Is the Stinging Fork Falls Trail on your list? If not, it’s time to add it! Nestled in the quiet town of Spring City, Stinging Fork Falls, with its unique fan shape and sparkling blue-green pool, is one of the most beautiful “secret” waterfalls in Tennessee.
1-3 hours from popular destinations like the Smoky Mountains, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Nashville, Stinging Fork Falls slides under the casual tourist’s radar. Between its low profile, short trail length, and incredible reward (30-foot tumbling waterfall and swimming hole), you absolutely must hike the Stinging Fork Falls Trail on your next trip to East Tennessee!
Before you venture into the Stinging Fork Falls oasis, there are a few things you should know. As a Tennessean who’s hiked this trail and explored this dazzling off-the-beaten-path waterfall, I will tell you everything you need to know about the Stinging Fork Falls Trail in East Tennessee.
In this guide, I’ll share how to get there, the best time to go, when the waterfall is usually flowing, and exactly what to expect as you hike this adventurous waterfall trail from start to finish.
Stinging Fork Falls Trail Guide: Hidden Waterfall in TN
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Directions & Parking
Stinging Fork Falls and its picturesque blue-green swimming hole are tucked inside the tiny 783-acre Stinging Fork Falls State Natural Area in East Tennessee.
Since this state park is 1-3 hours from the Smokies and bigger cities like Knoxville, Nashville, and Chattanooga, this hidden gem tends to stay off most road trippers’ radars. This isn’t a place that tourists tend to stumble upon – and if they do, they’ll likely pass it by because of how “plain” and unassuming the area looks from the road.
To get to Stinging Fork Falls State Natural Area from Highway 68, turn onto Shut In Gap Road, drive about five miles on a windy but paved road, and park in the gravel lot on the right side of the road.
Click here for Google Maps directions.
There is only room for about 20 parked vehicles, so if you’re planning on going on a weekend in the summer, I’d recommend arriving early, just in case. Or consider hiking in the winter – you may even get the trail and waterfall all to yourselves like we did!
NOTE: Park and trail access are completely free.
Hours
Stinging Fork Falls State Natural Area is open every day of the year, from sunrise to sunset. This is a day-use park only; there is no camping.
Dogs
Leashed dogs are allowed on the Stinging Fork Falls Trail and the neighboring Cumberland Trail, which branches off of it.
Leave No Trace
Just like everywhere else, it’s important to Leave No Trace when recreating outdoors. Leave the trail, swimming hole, and waterfall exactly as you find out. This includes packing out your trash and not carving the trees.
Bonus points if you bring a trash bag and pick up other hikers’ garbage along the way!
When to Hike the Stinging Fork Falls Trail + Are the Falls Always Flowing?
The Stinging Falls Fork Trail and waterfall are beautiful year-round! But it’s important to note that the falls don’t flow at the same rate throughout the year.
The falls are usually at their heaviest flow in the wettest seasons – winter and spring.
Summer and fall bring drier conditions, so the falls are typically just a trickle during these seasons.
If your goal is to swim and splash around in the waterfall and swimming hole, I’d definitely recommend going in the summer when it’s nice and warm. The waterfall will likely be just a trickle (unless it has recently rained), but the air temperatures will be comfortable enough to swim in the icy cold water.
However, if you want solitude, and want to see the falls roaring, consider hiking it in the winter or spring! Hike it after a heavy rainstorm if you want to see it flowing like this…
If you want to see gorgeous fall colors, venture to the falls in October or November. But be aware that the waterfall might only trickle this time of year.
Getting to the Stinging Fork Falls Trailhead
Getting to the Stinging Fork Falls trailhead is super easy! Once you park in the gravel lot off Shut In Gap Road, walk away from the road and toward the large covered trailhead sign (pictured above).
This marks the beginning of the Stinging Fork Falls Trail. From there, you’ll see the path up ahead – a wide, easy-to-follow trail that meanders away from the road and into the forest.
Stinging Fork Falls Trail Description
- Length: 1.9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 400 feet
- Type of Trail: Out & back
- Difficulty: Moderate
The trail begins fairly flat and unassuming as it winds through a narrow path of oak-pine forest. If you didn’t know anything about this trail, you’d probably think that it was just a casual walk in the woods. There are no signs of adventure, or even water, for the first section of the trail! You’d have no idea that you were about to descend into a waterfall-filled gorge.
