Fall Creek Falls, one of the largest and most visited state parks in Tennessee, is home to some of the most gorgeous waterfalls in the entire state. While most people are likely familiar with the namesake waterfall, Fall Creek Falls, there are five other major waterfalls in the park. And I’m going to tell you all about them!
In this detailed guide, I’ll share exactly how to find the beautiful Fall Creek Falls waterfalls, including detailed hiking and parking info. I’ll even share some FAQs, places to stay, and other things to do in the park and surrounding areas!
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FALL CREEK FALLS STATE PARK AT A GLANCE
Before diving in, here are a few highlights for planning a trip to Fall Creek Falls State Park.
- Getting There: The closest major airports to Fall Creek Falls are Nashville International and McGhee Tyson. Find affordable flights here.
- Entrance Fee: FREE (All Tennessee State Parks are free!)
- Where to Stay: Camp in the park, stay in the park lodge, or stay right outside the park in the town of Spencer.
- How to Get Around: You’ll need to rent a personal vehicle to get around Fall Creek Falls.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring
- How Long to Visit: 1-2 days
The Only Fall Creek Falls Waterfalls Guide You’ll Need
Fall Creek Falls
Fall Creek Falls is the crown jewel of the park. The state park is named after this waterfall, after all! Plunging a staggering 256 feet from the rocky cliffs, Fall Creek Falls is the tallest single-plunge, free-falling waterfall east of the Rockies.
You’ve got a couple of options when it comes to viewing Fall Creek Falls: you can view it from above via the overlook platform or from below by taking a strenuous hike down into the gorge. Or both, of course!
To view the falls from above via the overlook platform, drive on Scenic Loop Road for about 1.5 miles and park at the Fall Creek Falls overlook lot. From the parking lot, walk about 50 yards on a paved path to reach the overlook. Here you’ll find uninterrupted views of the falls plunging into the gorge.
Those feeling adventurous can hike the Base of the Falls Trail, located right off the overlook, to get to the bottom of Fall Creek Falls. The 0.4-mile path down into the gorge and to the base of the falls is very steep, rocky, and strenuous. Only attempt this if you are in great physical condition! And make sure to use caution down by the falls – the rocks are slippery, the currents are strong, and the winds created by the waterfall are fierce.
Coon Creek Falls
Coon Creek Falls is the thinner seasonal waterfall flowing right beside Fall Creek Falls. Since it falls from the same cliff, Coon Creek Falls is also 256 feet tall. It typically only flows in the spring or after a heavy rain, and its volume is much lighter than Fall Creek Falls.
You have the same viewing options as Fall Creek Falls: you can view it from above by walking to the overlook or from below by hiking to the base.
To view the falls from above via the overlook platform, drive on Scenic Loop Road for about 1.5 miles and park at the Fall Creek Falls overlook lot. From the parking lot, walk about 50 yards on a paved path to reach the overlook. Here you’ll find uninterrupted views of the falls plunging into the gorge.
Those feeling adventurous can hike the Base of the Falls Trail, located right off the overlook, to get to the bottom of Fall Creek Falls and Coon Creek Falls. The 0.4-mile path down into the gorge and to the base of the falls is very steep, rocky, and strenuous. Only attempt this if you are in great physical condition! And make sure to use caution down by the falls – the rocks are slippery, the currents are strong, and the winds created by the waterfall are fierce.
Cane Creek Cascades
Cane Creek Cascades is a 45-foot-tall, 60-foot-wide waterfall that just so happens to be the widest waterfall in the park! If this waterfall looks familiar, it’s because Cane Creek Cascades was a filming location for the beloved 1994 Disney film, The Jungle Book!
To get to Cane Creek Cascades, park at the Betty Dunn Nature Center and walk behind the building and down the stairs. (The stairs are to the right of the suspension bridge). While you can glimpse the top of the falls from above, you’ll need to climb down into the gorge to get a view of the entire waterfall. Don’t worry – it’s not as steep as many of the other gorge descents in the park.
Once you’ve reached the bottom of the stairs, you can scramble down the rocks into the gorge. You can wander around and even walk up to the base of the falls! Use caution, though – the currents in this area are strong.
Cane Creek Falls
Cane Creek Falls is an impressive 85-foot waterfall that just so happens to be the largest waterfall by volume in the entire park!
There are two ways to see Cane Creek Falls: from the overlook behind the Nature Center or from the viewing platform across the Cane Creek Gorge and Nature Center.
