Chinquapin Ridge Mountain Bike Trail takes cyclists to the parks more remote parts. Wear sunscreen and bug repellent. Fun Facts With a drop of 150ft and width of 175ft, Ithaca Falls is the region's . Pro Tips: Check in at the Visitors Center. There are 30 cabins and 222 campsites for overnight guests. Both of them are strenuous, but, again, the views are worth the sweat. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Expect to see wildlife. The park is located in Bledsoe and Van Buren counties, 11 miles east of Spencer and 18 miles west of Pikeville. Fishing is best in the spring and fall. With over 26,000 acres of land, there are multiple waterfalls, miles and miles of hiking trails, and bike trails to boot. The Nature Center at Fall Creek Falls offers hands-on environmental education through a variety of naturalist led programs. The nature center boasts a variety of taxidermied animals, geological exhibits, and a free informational park video. The first thing you should do is wake up early. While most cars should be able to make it, If you are feeling iffy about the capability of your vehicle, its probably best to pass on this attraction. The park also has a large swimming pool, which is open seasonally. All Rights Reserved. In 2021, the park will officially open the Fall Creek Falls Lodge and Conference Center. Pro Tip: Do not use electronic sound devices during nesting season from May to July. All Fall Creek Falls Golf Course facilities willcloseon December 23, 2022, and reopen (weather permitting) on January 2, 2023. The water starts at about 3 feet deep and gets deeper the further you go out. Just a short 3 minutes drive from the state park entrance, Cascade Inn is by far the most popular bed and breakfast in the area. The 26,000-acre park features majestic cascades, deep chasms, virgin timber and the striking Fall Creek Falls, which plunges 256 feet into a shaded pool. Hello from California. What is the most scenic view in Tennessee? All Rights Reserved. 2022-12-09: The Virgin Falls Trail is open from the Scotts Gulf Road Trailhead. Leconte. Frost clothes the trees in white. In the steamy summer, take a cooling plunge. It's the highest vertical drop in Tennessee and this side of the Rocky Mountains! Groceries are sold at the camp store in The Village. We stayed at the Olympic Lodge. It was the perfect way to unwind after a busy day. We decided to surprise our girls and a best friend with this ride, 13,14 and 22yr old just loved it. Test your agility and resolve on 70+ aerial obstacles including ladders, wobbly bridges, rope swings, cargo nets, balance beams and zip lines. Fishing, birding, swimming, hiking, biking, boating, rock climbing, golf, hunting, and a challenge course are all available. Copyright 2023 Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation. Strangely, no one else at the overlook showed any sign of exertion. There are multiple hikes and waterfalls in the park, many of which are fairly close to each other. Tennessee may be known as a landlocked southern state, but that doesnt mean its been forgotten by Mother Nature. 242 reviews of Deep Creek Hot Springs "Deep Creek Hot Springs may be heaven on earth. Or rent watercraft for the day or week. We recommend Fall Creek Falls as one of eight must-see Tennessee waterfalls. From there, drive the Dayton Mountain Highway and its incredibly interesting twists and turns to Highway 286 until you reach the park entrance. To explore nature in the wild, visit nearby Virgin Falls Natural Area. I recommend arriving a day early and overnighting in Port Angeles if you're coming from Seattle. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. You can spend days here and still have more to enjoy. The park encompasses more than 29,800 acres sprawled across the eastern top of the rugged Cumberland Plateau. Turkey Pen ridge also connects to additional hiking trails if you are up for a longer adventure. As the state's most visited state park, it boasts some of the best hiking trails in Tennessee, including everything from gorgeous waterfalls to gurgling creeks to magnificent gorges cut deep in the Cumberland Plateau. The park itself offers lake-side fishing cabin rentals, forested group cabin rentals, and more! A steep hike leads to the bottom of the falls where a cool pool of water awaits. 3. By continuing to browse this site, you're accepting the use of cookies. It's easy to get to and easy to lose yourself in, so make sure you know which hikes you'll be indulging in and where you'll find yourself spending the evening once the day has left you spent. The park pro shop provides golfing supplies, lessons, rental clubs, and carts. The falls are very well known by nature lovers, and during wet seasons, a second set of falls often appear. Located near Little Canada Recreation Park. Found within 40 miles of the park are Virgin Falls, Savage Gulf, and Laurel-Snow natural Areas, as well as the famed Cumberland Caverns. While you hike, you're bound to find a water feature or two that stops you hard in your tracks. The state park offers a variety of on-site restaurants. The trail down to the base from the trailhead near the overlook is less than half a mile, but there is a stark elevation change. Attractions Blessed with some of the most extraordinary scenery in America, Fall Creek Falls attracts thousands of people each year to its numerous swimming, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, bicycling and nature viewing opportunities. When you exit this amazing new facility, you enter a natural world of massive waterfalls, stunning overlooks, hiking, fishing, paddling and