Chasing Waterfalls: Tennessee has hundreds of waterfalls, here are the best ones
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — If you're looking to chase waterfalls - look no further than the great Volunteer State.
With several hundred waterfalls, Tennessee offers an abundance of beauty.
'Tennessee Landforms' lists 874 waterfalls in Tennessee. While a vast majority of these are small and a great number are on private property, there are plenty of majestic spots for the public to enjoy, including more than 80 at Tennessee State Parks.
From Machine Falls to the Great Smoky Mountains, these mesmerizing cascades of water are sure to evoke a sense of wonder.
During the summer months you can find them atop swimming holes, while in the winter they can transform into works of frozen artistry.
Check out this map from the Tennessee Landform.
With so many to waterfalls to choose from, here's a guide to some of the best ones across the state:
Fall Creek Falls
Let's start at the top - literally. Fall Creek Falls is the tallest waterfall in Tennessee and an absolute favorite in the state.
The 256-foot waterfall is just west of Cane Creek. It's also one of the tallest single vertical drop falls east of the Rocky Mountains. It's awe-inspiring and impressive, to say the least.
A unique feature - if you dare - is crossing this bridge over water.
Location: Fall Creek Falls State Park: 2009 Village Camp Road, Spencer, TN 38585.
Greeter Falls & Laurel Falls
These falls are located only a short driving distance from each other and are both part of South Cumberland State Park in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.
Hike a .8 mile trail to the natural swimming hole that sits at the bottom of the lush Greeter Falls. A spiral staircase will take you to the foot of the falls, or walk through rock formations to view the scenery from above.
And when snow falls on the Cumberland Plateau, this turns into something out of a fairytale.
Just a couple-mile drive away is an entrance to South Cumberland State Park. From there, follow the short loop leading to Laurel Falls, a 25-foot waterfall behind the Stone Door Ranger Station.
After a fresh blanket of snow, the area transforms into a winter wonderland and is truly a treasure of Tennessee.
Location: Greeter Falls: South Cumberland State Park, 556 Greeter Falls Road, Altamont, TN 37301
Location: Laurel Falls: South Cumberland State Park, 1183 Stone Door Rd, Beersheba Springs, TN 37305
Foster Falls:
This spectacular 60-foot waterfall plunges into a deep pool and is located along the highly acclaimed Fiery Gizzard Trail.
The trail received national attention after being ranked one of the top 25 hiking trails in North America by Backpacker Magazine.
ALSO SEE: This Portion of the Fiery Gizzard Trail is One of Best Hikes in Tennessee
Location:Foster Falls Recreation Area: 498 Foster Falls Rd, Sequatchie, TN 37374
Machine Falls
The natural wonder of Machine Falls is in Short Springs, a 420-acre natural area located in Coffee County.
"When descending along the Machine Falls trail, a visitor can observe exposed black Chattanooga shale at mid-slope, which is a formation that delineates the Central Basin from the Highland Rim," Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation, says.
Location: Short Springs: Short Springs Road, Tullahoma, TN 37388
Rutledge Falls
Located just 12 miles off I-24, this is a must-see in Coffee County and only a short drive from Machine Falls.
Rutledge Falls is located through a short walk on private land and is enjoyed by many visitors each year.
In the summer, folks can cool down in the swimming hole and immerse themselves in natural beauty.
To get there, park behind the church and walk past the gates. Make sure to pack your walking shoes!
Location: Park near Rutledge Falls Baptist Church: 1289 Rutledge Falls Rd, Tullahoma, TN 37388
Burgess Falls
Another cascading waterfall to add to your must-visit list is Burgess Falls!
Burgess Falls State Park actually has four waterfalls that cascade down from over 250 feet in elevation.
And while most hikers don't love the rain - it sure makes Tennessee's waterfalls roar.
This beauty is in Putnam and White counties.
Location: Burgess Falls State Park: 4000 Burgess Falls Dr, Sparta, TN 38583
Cummins Falls
Located in Jackson County, Cummins Falls is on the Blackburn Fork River and is Tennessee's eighth largest waterfall.
The falls reside in Cummins Falls State Park, described as a rugged, 282-acre day-use park about 9 miles north of Cookeville.
With a total height of 75-feet, Cummins Falls has two drops, including one that plunges down 50 feet and ends in a shallow pool.
The gorge area is a majesty to behold and can only be reached by foot. Make sure to take precautions when hiking down to the gorge.
