Tennessee is a state rich in nature and breathtaking scenery, boasting over 325 waterfalls. This state is renowned for its country music, but it also offers almost unbelievable views. It’s easy to see why this state has inspired so many great musicians. This list includes ten of the top waterfalls in Tennessee you must see while you’re there.
So, what are you waiting for? As soon as you see all the waterfalls Tennessee offers, you wouldn’t want to wait any longer to book your trip.
1. Ozone Falls

Mother Nature created an amphitheater made of rocks at Ozone Falls, surrounded by lush greenery.
©Adam DeMoss/Shutterstock.com
Location: | Cumberland County, Tennessee |
Nearby Attractions: | Ozone Falls State Natural Area |
Animals to See: | Birds, Squirrels |
Located in Ozone Falls State Natural Area, Ozone Falls covers an area of 43 acres. Hiking and bird watching are popular in this area. The Ozone Falls features a 110-foot drop cascade that is accessible both from the top and bottom. Water flowing from the stream into the pool is a stunning shade of blue.
2. Machine Falls

Machine Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Tennessee.
©JacobLoyacano/Shutterstock.com
Location: | Tullahoma, Tennessee |
Nearby Attractions: | Short Springs State Natural Area |
Animals to See: | Foxes, Deer |
Short Springs Natural Area contains Machine Falls, a 60-foot cascading waterfall. Amidst 420 acres of lush forests and meadows, you will find yourself captivated by nature. Machine Falls can be reached by hiking or running less than two miles from the trailhead. You can also bring your dog along with you!
3. Carmac Falls

Carmac Falls is the tenth tallest waterfall in Tennessee.
©Kevin Tavares/Shutterstock.com
Location: | Smithville, Tennessee |
Nearby Attractions: | Evins Mills Resort |
Animals to See: | Elk, Bears |
Evins Mills Resort owns the private property of Carmac Falls. A lush resort, Evins Mills Resort offers wedding venues, conferences, and other activities. It is necessary to make a reservation in order to view Carmac Falls, but it is not necessary that you stay overnight. A day trip can be arranged for those who wish to view the falls during the day. The waterfall plunges 90 feet. It is absolutely stunning. You can arrive at the waterfall’s base directly via the South Trail, which is easier.
4. Burgess Falls

Burgess Falls is a 130 ft tall waterfall located on Falling Water River.
©anthony heflin/Shutterstock.com
Location: | Sparta, Tennessee |
Nearby Attractions: | Burgess Falls State Park |
Animals to See: | Scarlet Tanager, Ovenbird |
Burgess Falls State Park consists of a beautiful natural area that includes four waterfalls, Burgess Falls being the biggest. Burgess Falls is just under two miles away, but it is a steep hike. Kayaking or boating are two other ways to reach the bottom of Burgess Falls.
5. Cummins Falls

Cummins Falls is the eighth largest waterfall in Tennessee.
©Jim Vallee/Shutterstock.com
Location: | Jackson County, Tennessee |
Nearby Attractions: | Cummins Falls State Park |
Animals to See: | Turkey, White-Tail Deer |
Cummins Falls State Park stretches across 300 acres of lush scenery. The main attraction of this park is its waterfall named Cummins Falls, which features a 75ft drop of cascading waterfalls. It takes about a mile to hike to the bottom of Cummins Falls, but once you reach the pool, you are welcome to take a dip.
6. Cane Creek Cascades

Hidden behind the nature center in Fall Creek Falls State Park is Cane Creek Cascades.
©Kannan Sundaram/Shutterstock.com
Location: | Spencer, Tennessee |
Nearby Attractions: | Fall Creek Falls State Park |
Animals to See: | Great Horned Owl, Red-Tailed Hawk |
The Cane Creek Cascades consists of a 45-foot drop into a shallow pool below. This waterfall in Tennessee is so fun because, as the name implies, the water cascades rather than plunges. Therefore, you can even go behind the falls for a unique view. Above the waterfall, there is a suspended bridge that you can use to get to the trail that leads to Cane Creek Falls.
7. Ruby Falls

The Ruby Falls is the tallest and deepest underground waterfall in the United States.
©Ritu Manoj Jethani/Shutterstock.com
Location: | Chattanooga, Tennessee |
Nearby Attractions: | Lookout Mountain |
Animals to See: | Red Foxes, Coyotes |
Ruby Falls is one waterfall in Tennessee you absolutely have to see. Located deep within the summit of Lookout Mountain, this magnificent underground waterfall is a sight to behold. There are guided tours to explore the caverns and formations, making it a popular attraction for Tennessee visitors.
8. Greeter Falls

Greeter Falls is one of the state’s most impressive waterfalls.
©Kannan Sundaram/Shutterstock.com
Location: | Altamont, Tennessee |
Nearby Attractions: | Savage Gulf State Natural Area |
Animals to See: | Broad-Winged Hawk, Summer Tanager |
Lower and upper Greeter Falls make up the Greeter Falls. In the upper falls, there is a stunning 15-foot cascade into a shallow pool, while in the lower falls, there is a 50-foot cascade. There is a very crisp pool at the lower falls, which is highly recommended for swimming. Getting to the falls is a short hike, and dogs on leashes are welcome!
9. Foster Falls

Foster Falls is a favorite swimming spot for many people with its cool, crisp water.
©dansif/Shutterstock.com
Location: | Sequatchie, Tennessee |
Nearby Attractions: | South Cumberland State Park |
Animals to See: | Black Bears, Songbirds |
There is a trail that takes you to Foster Falls about two miles from the parking lot, allowing you to view the waterfall from below. You can also reach the top of the mountain via a short hike if you’d like a bird’s eye view. This waterfall in Tennessee cascades 60 feet directly into a pool below.
10. Spruce Flats Falls

Spruce Flats Falls is a waterfall in Tennessee with four tiers.
©anthony heflin/Shutterstock.com
Location: | Townsend, Tennessee |
Nearby Attractions: | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
Animals to See: | Chipmunk, Groundhog |
It takes about two miles to hike to Spruce Flats Falls. There is a beautiful waterfall in Little River that reaches a height of 30 feet. For a closer look, you can step on the rocks at the base, but make sure they are not slippery before doing so. There is a fairly quiet atmosphere at this little spot, so expect a relaxing experience.
The photo featured at the top of this post is © anthony heflin/Shutterstock.com
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