watersports, golfing, so much more. Was it an enjoyable experience? Cozy Cabins & Cottages - Fall Creek Falls 1537 Archie Rhinehart Pkwy. Cane Creek Falls is one of five waterfalls in the area, and the trails offer different views of the surrounding mountains. We enjoyed the Restaurant at Fall Creek Falls relaxed feel and buffet. It will be stunning! The address is: Yes, Fall Creek Falls is dog-friendly. What other popular state parks would you recommend checking out? Fall Creek Falls has one of the highest vertical drops (256 feet) in the Eastern United States. Located in the shadow of the Capitol in downtown Nashville, Bicentennial Capitol Mall gives visitors a taste of Tennessee's history, natural wonders and serves as a lasting monument to Tennessee's Bicentennial Celebration, which was June 1, 1996. Turn west on TN-68 and then south on Dayton where you can stop and have some Scopes Monkey Trial fun. Gilbert Gaul follows Fall Creek Lakes shore. The event will kick off with an opening ceremony 11 a.m. and after that people will take the plunge. We also offer a range of audio/visual equipment to enhance your meeting or event. While we do our best to bring you the most up-to-date information, TheSmokies.com LLC makes no warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of any content contained within. Fall Creek Falls swimming area, including a small beach, is near the campground. Fall Creek Falls State Park has an expansive area for camping, with 5 different site loops to choose from: A, B, C, D, and E. All of the loops welcome both RV and tent campers. The most popular of these waterfalls is Fall Creek Falls - for which the park is named. In the 1930s during the depression, the site was chosen as a location for one of the Tennessee Valley Authority's dams on the Tennessee River. With 6 stunning waterfalls and over 40 miles of hiking trails, this family-friendly oasis is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The parks signage leaves something to be desired and often hikers can become confused. It may be entered from Highway 111 or Highway 30. Lake proponents argued that turning Cades Cove into a body of water would promote tourism (photo by Patrick Jennings/stock.adobe.com), In the Smokies, a bobcat is often mistaken for a mountain lion. There are over 56 miles of hiking trails around the park. Area Status: Open. The park also has four playgrounds, five covered picnic pavilions, and an Olympic-sized pool with a wading area that is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. What do you think of these Fall Creek Falls State Park waterfalls? Editors Note: The information presented in the first paragraph of this article comes from Tennessee State Parks Fall Creek Falls State Park page and list of 10 waterfalls within an hour of Cookeville. High Falls South Trail Head. Fall Creek Falls, at 256 feet, is one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States. Before becoming a travel writer, Yonkey was an award-winning newspaper reporter and editor, and a public relations manager for destination marketing organizations. However, they have defining physical characteristics (photos by Geoff Kuchera and Carol, stock.adobe.com), Our site produces editorial content for the purpose of entertainment. Rock climbing at Fall Creek Falls State Park is by registration only. Want to know more? You can find more information about the Fall Creek Falls State Park Golf Course here. Backcountry camping is allowed with a permit. The one-mile Fall Creek Falls National Recreation Trail leads to a multi-tiered waterfall with the two largest tiers measuring 35 and 50 feet. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! It is a difficult hike down and back. When we arrived at the Fall Creek Falls Overlook, we were sweat-soaked. A steep hike leads to the bottom of the falls where a cool pool of water awaits. The Canopy Challenge Course at Fall Creek Falls includes over 75 wobbly bridges, rope swings, cargo nets, balance beams, and zip lines of varying difficulty. Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. You can also see . Fishing, birding, swimming, hiking, biking, boating, rock climbing, golf, hunting, and a challenge course are all available. This lookout is not very elevated, and the gravel road to it is quite rough and rutted from water run off, but the view over the lake itself is rewarding. We joined the Woodland Trail at the Visitor Center to hike the 1.1-mile Cane Creek Gorge Trail. Golf carts, food, and lodging are available on-site. This lake-side stunner will feature 85 hotel rooms, a full-service restaurant, and a scenic lounge area overlooking Fall Creek Falls lake. Click to Interact Get Driving Directions Click More Info for complete details. The golf course and the pool offer snack bars. A little further downstream, you can see the top of Cane Creek Falls. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. At the suspension bridge, walk down to the creek for a cooling dip. Recommended by local insider Erica Commisso Other activities include swimming, horseback riding, and fishing. Golf Digest has named Fall Creek Falls golf course as a top 100 public course three times. While the park is one of the premier state parks in the United States, the surrounding area offers so much to see and do. This list of festivals and events at Fall Creek Falls State Park is endless. Once across, carefully make your way down the rocks to get a good view of the falls. The park has a beautiful and comprehensive trail system. