9 Breathtaking Waterfalls in Tennessee You Have to See at Least Once
Tennessee hides some of the most stunning waterfalls in the entire Southeast, from towering cascades in the Smoky Mountains to hidden swimming holes tucked into rocky gorges. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a quick nature escape, these waterfalls offer something magical for everyone.
Pack your camera, lace up your boots, and get ready to explore these incredible natural wonders.
1. Fall Creek Falls (Spencer)
Standing at an incredible 256 feet, this waterfall ranks among the tallest east of the Mississippi River. Fall Creek Falls State Park wraps around this natural wonder with miles of trails, camping spots, and overlooks that’ll take your breath away.
The main overlook gives you a front-row seat to watch water thunder down into the misty gorge below. Serious hikers can trek down to the base, though the climb back up will definitely test your leg muscles.
2. Burgess Falls (Sparta)
Four separate waterfalls line the Falling Water River as it carves through limestone gorges, with the grand finale being a spectacular 136-foot drop. The trail system guides you past each cascade, building anticipation until you reach the main event at the end.
Families love this park because the paved path makes it accessible for most skill levels. The final overlook platform sits right at the edge of the gorge, giving you an unforgettable view of the main falls.
3. Cummins Falls (Cookeville)
Imagine a waterfall that doubles as one of Tennessee’s best swimming holes—that’s Cummins Falls in a nutshell. Water spills over layered rock ledges into a wide, turquoise pool that practically begs you to jump in on a hot summer day.
Here’s the catch: you’ll need a gorge access permit to descend to the water, and they limit daily visitors to protect this fragile ecosystem. The hike down involves scrambling over boulders and crossing the creek multiple times.
4. Ozone Falls
Right off Highway 70, this 110-foot waterfall drops straight down into a deep, rocky amphitheater that feels like something from a fantasy movie. Cumberland Plateau geology creates this dramatic setting, where the creek suddenly disappears over the edge.
You can view Ozone Falls from multiple angles: the overlook at the top, a side trail that leads to the base, or even from inside a small cave behind the curtain of water. Each perspective reveals something different about this incredible cascade.
5. Twin Falls (Rock Island)
Picture water literally pouring out of a vertical rock wall—that’s Twin Falls, one of Tennessee’s most surreal natural sights. Located near the Caney Fork River in Rock Island State Park, this waterfall seems to defy logic as it emerges from the gorge cliff face.
The short hike takes you down wooden stairs and along the gorge rim before revealing this geological oddity. Underground streams flow through limestone caves before bursting out into daylight and plummeting to the river below.
6. Greeter Falls (Savage Gulf State Park, Altamont)
Two waterfalls for the price of one hike—the upper section drops 15 feet, while the lower cascade plunges 50 feet into a crystal-clear swimming pool. Savage Gulf State Park’s rugged wilderness surrounds these falls with old-growth forest and sandstone bluffs.
The trail splits, letting you choose between an upper overlook or a steeper descent to the base where swimmers gather in summer. Both tiers are stunning, but the lower falls steal the show with their powerful flow and inviting pool.
7. Machine Falls (Tullahoma)
Short Springs Natural Area hides this photogenic gem along a relatively quick trail that drops into a lush gorge. Machine Falls tumbles over mossy rocks into a shallow pool, creating a scene that looks straight out of a nature calendar.
This waterfall flows strongest during wet seasons—summer droughts can reduce it to a trickle, so time your visit after recent rainfall for the best experience.
8. Ramsey Cascades (Gatlinburg)
Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s tallest waterfall demands serious effort—an 8-mile round-trip hike through old-growth forest that’ll challenge even experienced hikers. Ramsey Cascades drops 105 feet over massive boulders covered in moss and ferns, creating a prehistoric atmosphere.
The trail follows an old logging road before climbing steeply through some of the park’s most impressive virgin timber. Budget at least five hours for this adventure, bring plenty of water, and start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms common in the Smokies.
9. Abrams Falls (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)
Don’t let the modest 25-foot height fool you—Abrams Falls packs more power than almost any waterfall in the Smokies.
Park officials strongly warn against swimming here due to powerful currents and underwater hazards that have caused tragic accidents. Instead, enjoy the falls from the viewing area where you can feel the mist and hear the roar.
Wildflowers line the trail in April and May, making spring an especially beautiful time to visit this popular destination.
