Imagine a trail that takes you on a journey through the woods, along a Gatorade-blue creek, across two swinging bridges, and to the base of a beautiful waterfall and a sparkling blue swimming hole?
Get ready to hike to Savage Falls in Tennessee!
Before you venture to Savage Falls, there are a few things you should know. As a local Tennessean who’s hiked this trail and explored this waterfall, I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about visiting Savage Falls.
In this detailed trail guide, I’ll share how to get there, the best time to go, what to bring, important know-before-you-go info, a step-by-step trail description, plus optional detours and other gorgeous waterfalls in the area!
Hiking to Savage Falls: Waterfalls and a Swimming Hole!
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Directions, Parking & Hours
Savage Falls is nestled inside one of Tennessee’s newest state parks, Savage Gulf State Park.
Less than an hour from Chattanooga and a little over 2 hours from Nashville and Knoxville, Savage Falls is a popular day trip destination for many Tennesseans, including myself! And since it’s in the same state park as Greeter Falls, Suter Falls, and Laurel Falls, you could combine all of them into an exciting mini waterfall road trip!
From Chattanooga, head north on Highway 27 for roughly 21 miles, then merge onto Highway 111. Continue for about 26 miles before turning left onto TN 399. Follow TN 399 for approximately 5.5 miles – the trailhead will be on your right.
Parking for Savage Falls is at Savage Gulf State Park’s East Trailhead. This is a large paved lot, but since it’s designated for day hikers and backcountry campers, it can fill up quickly. Get Google Maps directions here.
Conveniently at the trailhead are flush toilets, pit toilets, trash bins, picnic tables, and even electric vehicle chargers. And yes, the flush toilets are open year-round, even in the winter!
Although there is no official gate, Savage Gulf State Park is open from sunrise to sunset. If you are camping, you must be at your campsite before dark; night hiking is not allowed.
Know Before You Go
Leashed dogs are allowed at Savage Falls. A majority of the trail is quite easy, but make sure your furbaby is comfortable with swinging bridges and stairs, as you will encounter several of those.
Entrance is free. Tennessee state parks and recreation areas are always free! Feel free to donate to the parks if you can.
There’s a bonus waterfall above Savage Falls that most people don’t know about. I call it Savage Creek Cascades, but it isn’t officially named. More info on how to find it in the trail description below!
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 Savage Falls
The Savage Falls trail and waterfall are open and stunning year-round! However, the best time to go will depend on your priorities.
The waterfall is usually at its heaviest in 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 waterfalls and don’t want to swim, go in the winter or early spring.
We hiked to Savage Falls in late January. It had recently snowed, so not only was the trail an icy, winter wonderland, but the waterfalls were flowing heavily and curtains of icicles framed the gorge. It was stunning!
NOTE: Ice and snow are possible here in the winter. Use extreme caution, especially on bridges and stairs, and near the falls, and bring microspikes for icy conditions.
What to Bring
Here are some essentials to bring for your day hike to Savage Falls:
- 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
- Microspikes – For winter hikes! It can get icy.
- 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
Savage Falls Trail Description
- Length: 3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 278 feet
- Type of Trail: Out & back
- Difficulty: Easy
- AllTrails Map: Link
To get to the base of Savage Falls, start at Savage Gulf State Park’s East Trailhead and hike a portion of both the Savage Day Loop and South Rim Trail. You can extend your hike by completing the entire Savage Day Loop (more on this below), but to reach the falls, you only have to hike 3 miles total.
Okay! So once you’ve parked in the giant lot, head toward the ranger station. Year-round flush toilets are located on the right side of the ranger station, so use those before hitting the trail.
The trail starts right behind the ranger station. Overall, the trail is very well-marked and easy to follow, but since there’s no cell service in the area, I’d recommend downloading offline maps ahead of time using AllTrails. Use my code alexysabroad30 to get 30% off a membership plan.
The hike starts quite gently, gradually descending and ascending. At the 0.4-mile mark, you’ll cross the first (smaller) swinging bridge. Only two people are allowed to cross the bridge at a time, so on a busy summer day, you may have to wait a bit for your turn.
At the 1-mile mark, you’ll approach a junction. To continue to the falls, keep going straight. Turning right would take you on the Savage Day Loop to Rattlesnake Overlook and Savage Falls Overlook, adding another roughly two miles to your hike. I’d recommend extending your hike to add this loop if you have the time and energy!
At the 1.2-mile mark, just before the second swinging bridge, you’ll come to another junction. This is the other end of the Savage Day Loop to Rattlesnake Overlook and Savage Falls Overlook. Continue straight and cross the second (larger) swinging bridge.
This bridge also limits crossings to two people at a time, but it’s longer and offers even more stunning views! It spans Savage Creek, which, in the right light, can give off a Gatorade-blue hue. Stunning!
Veer right when you get off the bridge to continue along the creek. You’ll soon pass an old moonshine still site. There are no remains here, but a sign declares that there once was.
Around the 1.4-mile mark, just before the junction to the backcountry campsites, is a large, flat boulder down by the river, off to the right of the trail. We missed it on the way in, but saw it on the way out. You’ll definitely want to scramble down to it because the view from the boulder is fantastic.
It gives you a front-row seat to a series of beautiful cascades. I don’t think they’re officially named, but since they’re cascades just above Savage Falls, on Savage Creek, we call them Savage Creek Cascades!
Just past the overlook, you’ll see the sign for the backcountry campsites off to the left. Continue straight and head down the stairs to the gorge.
You’ve arrived at the base of the falls! Savage Falls tumbles off a curved rocky cliff and into a blue-green pool below. The curved rock walls hover above the surface of the water on the right side, creating a cool-looking cave that would be fun to explore in the warmer months.
Take your time exploring the nooks and crannies of the gorge! Just make sure to use caution when maneuvering around the boulder field. Rocks can be slippery, and currents can be swift, especially in the winter and spring.
If you’re visiting in the summer, I’d recommend swimming in the sparkly blue hole beneath the falls. Don’t jump from boulders, though, as many rocks lurk just below the surface.
When you’re done swimming, enjoying a picnic on one of the rocks, and/or exploring the gorge, turn around and retrace your steps to get back to the trailhead.
Savage Falls FAQs
How Tall Is Savage Falls?
About 30 feet tall! It might not be super tall, but it’s wide and mighty during the wet seasons.
Does Savage Falls Flow Year-Round?
Savage Falls is just a trickle in the drier months (usually summer and fall). To see the waterfall flowing at its heaviest, I recommend visiting in the winter or spring.
Can You Swim at Savage Falls?
Yes, but do so with caution, as there are many rocks under the surface. Avoid swimming after heavy rainfall, when the currents are strong.
What Other Waterfalls Are Near Savage Falls?
Savage Gulf State Park is full of beautiful waterfalls. Suter Falls is a 15-minute drive from Savage Falls, Greeter Falls is a 30-minute drive, and Laurel Falls is a 35-minute drive.
I’d recommend exploring them all in one mini roadtrip! It’s possible to see them all in a day.
How Long Is the Hike to Savage Falls?
3 miles roundtrip to the base of the falls!
Discover Your Next Adventure
Where to next? I’ve got some suggestions!
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