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Then its easy to share, send or save your perfect Tennessee vacation. Looking for a trail map? And even if you dont swim, the water from the falls creates a mist that makes it difficult to stay dry. The self-guided Canopy Challenge course takes around 2.5 hours to complete and includes zip-lining, tree-climbing, bridge-crossings, and over 70 ariel obstacles. Registration is free and available at Park Headquarters in the Taft Village Area and online. Highly recommend it for a great surprise for someone you love or just for fun! The Lodge at Fall Creek Falls features over 5,000 square feet of flexible indoor event space and stunning outdoor venues. At 256-feet high, Fall Creek Falls is the highest free-falling waterfall in the eastern U.S. Fishing is best in the spring and fall and is good from either a boat or the bank. You can also access the base from the Woodland Trail at the Betty Dunn Nature Center but it does add about two miles round trip. The park offers over 46 miles of hiking trails, with the waterfall trails being the most popular. The trails were magnificently groomed and well designed. The Falls Creek Falls pool offers a large main pool, shallow kiddie pool, restroom, snack bar, lounge chairs, and scenic lake view. The park serves as an excellent outdoor classroom with programs designed to relate to your school's required curriculum. Use Eagle Express to get up to central spot where possible as it is much quicker. Pro Tip: Privately owned boats and gasoline motors are prohibited. Its strange to call one of the most highly-visited Tennessee state parks underappreciated, but it is. Its not efficient. You can stay at the local inn and spend your days hiking, fishing or simply sitting and reading amidst the grand beauty of the state's natural grandeur. Anglers 13 and over need a fishing license. I have been on a couple of tours with Macca and they have been amazing!! Millikans Overlook is one of several scenic vistas you will find along the Gorge Scenic Drive Motor Nature Trail, offering panoramic views of Cane Creek Gorge . Hikers can opt for short or long walks around the lake and to and from the base of Fall Creek Falls. It is a gateway to one of the most spectacular outdoor destinations in Tennessee. The gorge trail includes the Cane Creek Overlook, Cane Creek Gorge Overlook, and the Fall Creek Falls Overlook. We used the nordic trails to access the the High Bogong Plains and Fainter range. For those dreaming of a scenic view in the morning, lakeside cabin rentals are available. A snack bar is also available at the clubhouse. The more adventurous hikers can descend a strenuous trail to the base and behold the splendor of the towering waterfall. The Woodland Trail crosses Cane Creek Cascades via a swinging bridge. Many of the best views are just a few steps away from the parking lots. Tee times are required. Visitors may bring their own canoes and kayaks year-round. Hikers can opt for short or long walks around the lake and to and from the base of Fall Creek Falls. Click the link below to see a list of the maps available at this park. More than 56 miles of trails can be explored. A suspension bridge crosses the river above the waterfall. Fall Creek Falls is within 30 miles of Sparta, Pikeville and Spencer, towns with historical offerings like the Sparta Rock House and the historic coke ovens. Buy a souvenir to support the Friends of Fall Creek Falls. In addition to Fall Creek Falls, the park is home to Piney Falls, Cane Creek Falls and Cane Creek Cascades. Do you have to pay? Paddleboats, kayaks and canoes are available for rent, April through October. What To Know Before You Ride, Dollywood Opening Day [2022]: Live Announcements From Inside the Park, Cades Cove Lake: The effort to turn the Cove into a body of water. The Junior Canopy Challenge course is for kids between 4 and 8 years old. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate and a partner of other affiliate programs including Booking.com, CJ and Tripster, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases via links found in this article. For a large gathering, the park offers five picnic pavilions. Its waterfalls, cascades, sparkling streams, gorges, forests, and cave features make it one of the most visited natural areas and state parks in the southeast. The soothing water, the bronzed bodies frolicking in the adjacent swimming hole, and the sheer beauty of the location combine to create a place unlike any other on Earth. Get exclusive stories delivered right to your inbox. Blessed with some of the most extraordinary scenery in America, Fall Creek Falls attracts thousands of people each year to its numerous swimming, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, bicycling and nature viewing opportunities. There is the Canopy Challenge course for adults and the Junior Canopy Challenge for kids. Of course, breakfast is included in the rental price. It is the highlight of any visit to Fall Creek Falls State Park. Backcountry camping is also available with a permit. After a short hike, the trail reaches the base of the . No privately owned, motorized boats or gasoline motors are allowed on the lake. Mountain views are the main attraction at this park, and if you drive along Newfound Gap Road, you can make a stop at one (or many!) Today Fall Creek Falls State Park features nearly 30,000 acres of land and four major waterfalls (photo by Jonathan Percy/shutterstock.com). In the spring, early summer, and fall, the state stocks Cane Creek with trout. And the area south of Nashville, with the noted exception of Lynchburg, is typically unknown outside of the region. Guests can easily access views of Cane Creek