To get to the first viewpoint of Cane Creek Falls, park at the Betty Dunn Nature Center and take the paved path to the right of the building. Here you’ll find a viewing platform providing a subpar overlook of Cane Creek Falls and Rockhouse Falls.
…but excellent views of the Cane Creek Gorge!
The better views of Cane Creek Falls and Rockhouse Falls are across the Cane Creek Gorge. In fact, you can see the superior viewing platform from the Nature Center overlook. It’s not far!
Head back to the Nature Center, cross the suspension bridge, and take the Woodland Trail to the Gorge Overlook Trail for about a half-mile to get to the Cane Creek Falls Overlook spur trail. At the end of the steep spur trail, you’ll arrive at the viewing platform that boasts head-on views of Cane Creek Falls and Rockhouse Falls.
You’ll be glad you made the effort because the views of both waterfalls are unmatched!
Want to get down to the base of Cane Creek Falls and Rockhouse Falls? You’ll need to take the Paw Paw Trail (the trailhead is located at the Nature Center) to the Cable Trail. Descend quickly and steeply using a cable to reach the bottom.
Rockhouse Falls
Rockhouse Falls is a narrow 125-foot waterfall, the second-tallest waterfall in the park. Since Cane Creek Falls and Rockhouse Falls are beside each other, the directions on how to view the falls are the same as Cane Creek Falls!
To get to the first viewpoint of Rockhouse Falls, park at the Betty Dunn Nature Center and take the paved path to the right of the building. There is an overlook of the Cane Creek Gorge with subpar views of Cane Creek Falls (to the left) and Rockhouse Falls (to the right).
Since the views of the falls are subpar – the falls are below the overlook – I’d recommend crossing the suspension bridge and taking the 0.5-mile trail to get to the other overlook across the gorge. You can see the other viewing platform from the Nature Center overlook!
Want to get down to the base of Cane Creek Falls and Rockhouse Falls? You’ll need to take the Paw Paw Trail (the trailhead is located at the Nature Center) to the Cable Trail. Descend quickly and steeply with the help of a cable to get down to the bottom.
Piney Creek Falls
Piney Creek Falls is a 95-foot waterfall located away from the rest of the major falls. But it’s still easily accessible!
To get to the lot by vehicle, drive along Scenic Loop Road. In less than a mile, veer left toward Piney Creek Falls. (It will be signed). Keep going straight until you reach the end of the road in roughly half a mile.
If you want to access Piney Creek Falls by hiking from Fall Creek Falls, jump to my detailed hiking guide – two sections below!
There are three ways to see the falls, none of them particularly amazing. Unlike the other waterfalls in the park, Piney Creek Falls can’t be (safely) accessed from the gorge and can’t be viewed up close.
To reach the first falls overlook, take the 0.2-mile (roundtrip) Piney Creek Falls Overlook Trail on the right side of the parking lot. Unfortunately, you’ll only get a distant view of the falls, and the falls are obstructed by foliage most of the year. But the views of the massive gorge are amazing.
To get a little closer to the falls, take the Lower Loop Trail on the left side of the parking lot. In about a tenth of a mile, you’ll reach the suspension bridge. Before approaching the bridge, keep an eye out for clearings in the trees. There are a couple of good viewpoints of the falls – one in particular has the best view of the upper cascades.
To get to the final viewpoint of Piney Creek Falls, cross the suspension bridge and turn right. Follow the trail for about a tenth of a mile to get to the top of the falls.
NOTE: There is no safe way to access the base of Piney Creek Falls. Some have suggested that hiking down to the base of Fall Creek Falls and trekking down Cane Creek and then up Piney Creek will lead you to the base of Piney Creek Falls. I would not recommend attempting this.
Where to Park to See the Fall Creek Falls Waterfalls
These are the best places to park to view the major waterfalls in Fall Creek Falls State Park:
- Fall Creek Falls – Fall Creek Falls parking area
- Coon Creek Falls – Fall Creek Falls parking area
- Cane Creek Cascades – Betty Dunn Nature Center
- Cane Creek Falls – Betty Dunn Nature Center
- Rockhouse Falls – Betty Dunn Nature Center
- Piney Falls – Piney Falls parking area
How to Hike to See the Fall Creek Falls Waterfalls
My personal favorite way to view and explore all of the waterfalls in Fall Creek Falls State Park is by hiking the connected trails! Hiking trails connect all six waterfalls! Here’s everything you need to know…
To hike to Fall Creek Falls, Coon Creek Falls, Cane Creek Cascades, Cane Creek Falls, Rockhouse Falls, and Piney Creek Falls in one giant loop, begin your journey at the Betty Dunn Nature Center. Get directions to the Nature Center here.
