12 Best Waterfalls Near Nashville, TN

By VacationIdea Staff on January 25, 2023 - Updated

Courtesy of Michael Shake - Fotolia.com

Waterfalls are one of the more stunning aspects of everything that Mother Nature has to offer, and the state of Tennessee has plenty of them for you to witness, climb, photograph, and even swim under. Many of the waterfalls can be found within state parks and are easily accessible because of trails that are paved or have been naturally carved out over the years. No matter the length of time you want to walk from the parking lot and how much of a climb up or down you’re willing to do, one of the waterfalls we’ve listed below will be just right for you. For example, Burgess Falls is only a ¾ mile walk on a leveled-out path, while you’ll need to descend an unsteady 45-degree-angle path to get to Cane Creek Falls. If you’re in the mood to swim, don’t miss out on a visit to Rutledge Falls.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Burgess Falls

Burgess Falls, which can be found within Burgess Falls State Park, is one of the most impressive waterfalls in all of Tennessee. The large and unusually shaped natural phenomenon is absolutely breathtaking to see in person and towers at over 132 feet tall. It is one of the easiest waterfalls to access and is only a ¾ mile walk from the parking lot; most of the path is leveled out and you’ll also get to see two other waterfalls on your way there. You can see impressive views of the falls and the gorge from the overlook, but descending the steep trail to the brink of the falls is completely worth it.

Burgess Falls State Park, 4000 Burgess Falls Drive, Sparta, TN 38583, Phone: 931-432-5312

2.Cane Creek Falls

Located within Fall Creek Falls State Park, Cane Creek Falls is an 85-foot-high plunge waterfall and is one of many found inside the park. Compared to the other nearby waterfalls, Cane Creek Falls is the largest by volume and can be easily seen from overlooks on the main trail above. Visitors are more than welcome to trek the exciting descent down the cable trail to get up close and personal with the waterfall and its gorge. There are a couple of very steep and rocky spots on the 45-degree-angle trail, but the cable strung alongside it does help the climb down and back up again.

Fall Creek Falls State Park, 10821 Park Road, Spencer, TN 38585, Phone: 423-881-5298

3.Cummins Falls

The 8th largest waterfall in Tennessee (by volume), Cummins Falls is a beautiful flow off the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River. It is one of the main attractions of the 211-acre day-use park and is a scenic spot, complete with swimming hole, which is extremely popular in the summer months. The waterfall and gorge take a bit of a hike to reach; there are two routes, approximately a mile to a mile and a half each, that descend to the gorge, though both are steep and have uneven terrain. Once you get down there though, the views and sights offered will make the hike completely worth it.

Cummins Falls State Park, 390 Cummins Falls Lane, Cookeville, TN 38501, Phone: 931-261-3471

4.Fall Creek Falls

Towering as the highest single plunge waterfall east of the Mississippi, Fall Creek Falls is a stunning sight to see when exploring Fall Creek Falls State Park. The waterfall itself is over 256 feet tall and the water flow is controlled by a dam. The falls are accessible with a short walk through the wooded area from the parking lot, and the lookout point provides gorgeous panoramas not only of the waterfall but of Cane Creek Gulf as well. If you have time, be sure to visit the other four main waterfalls located within the park as well.

10821 Park Road, Spencer, TN 38585, Phone: 423-881-5298

5.Foster Falls

Located in the Foster Falls Scenic Area, one of the most picturesque wilderness spots in Tennessee, this stunning waterfall is named after the park. Foster Falls is a spectacular 60-foot waterfall that plunges into a deep pool below. During the warmer months, visitors will see the pool surrounded by colorful mountain laurels, azaleas, and hemlocks. An easy hike will take you to the top of the falls, after which an easily accessible trail will take you down to the gorge. In addition to the beautiful sights, visitors will also be able to access the campground complete with bathhouse, toilets, designated picnic area, grill, and campfire ring.

498 Foster Falls Road, Sequatchie, TN 37374, Phone: 931-924-2980

6.Greeter Falls

Just a half-mile walk on a nice, wide pathway will guide visitors to beautiful Greeter Falls. The falls are located within one of the most scenic wilderness areas in the state, the Savage Gulf State Natural Area, and is broken into two layers, the upper falls and the lower. As you walk toward the falls, you’ll see beautiful oak, hickory, and pine trees scattered throughout the park, but the roar of the waterfall will draw you directly to the water – try to stop and take time to explore the beauty on the way. Try to get as close as possible and don’t let the short hike stop you from seeing some phenomenal views of the waterfall!