Cascades and Cane Creek Falls from the parking lot. All of the loops offer the same amenities including restrooms, hot showers, water hookups, electrical hookups, picnic tables, and firepits. two of the girls had never been in a helicopter, not scared at all, thought it was awesome! Following thorough instruction at Ground School, you will be let loose to explore six different 8-to-13-element routes ranging from serene to extreme. In the winter, icicles hang like Christmas decorations from every water-soaked vertical surface. When water levels are low, its simply a tall trickle of water down to the river below. Several popular hiking trails also start in this location, including the Cascades and the Paw Paw trails. the pilot was very nice, knowledgeable and friendly, along with the other lady we organized it through. Alternatively, you could walk down the gravel road instead of driving, which will add about 5 miles to your hike. More To Explore: Enjoy more epic Tennessee hikes. Review of: Falls Creek Heli-Shuttle - Private Tours, See all attractions in Falls Creek on Tripadvisor, See all outdoor activities in Falls Creek on Tripadvisor, Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Falls Creek, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Falls Creek, Juneau Helicopter Tour and Dogsledding Experience, Wells, Cheddar Cheese and Cheddar Gorge - Private Day Trip from Bath, Dubai City Tour with Guide - Old and New Dubai sightseeing tour, Sailing full day island DIA with lunch from Heraklion, Yellowstone, Mt. Pro Tip: Register for a free permit before climbing. Staff members remain nearby at all times to supervise from the ground in case there is an emergency. Take a look at the park map to find these destinations. The center is also the meeting site for a variety of educational park programs. This waterfall is only present during wet seasons. 2023 Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation. Check out the Banquet and Event Guide at the top of this page for pricing and more information. Great access to lifts with friendly people working them, also great with helping kids and beginners on and off lifts What a great little Museum to visit. When the water levels are high especially after heavy rains the falls are majestic. Van Buren is located in Middle Tennessee while Bledsoe is in the east. The park is also in the process of building a lodge and full-service restaurant overlooking the water. The park is currently assessing the damage and working with guests who have upcoming reservations. Tennessee State Parks offers engaging, relevant, and interactive educational experiences. Rockhouse Falls plunges 125 feet, while Cane Creek Falls drops 85 feet. While drowning can happen anywhere, the risk is higher in these locations for a variety of reasons. Anglers enjoy bank and wade fishingin creeks throughout the park. Or, for the ultimate Fall Creek Falls trail experience, take one of the two overnight trails. Would it be possible to have a Wedding and Wedding Reception at your Lodge and Conference Center? Thier main lakeside restaurant is currently under renovation and will be reopening in 2021. At the boat dock, you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, paddle boats, jon boats, and pontoon boats. Nestled into the Cumberland Plateau, Fall Creek Falls State Park is convenient to Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga, and Tri-Cities, which means most of Tennessee can enjoy all the park has to offer with just a short day or weekend trip. The Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps began restoring the forest. Please bring your own trolling motor and battery. The Fall Creek Falls Golf Course is another popular attraction. Theres also the Fall Creek Falls snack bar and general store. Make your way out to the trails beyond the Nordic Bowl. Rent pull carts and clubs. There are also tons of annual special events like 5K runs, the Halloween Spooktacular, a July 4th Celebration, a Christmas festival, and more! Tennessees most popular state park offers plenty of outdoor recreation. The lodge is an ideal destination for those who prefer nature-lite. The hike on the boardwalk pathway through the woods to the bottom of the falls is a wonderful forest experience. If that wasnt enough, there is even a fun playground right across the street. These are the most well-known parks in Tennessee: Burgess Falls State Park, Short Springs State Natural Area, Cummins Falls State Park, Long Hunter State Park, and South Cumberland State Park are some of the best-known parks in Tennessee. No trip to Fall Creek Falls is complete without waterfall chasing. Fall Creek Falls has three mountain bike trails covering 24 miles. Official website of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development 2022. The Secret Waterfalls In Tennessee That Most People Dont Know About, 6 Easy-Access Tennessee Waterfalls That Are Perfect For A Summer Adventure, The Ultimate East Tennessee Waterfalls Road Trip Is Right Here And Youll Want To Do It, Tennessees Most Easily Accessible Waterfall Is Hiding In Plain Sight Along The Cherohala Skyway, The Hike In Tennessee That Takes You To Not One, But TWO Insanely Beautiful Waterfalls, You Can Chase Almost 10 Different Waterfalls At Old Stone Fort State Park In Tennessee, 6 Tennessee Day Trips That Are Even Cooler During The Winter, A Trail Full Of Creek Views By Watauga Lake Will Lead You To A Waterfall Paradise In Tennessee, Fall Creek Falls State Park Facebook page. One snack bar is located at the golf course, one is adjacent to the swimming pool, and one is next to the camp store.