The first fork in the trail is fairly immediate. You’ll see a large sign marking the Cumberland Trail North to the left (pictured below). Keep straight toward Stinging Fork Falls.
Around the half-mile mark, you’ll come to a less obvious fork. This junction is marked by blazes, not large signs (pictured below). Going left will take you on a short spur trail to an overlook of the gorge. Veering right will take you to the bottom of the falls.
Soon, you’ll come upon the first set of wooden stairs, which marks the beginning of the steep descent into the Stinging Fork gorge! This is where the trail gets really interesting and adventurous.
There are a total of three sets of wooden stairs on this trail, each a little wobbly, steep, narrow, and precarious, so watch your step. The steps and railings can get very slippery, especially after rain!
Around the 0.6-mile mark, you’ll hear and see Stinging Fork Falls – but from above! This is just the overlook – the trail continues past it. Keep following the white blazes on the trees.
Once you pass the falls overlook, you’ll feel like you’re walking away from the waterfall – the water will sound quieter and quieter until it seems like you’re going the wrong way. Don’t worry! You’re still on the right path. You are walking away from the waterfall (technically), but you’ll wind back around soon!
Continue steeply descending into the gorge. The path can get quite narrow at times, and there are many slippery rocks and exposed tree roots, so watch your step. Trekking poles are advised!
Also, the route can be tricky to find at times. Try to focus on your footing while also keeping an eye out for the white blazes on the trees.
Once you get down into the gorge, you’ll come to a T. A wooden sign will be in front of you, indicating two trails in two different directions (pictured below).
Turn left and follow the yellow blazes along Little Soak Creek for about a tenth of a mile until you reach the base of the falls! (The other direction leads to Piney River Trailhead, which is another great waterfall trail!)
The final jaunt to the falls and swimming hole involves a bit of rock scrambling, which just adds to the excitement and adventure.
Congrats – you’ve made it to the 30-foot waterfall! Stinging Fork Falls is definitely most spectacular in the winter or spring, after heavy rainfall (as are most waterfalls in Tennessee). The photos in this blog post were taken in mid-December, one day after a heavy rain.
After you spend some time at the falls, whether you choose to have a snack on one of the giant boulders, take the rope swing for a spin, or swim in the sparkling blue-green water, it’s time to head back to the trailhead.
Since this is an out & back trail, you’ll follow the same path back to your car. Beware – it’s steep (and potentially slippery) coming back out of the gorge.
Though the path is pretty well-marked with tree blazes, consider downloading a map like AllTrails to make sure you stay on the trail at all times! Click here to download the app – and use my code alexysabroad30 to get 30% off an annual membership!
FAQs About Stinging Fork Falls
Are Dogs Allowed at Stinging Fork Falls?
Yes, they are! Just make sure to keep your dog leashed and pick up after him/her.
Also, it’s important to note that this is a moderate trail with some rock scrambling. Ensure that your dog can handle the steep, rocky descent into the gorge.
Can You Swim at Stinging Fork Falls?
Yes!
Here are a couple of things to note about swimming at Stinging Fork Falls:
- The water is cold. As with most flowing creeks and rivers, expect icy temps!
- Use caution on the rope swing. Someone tied a rope swing on one of the trees, but since a park ranger did not install this, use it at your own risk.
- Be careful beneath the falls. Use extreme caution if you choose to swim and venture beneath or around the falls. The currents can be swift.
How Long Is the Stinging Fork Falls Trail?
1.9 miles roundtrip. The first half of the trail is fairly flat and easy while the second half is steep and adventurous, involving some scrambling down into the gorge.
Can You Camp at Stinging Fork Falls?
No, camping is not allowed anywhere in Stinging Fork Falls State Natural Area. If you’d like to camp, consider the neighboring Cumberland Trail.
Discover Your Next Adventure
Where to next? I’ve got some suggestions!
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Burgess Falls
- Rock Island State Park
- Cummins Falls State Park
- Lost Sea
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