Lower Falls Trail, Altamont, TN 37301

7.Ozone Falls

Ozone Falls can be found within the natural area with the same name in Cumberland County, Tennessee. The plunge waterfall falls over 100 feet and is easily accessible on foot. You will be taken back by the waterfall and the beautiful surroundings, which can be seen in many movies, including Disney’s live action Jungle Book. An impressive rock house “amphitheater,” which was created naturally by the water and wind, can be seen in the background. While there, be sure to explore the 43-acre land and get up close and personal with all the flora and fauna that can be found there.

Ozone Falls State Natural Area, 14563 TN-1, Rockwood, TN 97854, Phone: 931-484-6138

8.Rutledge Falls

Rutledge Falls is one of Tullahoma’s greatest hidden gems. The 40-foot-high waterfall can be found on private property but has been opened to the public by the owners. The falls flow down from Crumpton Creek and continue to Normandy Lake. The chilly waters are a great place to cool down during the hot Tennessee summers and the water is surrounded by spring wildflowers. There is a short trail to the falls from the parking lot, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes if you’re headed that way. The falls are accessible from dawn to dusk throughout the year, though swimming is only allowed in the summer months. Come prepared for a picnic and have a great time with your family and friends.

9.Twin Falls

Located within Rock Island State Park, Twin Falls was actually created by accident when the Caney Fork River was dammed. The 80-foot-tall waterfall runs off from Collins River and pours out of walls of the gorge instead of over it. The trail leading to the waterfalls starts from the parking lot itself and is a fairly easy hike, so beginner visitors are more than welcome. The magnitude of the waterfall is immense, and you can get close to the river to feel the full power of the waterfall and hear its roar. The surrounding park has tons of other activities and sights, but Twin Falls is one that definitely shouldn’t be missed.

Rock Island State Park, 82 Beach Road, Rock Island, TN 38581, Phone: 931-686-2471

10.Fiery Gizzard

The Fiery Gizzard Trail is one of the most difficult but rewarding trails in Tennessee and among the top 25 trails in the country. The trail is located within South Cumberland State Park in Tennessee, with trailheads located in four different counties, namely the Grundy, Franklin, Marion, and Sequatchie counties. The entire route, which many hikers start at Tracy City, takes an average of five and a half hours to complete for experienced hikers. Despite its difficulty, Fiery Gizzard features some of the most rewarding and beautiful views of waterfalls in the state such as Foster Falls. Great for both hiking and camping from March through November, adventurers headed to Fiery Gizzard should pack hiking boots and trekking poles as the trail is very rocky and strenuous.

Tracy City, Tennessee

11.Virgin Falls

Situated in White County, Virgin Falls is nestled within a natural area and features 1,157 acres of land. It is beloved and frequently visited because of its unique geological features as the falls are formed by an underground stream that flows out of a cave and off a 110-foot-high cliff straight into another cave below it. The journey to Virgin Falls is difficult and is perfect for advanced hikers looking for a challenge. The trail is a 9-mile round-trip journey with an elevation of 900 feet. Hikes here can take anywhere from 5 to 9 hours to complete. Despite the difficulty, the view of the Virgin Falls is certainly a very rewarding one.

2080 Scotts Gulf Road, Sparta, Tennessee 38583

12.Piney Falls

Within a beautiful forest in the Cumberland Plateau is Piney Falls, an 818-acre natural area that is characterized by stunning gorges, old-growth forests, and of course, waterfalls. The falls are so beautiful that they were recognized as a National Natural Landmark by the US Department of Interior – one of just fourteen in the state. Spring is arguably the best time of the year to visit, as this is when the old-growth forest is at its most beautiful. At this time, wildflowers spring to life with variations including yellow wake robins spotted geraniums, and crested irises scattered around the natural area. The trek to the falls is also enjoyable with great views of the deep gorges, a concave ledge to circle, and more.

Cumberland Trail State Park, 220 Park Road, Caryville, Tennessee 37714; Phone: 432-566-2229

13.Northrup Falls

There’s no denying that Northrup Falls is the most iconic and impressive attraction in Colditz Cove, a 165-acre natural area that was designated in 1984. The falls stand over 60 feet tall and feature a stunning rock ledge located in a narrow but picturesque gorge along the Big Branch Creek. Beyond their natural beauty, the Northrup Falls is also historically significant as shallow cave-like structures in the facade of the falls were used by the Woodland Indians as dwellings more than 3,000 years ago. Trekking to the falls allows guests to explore the beauty of Colditz Cove as well with its oak-hickory forest, lovely creeks, as well as several rare animals like the woodland jumping mouse, the smoky shrew, and the Black Mountain dusky salamander.

2552 Northrup Falls Road, Jamestown, Tennessee 38556; Phone: 931-879-5821