Travel
10 Tennessee Waterfalls That Will Leave You In Awe
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.
Malibu’s beautiful coastline and rolling hills have made it one of California’s most beautiful places, attracting both locals and visitors for generations. The wildfires have left their mark, but these 10 glimpses capture the breathtaking beauty that once defined Malibu.
Golden State’s Iconic Pacific Coast Highway
Wind in your hair, the salty scent of the Pacific, and the open road ahead—this was more than just a drive. It was a journey through towering cliffs and sunlit beaches, where every curve revealed a new postcard-worthy scene. At sunset, the asphalt glowed gold and mirrored the waves below.
Beachfront Homes
Where architecture met the ocean, these homes stood as private retreats with glass walls and wooden decks stretching over the sand. Some were sleek and modern, others cozy hideaways weathered by sea spray. Each morning, the tide greeted their doorsteps, and at night, moonlight danced on the water.
The Adamson House
A relic of Malibu’s Spanish heritage, this mansion told stories through intricate ceramic tiles and arched windows that framed the Pacific. The gardens, lush with bougainvillea and palms, led to a quiet lagoon where the past still lingered. Inside, every detail whispered of a time when Malibu was untouched.
Prestigious Restaurants & Shops
Here, meals came with a front-row seat to the Pacific’s endless performance. Nobu’s miso cod melted in your mouth as waves crashed below while Geoffrey’s clifftop tables turned an ordinary lunch into an occasion. Moreover, at the Malibu Country Mart, high fashion was mixed effortlessly with barefoot luxury.
Point Dume
This rugged cliff stretched into the ocean, standing as one of Malibu’s most breathtaking vantage points with sweeping views of the endless blue horizon. Spring draped the cliffs in wildflowers while winter waves pounded the shore. Hikers paused at the summit and stared at the horizon with the knowledge they stood where land met infinity.
Rosenthal Winery
This was a vineyard perched against the Pacific, where glasses clinked beneath open skies and every sip carried a hint of ocean breeze. Live music filled the afternoons as locals and travelers melted into sun-drenched bliss. Here, the time slowed, the waves sang, and the drinks flowed freely.
Stunning Beaches
Soft golden sands and waves that hummed their melody—Malibu’s beaches weren’t just places but experiences. Surfers carved through dawn-lit swells at First Point while explorers ducked through El Matador’s rugged sea caves. Each tide reset the canvas, which left behind footprints that wouldn’t last.
On-Point Pier
Before wildfires reshaped Malibu’s surroundings, the Malibu Pier stood as a quiet retreat, free from the flashy attractions of other coastal spots. Its weathered wooden planks stretched over the Pacific, offering a timeless scene of fishermen casting lines and pelicans circling overhead.
Vibrant Wildlife
Whether soaring above, swimming below, or resting in between, wildlife was woven into every corner of Malibu. Dolphins rode the waves alongside paddleboarders, while hawks glided effortlessly over rugged canyons. On the shore, a sea lion stretched out on the warm sand, lazily watching the tides roll in.
Outdoor Adventures & Hiking Trails
Beyond the beaches, Malibu’s trails carried a different kind of beauty—one carved into canyons, hidden behind waterfalls, and wrapped in the whispers of old Hollywood hideaways. Solstice Canyon’s ruins sat half-swallowed by ivy, holding echoes of a forgotten past, while Escondido Falls tumbled over cliffs after generous rain.
The Great Basin calls to the adventurous traveler, promising a journey off the grid. These ten destinations, each more remote than the last, demand a spirit of adventure and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. Prepare for dirt roads, limited amenities, and the chance to connect with scenery that has remained largely untouched by the modern world.
Jarbidge, Nevada
Located deep in Nevada’s northeastern corner, Jarbidge defies modern convenience with its dirt-road-only access. You’ll find yourself among just twelve year-round souls who brave winters at 6,200 feet elevation. The local trading post, dating from 1912, still serves as both a social hub and a survival necessity.
Baker, Nevada
You’ll need to drive 286 miles from Baker just to get groceries, but with a front-row seat to nature’s ultimate light show, the journey becomes part of the adventure. Great Basin National Park rangers guide you to witness countless stars piercing through some of the darkest skies in America.
Kingston, Nevada
Kingston’s weathered buildings tell tales of its 1865 silver strike. Here, you’ll spot wild horses roaming the Toiyabe Range while locals tend their high-desert gardens. The community still gathers monthly in their 1920s schoolhouse for potlucks and storytelling.