Location: Cummins Falls State Park: 390 Cummins Falls Ln, Cookeville, TN 38501
Virgin Falls
This one is pretty cool! Virgin Falls is formed by an "underground stream that emerges from a cave, then drops over a 110-foot high cliff before disappearing into another cave at the bottom of the sink."
You do have to hike to see the falls, so account for about a 9-mile trip in and out. Tennessee officials advise it's considered strenuous.
But boy, is it worth it. Some with lucky timing might just see a rainbow forming over the falls.
Location: Virgin Falls Class II Natural-Scientific State Natural Area: 2080 Scotts Gulf Road, Sparta TN 38583.
Emory Gap Falls & DeBord Falls
You can find this 18-foot plunge at Frozen Head State Park and just like it's name, you can expect things to get a little icy!
Marked as easy, the Emory Gap Trail will take you 2.5 miles to complete, but is good for all skill levels and is dog friendly.
Walk though the scenic trail and take in a waterfall as your reward.
Location: Frozen Head State Park: 964 Flat Fork Rd, Wartburg, TN 37887
Old Stone Fort
A favorite in the fall, the waterfall at Old Stone Fort is a prehistoric Native American structure located in Coffee County.
Location: Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park: 732 Stone Fort Dr, Manchester, TN 37355
Park Great Falls
Enjoy this 30-foot horseshoe cascading waterfall at a fan favorite - Rock Island State Park!
Located in Warren County and White County, Rock Island features 883 acres and is located on the headwaters of Center Hill Lake.
Overlooks at the park are described as some of the "most scenic and significant along the Eastern Highland Rim."
And Park Great Falls? Well that is located below the 19th-century cotton textile mill that it powered over 100 years ago. Pretty neat!
Location: Rock Island State Park: 82 Beach Road, Rock Island, TN 38581
High Falls, aka "Lover's Leap":
Immerse yourself in this getaway at Rock City nestled at the Tennessee/Georgia border.
This man-made waterfall is technically on the Georgia side of Lookout Mountain - so don't be surprised when you enter The Peach State.
Take in a bird's eye view of the mountains as you walk the Enchanted Trail.
Location: Rock City: 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750
While you're exploring the Georgia side of Lookout Mountain, check out Lula Lake Falls located within the Lula Lake Land Trust!
Location: Lula Lake Land Trust: 5000 Lula Lake Rd, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750
Benton Falls
A short, easy hike and you'll find yourself staring at a 65-foot tall waterfall. Sounds like a great day trip!
The Benton Falls Trail is 1.5 miles each way and considered easy.
The trek will bring you to Benton Falls, a 65-foot high waterfall located near the Chilhowee Recreation Area in the Cherokee National Forest nestled in Polk County.
Location: Chilhowee Recreation Area/Cherokee National Forest: 3171 US-64, Benton, TN 37307
Bald River Falls
Wow, this one is a stunner. Located in the Tellico Plains area, Bald River Falls is 90 feet high and considered "one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the region."
The photography options are outstanding, but U.S. forestry officials say the area gets busy on weekends and parking is limited.
If you're able, plan for something during the week!
Location: Cherokee National Forest/Tellico Plains: River Rd, Tellico Plains, TN 37385
Jackson Falls - Natchez Trace
Your drive along the Natchez Trace isn't complete without a stop at Jackson Falls!
The falls can be found on a .75 one-way trail to Baker Bluff and a 900 foot one-way paved, steep down to the falls.
This pit stop also boasts bathroom facilities and picnic tables.
Location: Natchez Trace Pkwy, Duck River, TN 38454
Ruby Falls
Adventure awaits at Ruby Falls located deep within Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga. According to its website, Ruby Falls is the "nation's tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public."
Location: Ruby Falls:1720 S Scenic Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37409
Great Smoky Mountains
Discovering waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains is an added perk to the wonderous mountain range.
There are 11 popular waterfalls in the Smokies, with Laurel Falls being one of the most trafficked.
Things can get a little frozen in the winter - so traction devices, like spikes, are advised.
If you venture over to the North Carolina side, Mingo Falls is worth checking out. It's only a .4 mile hike and rated moderate in difficulty. Great Smoky Mountain National Park Service says during peak seasons, like summer, exploring different places in the Smokies can be a great way to escape from heavily congested areas and trails.
Some waterfalls you can drive to within the park include Meigs Falls, The Sinks and Place of a Thousand Drips.
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Not seeing your favorite waterfall on our list? Email photos and information to kejorge@sbgtv.com.