First, walk behind the Nature Center, down the steps, and into the gorge to glimpse the first waterfall: Cane Creek Cascades. This is the easiest gorge descent on this six-waterfall hike.
After viewing Cane Creek Cascades, there is an optional add-on adventure that I’m going to recommend. Take the Paw Paw Trail (the trailhead is located at the Nature Center) and hike the short but steep Cable Trail to the base of Cane Creek Falls and Rockhouse Falls. This is a hazardous route!
After this adventure, climb back up out of the gorge, head back to the Nature Center, and cross the suspension bridge that’s right above Cane Creek Cascades.
Make sure to look below as you walk across the bridge! The views are stunning.
Follow the Woodland Trail for about 0.2 miles past the suspension bridge, turn right onto the Gorge Overlook Trail, and when you reach the Cane Creek Overlook Trail spur in about 0.2 miles, turn right. This short but steep spur trail will lead you to a viewpoint of the next two waterfalls: Cane Creek Falls and Rockhouse Falls.
Then head back up the spur trail, turn right, and continue for about a half-mile on the Gorge Overlook Trail loop.
Once you reach the junction for the Woodland Trail, follow that trail to Fall Creek Falls. This portion of the trail is my favorite! There are a couple of fun wooden bridges that you get to cross.
You’ll hear Fall Creek Falls before you see it. About 0.3 miles after the Gorge Overlook and Woodland trail junction, you’ll approach the Fall Creek Falls overlook!
Once you reach the Fall Creek Falls overlook, you have the option of hiking the Base of the Falls Trail to, well, get to the base of the falls! If you choose to do this, you will have to hike down into the gorge and back up the same way. Don’t let the quick mileage fool you (0.4 miles one way from overlook to base) – it is very steep, rocky, and strenuous!
But if you’re physically able to take this route, I encourage you to do so. The views from the bottom of Fall Creek Falls are unmatched!
Finally, you have the option of hiking the one mile back to the Nature Center and driving to the Piney Creek Falls overlook OR hiking the Lower Loop Trail for about 2 miles (which is accessible from Fall Creek Falls) to get to Piney Creek Falls.
Once at the Piney Creek Falls parking lot, you have a couple of options:
- One, you can take the 0.2-mile out & back path to the right. Here you’ll have a distant view of Piney Creek Falls along with spectacular views of the massive gorge.
- Two, you can take the 0.4-mile out & back path to the left. Here you’ll see the best viewpoints of Piney Creek Falls and cross a suspension bridge.
Other Things to Do in Fall Creek Falls State Park
Go Mountain Biking
Another fun way to explore Fall Creek Falls State Park is by biking it! The park boasts three intermediate mountain biking trails:
- Upper Loop Trail – 13.5 miles
- Chinquapin Ridge Trail – 6 miles
- Piney Trail – 8 miles
Go Hiking
Though most people come to Fall Creek Falls for the waterfalls, there are many other (quieter) hikes in the park. Here are a few good ones to consider:
- Prater Place Trail
- Gilbert Gaul Trail
- Wheeler Farm Trail
Go For a Swim
Did you know that there are swimming pools and natural swimming holes in Fall Creek Falls State Park?!
One of the swimming pools is public and open for the summer – pool passes cost $6 per person, per day. The other swimming pool is heated and available for lodge and cabin guests only.
Prefer to swim in a natural swimming hole? There are plenty of options for you! Some of the best places to swim and splash around in the park are below Cane Creek Cascades, in the Cane Creek Gorge below Cane Creek Falls and Rockhouse Falls, and at the base of Fall Creek Falls.
Use caution when swimming in natural swimming holes! The currents are swift; drowning is a real threat.
Have a Picnic
I love a good picnic at a state park. No matter what your picnicking style is, there’s a spot for you in Fall Creek Falls State Park. You can reserve a picnic shelter, eat at one of the many picnic tables scattered throughout the park, or enjoy a tableless picnic beside one of the waterfalls!
Where to Stay in Fall Creek Falls
For utmost convenience, I’d recommend staying inside the park at one of their many accommodation options: at the campground, in the lodge, or in one of the cabins.
Fall Creek Falls State Park FAQs
How Many Waterfalls Are in Fall Creek Falls State Park?
There are six major waterfalls in Fall Creek Falls State Park:
- Fall Creek Falls
- Coon Creek Falls (seasonal)
- Cane Creek Cascades
- Cane Creek Falls
- Rockhouse Falls
- Piney Creek Falls
Can You See Fall Creek Falls Without Hiking?
