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Fall Creek Falls State Park in Tennessee

The most-visited state park in Tennessee offers 56 miles (90 km) of hiking trails

Best time: all year round

Fall Creek Falls State Park
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Fall Creek Falls State Park

Fall Creek Falls State Park is the largest park of Tennessee, located in Van Buren and Bledsoe counties, centered on the upper Cane Creek Gorge. The main attraction of the park is the 256-ft (78 m) Fall Creek Falls. It's recognized as the highest free-fall waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Fall Creek Falls State Park features 14 hiking trails including the 14-mile (22,5 km) Upper Cane Creek Loop and the 13.2-mile (21.2 km) Lower Cane Creek Loop. Things that make Fall Creek Falls park so great is its size (26,000 acres or 110 sq. km) and lots of activities available for adventure-seekers. Since the park is rather crowded in the summer, winter is the best time for the Fall Creek Falls hike. Waterfalls are also the most impressive and most powerful during winter.

Beginner hikers will love the moderate 2.7-mile (4.2 km) Paw Paw trail with access overlooks over the Fall Creek Falls and Cane Creek Gorge. On a few ADA-compliant trails, hikers share the path with cyclists. Turkey Pen Ridge is shaded from the sun, so it's perfect for summer. Fall Creek Lake dominates the southern section of the park. Don't forget to check out a 45-foot (14 m) Cane Creek Cascades, above Cane Creek Falls, and Rockhouse Falls, a 125-foot (38 m) plunge waterfall that shares a plunge pool with Cane Creek Falls—these places are significantly calmer and quieter. No less impressive is Coon Creek Falls, 250 ft (76 m) in height.

The largest water fall by volume, out of the numerous waterfalls in the Fall Creek Falls State Park is Cane Creek Falls. An 85-ft (26 m) plunge waterfall is seen best from the Gorge Trail and the base of the Cane Creek Gorge. It's a great hiking destination and usually not too crowded. The trail starts at Betty Dunn parking area by the Paw Paw Trail head. On the way, you will come across a few cascades and cross the bridge before switching to the Cable Trail. Once you get to the top of a cliff, you will see a thick cable that will help you go down the cliff.

Fall Creek Falls park visit must include a tour to a few caves. Rumbling Falls Cave boasts the second largest cave chamber in the USA. Camps Gulf Cave also features huge chambers. Lost Creek Cave boasts five entrances, a waterfall, and 7 miles (11.3 km) of passageways. However, caves are often closed for visits, so make sure they are accessible before planning your visit.

Practical info

What makes Winter a great time to hike at Fall Creek Falls State Park?

Winter is a perfect opportunity to explore the remarkable beauty of Fall Creek Falls State Park as waterfalls come to life with more power and magnificence. The Park is less crowded in winter, providing ample opportunities to relish the exquisite scenery, snow, ice, and frozen waterfalls along the exciting and challenging hiking trails. Hikers are advised to prepare for cold temperatures and shorter daylight hours to ensure safety and to not miss out on all that this season has in store. Show more

What is the largest water fall by volume in Fall Creek Falls State Park?

Cane Creek Falls, the largest waterfall in Fall Creek Falls State Park, has a volume of 85-feet (26 meters) worth of water gushing downwards. The waterfall is best viewed from the Gorge Trail and the base of the Cane Creek Gorge, a beautiful journey beginning at Betty Dunn and Paw Paw Trailhead. The hike is less crowded and offers breathtaking views of several cascades before switching up to Cable Trail and onto the waterfall. Show more

Which cave in Fall Creek Falls State Park boasts the second-largest cave chamber in the USA?

Fall Creek Falls' Rumbling Falls Cave has the USA's second-largest cave chamber, although access may be restricted at times. Visitors are advised to check with the management regarding accessibility details before planning the visit. Other exciting options include the enormous chambers of Camps Gulf Cave or Lost Creek Cave, featuring five entrances, a waterfall, and extensive passageways of approximately 7 miles (11.3 km). Show more

What is the best trail for beginner hikers in Fall Creek Falls State Park?

A moderately easy 2.7-mile (4.2km) hike along Pay Pay Trail is the best option for beginners seeking comfortable terrain at Fall Creek Falls. The trail's picturesque overlooks, spread throughout Fall Creek Falls and Cane Creek Gorge, provide beautiful photo opportunities. There are also several ADA-compliant trails for both hikers and cyclists, and the Turkey Pen Ridge Trail offers relief from the summer heat. Hikers of all levels of experience are sure to find a suitable option at Fall Creek Falls. Show more

Which trail should one choose to get to the top of a cliff to see a thick cable that helps in descending the cliff?

Hikers desiring a panoramic view of the top of the cliff should opt for the Cane Creek Gorge Trail at Fall Creek Falls. The hike, commencing at the Betty Dunn parking area by the Paw Paw Trailhead, offers a lovely view of cascading water and a breezy bridge to cross before eventually scaling the cliff via the Cable Trail. The cable offers hikers additional support while descending the cliff's rugged terrain, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin