Ready to chase waterfalls all over Tennessee?
This road trip is packed with breathtaking drops, secret swimming holes, hidden hikes, and even a waterfall inside a cave (yep, seriously).
You’ll trek through shady forests, splash around in cool mountain pools, and maybe even stumble on a waterfall you didn’t see coming.
This adventure has something for everyone, whether you’re all about the photos or just want to jump in and cool off.
Get ready to hit the road as these waterfalls are anything but boring.
1. Ramsey Cascades
Ramsey Cascades is the tallest waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, dropping a wild 105 feet over massive boulders into a rocky pool.
You’ll find it in the Greenbrier area of the park, and the hike starts from the Ramsey Cascades Trailhead at the end of Ramsey Prong Road (it’s a bumpy drive, but totally worth it).
The hike is a tough 8-mile round trip with over 2,000 feet of elevation gain, but you’ll pass giant old-growth trees and cross multiple footlog bridges and streams along the way.
Spring and fall are the best times to visit for full water flow, wildflowers, and stunning foliage.
This trail is famous for its lush forest, a dramatic waterfall payoff at the end, and the possibility of spotting a black bear.
2. Laurel Falls
Next up is Laurel Falls, one of the most popular and easiest to reach waterfalls in the Smokies.
The paved trail to the falls is just 2.6 miles round trip with over 300 feet of elevation gain, starting from the Laurel Falls Trailhead on Little River Road.
The waterfall itself is split into two tiers, dropping a total of 80 feet, with a little footbridge right in the middle where you can snap that classic waterfall photo.
Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to skip the crowds, and if you’re visiting in spring, you’ll see why it’s called Laurel Falls as the mountain laurel blooms are everywhere.
Please note: At the time of writing, access to Laurel Falls is fully closed for an 18-month rehabilitation project starting January 2025 so be sure to check for updates online before planning your visit.
3. Bald River Falls
If you’re up for a waterfall that doesn’t even require a hike, Bald River Falls is your go-to spot.
This 90-foot beauty is located in the Cherokee National Forest, just off Tellico River Road, and you can literally see it from your car window.
There’s a small parking area right after the bridge, and if you want to stretch your legs, the Bald River Falls Trail runs 5.6 miles round trip along the river with some great views and swimming spots.
Fall is an awesome time to visit for colorful leaves all around, but it’s stunning year-round and super popular for photographers, especially after a good rain.
4. Ruby Falls
Now for something totally different, Ruby Falls is an underground waterfall inside Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, and yep, it’s as cool as it sounds.
To see it, you’ll ride an elevator 260 feet down into a cave, then walk about a mile round trip through crazy rock formations before reaching the 145-foot-tall waterfall lit up with colorful lights.
Tours leave from Ruby Falls Castle (just off Scenic Highway), and they’re super family-friendly, with guides who’ll point out cool spots like the ‘Donkey’ rock formation.
Summer is a great time to go since it stays a comfy 60 degrees in the cave year-round, and if you’re into unusual roadside attractions, this one’s a must-see.
Please note that timed-entry tickets must be purchased online in advance, as walk-up tickets are not sold at the park.
5. Ozone Falls
If you’re road tripping along I-40, Ozone Falls is the perfect quick stop with a big wow factor.
This 110-foot waterfall crashes straight into a rocky bowl surrounded by sandstone cliffs.
It’s located in Ozone Falls State Natural Area near Crab Orchard, and you can park just off Highway 70; the waterfall is only 0.8 miles round trip down a short, rocky trail.
There’s also a trail to the top of the falls if you want a bird’s-eye view, but be careful as it’s not fenced, and the drop is no joke.
Fun fact: scenes from the live-action Jungle Book movie were filmed here, so don’t be surprised if it feels a little like stepping into an adventure film.
Ozone Falls is at its most stunning in spring, when seasonal rains increase the flow and the surrounding greenery comes alive.
6. Cummins Falls
Ready to get your feet wet? Cummins Falls is a 75-foot waterfall that spills over layered rock ledges into a dreamy swimming hole that’s super popular in the summer.
You’ll find it in Cummins Falls State Park, just outside Cookeville, and getting to the base of the falls takes a 1.5-mile hike through the gorge, including wading through water (yes, you will get wet).
You’ll need a gorge access permit to hike down, and water shoes are a must as this trail is slippery, rocky, and totally worth it.
Go early in the day when crowds are smaller, and bring a dry bag for your stuff because once you reach the falls, you’ll want to stay and swim for hours.
7. Burgess Falls
Just 30 minutes from Cummins Falls, Burgess Falls brings the wow-factor with a massive 136-foot cascade that thunders into a deep gorge.
It’s located in Burgess Falls State Park near Sparta, and the main trail is a 1.5-mile round trip with several overlooks that let you see the river dropping over not one, not two, but four waterfalls along the way.
You can’t swim at the base here, but the views from the top are next-level, especially after heavy rain when the falls are roaring.
There’s also a little butterfly garden near the parking lot if you want a little bonus activity after your hike.
8. Twin Falls
Next up is Twin Falls, and this one’s got a wild backstory—it’s actually a man-made waterfall that formed accidentally when an old dam project caused underground water to burst out of the canyon walls.
You’ll find it in Rock Island State Park, and the best part is you don’t even have to hike far, the falls are just a short walk from the Twin Falls Overlook parking area.
The water spills straight out of the limestone cliffs into the Caney Fork River, creating a wide, misty curtain that’s seriously cool to watch.
Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to go, when the light hits the falls just right and you might even spot kayakers paddling on the Caney Fork River below.
9. Fall Creek Falls
And now for the showstopper, Fall Creek Falls is the tallest free-fall waterfall in the eastern U.S., plunging a jaw-dropping 256 feet straight down into a shady gorge.
It’s the crown jewel of Fall Creek Falls State Park, and you can catch an awesome view from the overlook just a short walk from the main parking lot.
If you’re feeling adventurous, hike the 0.7-mile trail down to the base.
It’s steep and rocky, but the view looking up at that monster waterfall is totally worth the effort.
The park also has other waterfalls, swinging bridges, and more than 50 miles of trails, so it’s easy to turn this stop into a full-day adventure.
10. Greeter Falls Waterfall
If you’re chasing waterfalls with a side of adventure, Greeter Falls in Savage Gulf State Park totally delivers.
This one’s got two levels, the upper falls is a short drop, but the lower falls plunges 50 feet into a deep, rocky pool that’s perfect for swimming on a hot day.
The 0.8-mile loop trail to get there is short but packed with fun stuff like a spiral staircase, rock overhangs, and a side trail to Blue Hole, another great swimming spot.
You’ll want sturdy shoes for this one, especially if you’re heading down to the base, and the cool mountain water feels amazing after a summer hike.
11. Rutledge Falls
If you’re looking for a quick stop with major payoff, Rutledge Falls in Tullahoma is a total hidden gem.
The waterfall drops about 35–40 feet into a super clear pool that’s popular for swimming and cooling off in the summer.
It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the small parking area on Rutledge Falls Road, so this one’s perfect if you’re short on time but still want that wow moment.
There’s even a random statue nearby, known as the Lady of the Falls.
No one really knows why it’s there, but it adds a weirdly magical touch to the whole scene.
12. Stillhouse Hollow Falls
Stillhouse Hollow Falls is a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path spot that feels like your own secret discovery.
It’s tucked away in a state natural area near Summertown, and the 1.2-mile round trip hike through quiet forest leads to a 75-foot waterfall pouring over a mossy rock ledge.
The trail is pretty easy, with a few rocky patches, and you’ll probably hear the waterfall before you see it, especially after a good rain.
This one’s not for swimming, but it’s a dreamy spot for photos and birdwatching, plus it also has a shallow area to wade into while soaking in all the forest vibes.
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