Berlin, Nevada
Night watchmen tell newcomers: count your footsteps through Berlin’s preserved cabins—if they echo twice, you’re not alone. Since the 1890s, this desert-locked mining town has kept its secrets, especially when stamp mills whisper on moonlit nights.
Denio, Nevada
That frosty milkshake at Denio’s lone café might be your last civilization’s comfort for 130 miles. Here at the Nevada-Oregon line, travelers pause before plunging into an ocean of sagebrush, fueling both vehicles and frontier dreams.
Tuscarora, Nevada
Artists now inhabit Tuscarora’s historic mining cabins, which makes this remote outpost a creative haven. The journey here requires navigating unpaved roads, but ceramic works from local potters draw collectors worldwide. The town’s population fluctuates with workshop seasons.
Manhattan, Nevada
Manhattan preserves its mining heritage 45 miles from civilization. During your visit, you’ll witness the preserved ruins of a stamp mill and historic buildings. Local prospectors still work claims in these hills, following veins of silver first discovered in 1866.
Ibapah, Utah
Catch glimpses of mail riders’ ghosts along Ibapah’s ancient Pony Express paths—if Deep Creek Valley’s isolation doesn’t stop you first. In Utah’s timeless pocket, Goshute heritage and ranching traditions blend beneath mountains that guard against change.
Gold Point, Nevada
Gold Point’s six permanent residents maintain a living ghost town. Your overnight stay in restored miners’ cabins reveals million-dollar desert sunsets. The local saloon opens whenever visitors arrive, serving stories alongside cold drinks.
Rachel, Nevada
Rachel earned its UFO Capital nickname from mysterious lights dancing above desert highways. Your last fuel stop waits 40 miles away, but the Little A’Le’Inn serves up otherworldly tales with every meal. Even the biggest skeptics can’t help but question what they see in these mysterious dark skies.
If you love outdoor adventure, there are sand dunes across the US that should be on your bucket list. These 10 natural wonders offer activities like sandboarding, off-roading, and hiking, which makes them perfect for adrenaline junkies.
Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Rising to 750 feet, these massive dunes are framed by dramatic alpine peaks, creating a breathtaking contrast. Seasonal Medano Creek flows through the area and offers a fun water element in spring. At night, stargazing under the high-altitude sky is nothing short of magical.
Bruneau Dunes State Park, Idaho
Home to North America’s tallest single sand dune, Bruneau offers a unique mix of earth and sky exploration. The on-site observatory makes it a stargazer’s haven, while the nearby lake provides opportunities for kayaking and fishing. It’s an unexpected gem for adventurers.
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Oregon
Stretching 40 miles along the Pacific, this dune system combines sandy expanses with lush forests and wetlands. ATV riders love the adrenaline-packed trails, and hikers can enjoy serene pathways surrounded by coastal beauty.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Utah
These striking pink dunes, sculpted by wind and time, are a photographer’s dream. Here, sunrise paints the environment in fiery hues while off-road enthusiasts explore the rolling sands. For a quieter adventure, wander on foot to discover hidden desert flora and peaceful vistas.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan
Overlooking the azure waters of Lake Michigan, these towering dunes combine stunning scenery with rich Native American legends. While the Dune Climb is a popular activity, peaceful trails through nearby forests give a quieter way to connect with this unique environment.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park, North Carolina
The tallest dunes on the East Coast provide the perfect setting for kite flying or simply soaking in the views. Its constantly shifting sands create a dynamic environment, and sunsets here are among the most beautiful on the Atlantic Coast.
Little Sahara Recreation Area, Utah
This sprawling 10,600-acre setting is a playground for off-road enthusiasts. Sand Mountain offers steep challenges, while the open terrain invites casual riders to explore. Moreover, cooler months showcase the desert’s raw beauty—an ideal spot for thrill-seekers.
Kelso Dunes, California
Famous for their “singing sands,” the dunes here create a low humming sound when grains shift—a rare natural phenomenon. Hikers climbing to the summit are rewarded with sweeping views of the Mojave Desert, which makes it a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Monahans Sandhills State Park, Texas
The dynamic park features rolling dunes ideal for sand sledding, with sand disks available to rent. Families can also enjoy horseback riding trails that weave through the terrain. Because of the vast, open skies, it is a peaceful spot for camping and stargazing.
White Sands National Park, New Mexico
This shimmering expanse of white gypsum dunes is like stepping into another world. Sand sledding is a favorite activity here, while moonlit ranger tours reveal the park’s surreal beauty. Unique wildlife, like the bleached earless lizard, adds an extra layer of intrigue.
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