Yes! Most of the waterfalls in the park, including Fall Creek Falls, can be seen by taking just a few steps from the parking lot:
- Fall Creek Falls + Coon Creek Falls (can be seen from an overlook right off the Fall Creek Falls parking lot)
- Cane Creek Falls (can be seen from an overlook by the Nature Center)
- Rockhouse Falls (can be seen from an overlook by the Nature Center)
- Cane Creek Cascades (can be seen by taking the stairs into the gorge from the Nature Center)
What Other Waterfalls Are Near Fall Creek Falls?
Coon Creek Falls is right beside Fall Creek Falls while Cane Creek Cascades, Cane Creek Falls, Rockhouse Falls, and Piney Creek Falls are just a short hike away!
How Difficult Is Hiking Fall Creek Falls?
Hiking in Fall Creek Falls can be as easy or strenuous as you’d like. The park offers everything from overlooks and short, easy paths to long trails and steep, strenuous gorge descents.
Hiking to the namesake Fall Creek Falls itself involves a short walk to an overlook. Hiking to the base of Fall Creek Falls involves a steep descent into the gorge.
There’s something for every type of hiker and traveler!
When Is the Best Time to See the Fall Creek Falls Waterfalls?
The best time to chase flowing waterfalls in Fall Creek Falls State Park is in the spring, or after a heavy rain! Winter can be a great time to chase waterfalls too, especially after rain. Occasionally in the winter, if it’s cold enough and snowy enough, the falls can freeze and the park turns into a winter wonderland.
The drier months (summer and fall) cause the falls to trickle. The (above) photo on the left was taken in July while the photo on the right was taken in February, after a heavy rain.
Leave No Trace
As always, respect the landscape by packing your trash out. NEVER litter.
Always follow these 7 Leave No Trace Principles:
- Plan Ahead & Prepare
- Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Others
Read more about Leave No Trace and how you can do your part to protect these natural spaces here.
Things to Do Near Fall Creek Falls
Lucky for you, this area of Tennessee is filled with outdoorsy recreation areas! Here are some great things to do near Fall Creek Falls State Park.
Cummins Falls – River Hike
About one hour from Fall Creek Falls State Park is another great Tennessee state park, Cummins Falls!
While you can certainly view Cummins Falls from the trail’s overlook, the most popular thing to do in the park is to hike through the river to the base of the waterfall.
Getting to the base of Cummins Falls involves a trek through the river, many exciting rock scrambles, and a few deep water crossings.
Read more about how to get your Cummins Falls permit and how to hike to the base of the falls in my full Cummins Falls guide.
Kayak to Burgess Falls
Burgess Falls State Park is about one hour from Fall Creek Falls. You can hike the river and ridge top trails and view the four majestic waterfalls (including the crown jewel, Lower Burgess Falls) from above. There is also a nice picnic pavilion and children’s play area.
If you’re interested in kayaking to the base of the falls, you can take a guided tour OR launch your own kayak at either Cane Hollow Recreation Area or Cookeville Boat Dock. The paddle to the falls ranges from 2 to 5 miles one way, depending on where you launch.
You can read more about paddling to Burgess Falls in my full guide here.
Chase Waterfalls in Rock Island
Just 45 minutes from Fall Creek Falls State Park lies another waterfall paradise – Rock Island.
Rock Island is known for its boulder-littered gorge and jaw-dropping waterfalls. Two of the park’s most popular waterfalls, Twin Falls and Great Falls, can actually be viewed from the parking lots. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, make sure to make the steep descent into the gorge, scramble the rocks, and swim in the natural holes.
You can read my detailed Rock Island Waterfalls guide here!
Discover Your Next Adventure
Where to next? I’ve got some suggestions!
- Frozen Head State Park
- Stinging Fork Falls
- Triple Falls
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- The Lost Sea
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Hi there! Thank you for this detailed Guide, it’s helping me make the most of my upcoming FCF trip! I do have a question about Piney Falls. I’m wanting to hike to it but if the Lower Loop Trail is showing closed on the website, can the Piney Falls Paved Bike Path be taken to get to Piney Falls? Or would it be better to park at the Piney Creek Mountain Bike trail head and walk to it? I appreciate your help!
Hey Mia! So glad you found my guide helpful! As for Piney Falls, my understanding is that the section from the Fall Creek Falls parking lot to the Piney Falls parking lot is closed (basically, the connecting trail). But you can still get to Piney Falls (overlook, suspension bridge, etc) from the Piney Falls parking lot. It’s a quick loop – less than a mile. Hope you have a great time!