 feet tall, it shines under colorful lights in an underground cave.
Twin Falls
Twin Falls, sometimes called “Little Niagara,” wasn’t always there. It appeared after an accident during dam construction in the 1920s. Today, its 200-foot streams flow gracefully out of rock walls, creating a sight so unique that it feels like a happy accident worth exploring.
Ozone Falls
Just a short walk from the road takes you to this 110-foot waterfall that splashes into a quiet pool surrounded by cliffs. It’s no wonder it was used as a filming location for Disney’s The Jungle Book. But be careful; though simple, there are no guardrails, so watch out for slippery rocks and children.
Great Falls
Few waterfalls command attention, like the Great Falls in Rock Island State Park. The wide rush of water across the Caney Fork River is a magnet for kayakers looking for adventure. Even if you’re staying dry, the nearby historic dam makes this spot a blend of excitement and history.
Cane Creek Falls
A bridge suspended above Cane Creek Falls offers a breathtaking view of its 85-foot drop. Based in Fall Creek Falls State Park, this waterfall is a favorite for photographers and hikers alike. It’s peaceful, dramatic, and the kind of spot that makes you linger.
Machine Falls
It’s not the biggest in Tennessee, but it’s still worth a trip. Found in Short Springs Natural Area, its 60-foot cascade flows in stunning patterns, framed by a forest teeming with wildflowers. It’s especially magical during spring when the surrounding greenery makes every hike worthwhile.
Foster Falls
Adventure seekers and nature lovers find common ground at Foster Falls. Its 60-foot drop into a pristine pool is breathtaking, and the surrounding area offers much more. Though just a 20-minute trail, its rock-climbing spots make it a hub for outdoor enthusiasts looking for their next thrill.
