Imagine descending into a rocky gorge, surrounded by rugged cliffs and dense forest, staring across a sparkling swimming hole at a 60-foot waterfall.
Welcome to Foster Falls in Tennessee!
Before you venture to Foster Falls, there are a few things you should know. As a local Tennessean who’s hiked this trail, explored this waterfall, and splashed in this creek, I will tell you everything you need to know about the Foster Falls trail and swimming hole.
In this detailed guide, I’ll share how to get there, the best time to go, when the waterfall is usually flowing, what to bring, important know-before-you-go info, and exactly what to expect as you hike this short but sweet waterfall trail from start to finish.
Foster Falls: A Hiking + Swimming Guide
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Directions, Parking & Hours
Foster Falls is tucked inside South Cumberland State Park, nestled in the smaller Foster Falls Recreation Area.
Just 45 minutes from Chattanooga, 1 hour and 45 minutes from Nashville, and 2 hours and 15 minutes from Knoxville, Foster Falls is a popular day trip destination for many Tennesseans, including myself!
To reach the trailhead from Chattanooga, follow Highway 24 West and take exit 155 to hop on TN-28. In about 2.5 miles, turn left onto Highway 41. Turn left onto the Foster Falls Recreation Area access road in about 8 miles.
To access the trail, waterfall, and swimming hole, park at the lot at the end of Foster Falls Road, just past the campground. The parking area is large but fills up quickly, especially on weekends and during the summer. Here, you’ll find flush toilets, picnic tables, and trash bins.
Foster Falls is open from sunrise to sunset; night hiking is not allowed.
Know Before You Go
Leashed dogs are allowed at Foster Falls. However, due to the trail’s steep and rocky nature, I wouldn’t recommend bringing your furbaby.
Leave the alcohol and pool toys at home. Foster Falls is a natural swimming hole, not a neighborhood pool. In an effort to keep the waterfall, creek, and surrounding landscape pristine, please don’t bring alcohol or any pool toys such as inner tubes, floaties, noodles, etc.
Cell service is spotty. We didn’t have a strong signal (with Verizon), especially down by the falls, so make sure to download driving directions and trail maps ahead of time. Get AllTrails+, the best beginner-friendly trail navigation app, for 30% off with my code alexysabroad30.
Please Leave No Trace when recreating outdoors. Leave the trail, creeks, and waterfalls exactly as you find them. Please do not carve into the trees, do not move or stack rocks, and do not pluck wildflowers. And make sure to pack out all of your trash.
Bonus points if you bring a trash bag and pick up other hikers’ garbage along the way!
When to Hike to and Swim at Foster Falls
The Foster Falls Trail and waterfall are stunning year-round! However, the best time to go will depend on your priorities.
The waterfall is usually heaviest in the winter and spring, while summer brings the warmest air and water temperatures.
So if you want warm swimming temperatures, go in the summer. If you prioritize low crowds and flowing falls and don’t want to swim, go in the winter or early spring.
We hiked to Foster Falls in early June. Temperatures were warm enough for swimming, and thanks to recent rainfall, the waterfall still had a good flow.
What to Bring
Here are some essentials to bring for your day hike to Foster Falls:
- Swimsuit. Mine is lightweight and perfect to wear under a hiking outfit!
- Lightweight pack towel. For post-swims
- Tevas – These sandals are perfect for hiking and swimming
- 10 essentials – Don’t hike without packing these items
- Day pack – To store all of your essentials
- GoPro. Having a waterproof camera around waterfalls is a must
- Packed lunch – Have a picnic with a view by the waterfall
- Hammock and Kindle – If you want to stay awhile!
Foster Falls Trail Description
- Length: 0.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 154 feet
- Type of Trail: Out & back
- Difficulty: Moderate
After you’ve parked and used the restroom, walk toward the southwest side of the lot to find the Fiery Gizzard South trailhead.
The first tenth of a mile is flat, easy, and ADA-friendly. You’ll cross a bridge before the trees open up, revealing the first junction.
Going right at the junction takes you on the Fiery Gizzard Trail, which is one of the best hiking trails in Tennessee. (It’s 12 miles point to point, though.)
Going straight will take you along a short boardwalk to an overlook of Foster Falls. And going left will take you down to the bottom of the waterfall.
I’d recommend checking out the overlook before heading down to the base!
Just past the overlook, you’ll come to a trail sign. Turn right to get down to the swimming hole and base of the falls. This is also the climber’s loop, so you may run into some rock climbers on the way down!
Time to drop down into the gorge! Using a combination of wooden stairs and rocks, slowly make your way down the short but steep descent.
Less than a quarter-mile after beginning your descent, you’ll come to a suspension bridge. And you’ll be given your first glimpse of the waterfall – just peek through the trees!
Once you cross the bridge, you’ve officially made it to the bottom! Told you the trail was short!
Those who want to lounge, have a picnic, read, strap up a hammock, or simply enjoy the views, pick a spot amongst the expanse of dirt, rocks, and spidery tree roots. Even though the area can get busy, there’s plenty of room to spread out!
Those who want to swim have choices between shallow nooks near the shore, deep sections further out, and an exhilarating cove near the bottom of the waterfall.
Use caution when swimming. Though the current isn’t strong (unless you’re beneath the falls), the water is deeper than it looks. And the rocks are very slippery! Wear Tevas or another grippy water shoe/sandal so you can keep your balance on the rocks.
Once you’re done swimming, exploring, relaxing, etc., head back the way you came! Cross over the suspension bridge and use those same wooden steps and rocks to scramble your way back up and out of the gorge.
Foster Falls FAQs
Can You Swim at Foster Falls?
Yes! There is a large, deep plunge pool at the base of the falls that’s perfect for swimming. Use caution on the slippery rocks and underneath the waterfall.
How Hard Is the Hike to Foster Falls?
Honestly, even though the trail is steep and rocky, it’s incredibly short. So I didn’t find it difficult at all. Just take your time!
How Tall Is Foster Falls?
60 feet!
What Else Is There to Do Near Foster Falls?
Most people miss Denny Cove Falls, which is just a 5-minute drive from Foster Falls! You’ll have to hike a bit further than Foster (2.7 miles roundtrip), but trust me, it’s worth it.
PRO TIP: Since Denny Cove is a seasonal waterfall, only go in the wet season or after it’s rained!
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