Ozone Falls State Natural Area Tennessee
Experience a dramatic 110-foot waterfall and a rugged hike in a setting that inspired 'The Jungle Book'.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
For maximum waterfall flow
Ozone Falls State Natural Area Tennessee
Best Time
For maximum waterfall flow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience a dramatic 110-foot waterfall and a rugged hike in a setting that inspired 'The Jungle Book'.
"One of the best falls I've seen in Tennessee!!"
Check Rainfall Before You Go
Waterfall flow is key! Check recent rain reports to ensure a spectacular view . :cloud:
Sturdy Shoes Are a Must
The trail to the bottom is rugged and rocky. Wear appropriate footwear for climbing! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic 110-Foot Plunge
Main waterfall
Witness the dramatic 110-foot cascade over a sandstone cliff into a deep, rocky pool below.
Jungle Book Filming Location
General area
Explore the natural amphitheater that served as a filming location for Disney's live-action 'The Jungle Book'.
Refreshing Swim at the Base
Pool at the bottom of the falls
Take a dip in the cool, clear waters of the pool at the base of the falls, a welcome reward after the hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Water Flow
Trail Difficulty Varies Greatly
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Rainfall Before You Go
Waterfall flow is key! Check recent rain reports to ensure a spectacular view. :cloud:
Sturdy Shoes Are a Must
The trail to the bottom is rugged and rocky. Wear appropriate footwear for climbing! :athletic_shoe:
Parking Can Be Limited
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking spots fill up quickly.
No Facilities Onsite
Plan ahead as there are no restrooms or amenities at the natural area. :toilet:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Rainfall Before You Go
Waterfall flow is key! Check recent rain reports to ensure a spectacular view. :cloud:
Sturdy Shoes Are a Must
The trail to the bottom is rugged and rocky. Wear appropriate footwear for climbing! :athletic_shoe:
Parking Can Be Limited
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking spots fill up quickly.
No Facilities Onsite
Plan ahead as there are no restrooms or amenities at the natural area. :toilet:
Be Cautious at the Top
There are no railings at the top of the falls. Keep a close eye on children and those with a fear of heights. :warning:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ozone Falls is a stunning natural wonder, praised for its dramatic 110-foot waterfall and the unique experience of swimming at its base. While the easy walk to the top is accessible, the challenging hike to the bottom requires caution and good fitness. Visitors love the breathtaking views and the 'Jungle Book' filming location connection, though water levels can vary significantly.
"The walk to the top of the falls is very easy from the parking area. It is neat to see. The trek to the bottom of the falls, not so easy. The kids and parents did fine, grandma did not. Lots of actual rock climbing. The pool at the base is swim-able and the kids enjoyed the very cold water!"
Angela Farrell
"Stopped here on the way to to Nashville from Gatlinburg on the 4th of July. Beautiful spot. The hike to the top of the falls is short and easy. Would not recommend taking your kids up there if you have a fear of heights as I do. 😂 Traumatic! Once I got my wild boys away from the open edge I could breathe again for the hike down. The hike down and back up is NOT short or easy. Expect a work out as you will be climbing rock the entire way and it's quite steep. It was worth the hike down though. Really cool spot."
Sasha Rose
"Location on google maps-
14563 TN-1, Ozone, TN 37854
Park on road pull-off, enough room for five vehicles and room to park a few more on the other side of the street. Very short hike- .3mi round trip. There are no railings at the top of this fall. And it's a long way straight down if you go over. See my videos. The top of the falls is just .1mi. from the parking area and a 10 min. walk down to the base. Great views from the top and the bottom of the falls. One of the best falls I've seen in Tennessee!!
Open sunrise to sunset. No bathrooms here. Filming scenes for the movie “Jungle Book” were done here."
Orrin H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ozone Falls State Natural Area is located in Cumberland County, Tennessee. The Google Maps location is 14563 TN-1, Ozone, TN 37854. Parking is available on the road pull-off, with space for about five vehicles. It's about 20 minutes from Arrowhead Resort.
The walk from the parking area to the top of the falls is very short and easy, approximately 0.1 miles roundtrip. However, the hike to the bottom is considered difficult and involves steep, rocky terrain.
The drive itself is scenic. Travelers mention both an easier way down and a harder way up the trail to the base, indicating that the approach to the falls can be managed with varying levels of difficulty.
Ozone Falls is a popular stop for those traveling between Gatlinburg and Nashville, making it a convenient detour.
Yes, using the provided Google Maps location (14563 TN-1, Ozone, TN 37854) is the most reliable way to navigate to the natural area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Ozone Falls State Natural Area is a public park and does not require tickets for entry. It is open from sunrise to sunset.
Ozone Falls is open daily from sunrise to sunset, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty throughout the day.
There is no entrance fee to visit Ozone Falls State Natural Area. It's a free natural attraction for all visitors.
Reservations are not required for visiting Ozone Falls. However, due to its popularity, arriving early is recommended, especially on weekends.
To avoid crowds and secure parking, weekday mornings are ideal. For a refreshing experience, summer afternoons allow for a swim in the cool pool.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to the top is a short, easy 0.3-mile roundtrip. The trail to the bottom is significantly more challenging, involving steep, rocky terrain and some rock climbing.
Yes, the pool at the base of the falls is swim-able, offering a refreshing experience, though the water is quite cold.
The hike to the bottom is strenuous and requires caution due to steep, rocky sections. It's not recommended for those with a fear of heights or young children without close supervision.
Visitors rave about the breathtaking views from both the top and the bottom of the falls. It's described as one of the best waterfalls seen in Tennessee.
No, there are no restrooms or other facilities available at Ozone Falls State Natural Area, so plan accordingly.
📸 📸 Photography
The most dramatic shots are from the base of the falls, capturing its full 110-foot drop. The overlook at the top also provides a good perspective, though be mindful of the lack of railings.
Absolutely! The lush surroundings, the powerful waterfall, and the unique rock formations offer excellent opportunities for nature photographers.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with the Tennessee State Parks system for current policies regarding drone operation in natural areas.
Morning light can be beautiful, especially if you can capture the mist rising from the falls. Midday sun can be harsh, but the shade near the base can offer softer lighting.
Many visitors aim for shots that showcase the full height of the waterfall and the rocky pool. Capturing the amphitheater-like rock formations behind the falls is also a popular choice.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you do make it to the bottom, the swim-able pool can be a huge hit on a warm day, though the water is quite cold.
🚶 Hikers & Adventure Seekers
Experienced hikers will appreciate the natural beauty and the unique geological features, including the creek disappearing underground. Just be sure to wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for a strenuous workout. The views from both the top and bottom are consistently praised as breathtaking.
📸 Photographers
+1Consider visiting in the morning light for softer shadows and a chance to capture mist rising from the water. While the top overlook offers a good perspective, the most compelling shots are often taken from the challenging trail at the bottom, allowing for unique angles and a sense of scale. Remember to bring your wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the entire scene.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails at Ozone Falls
It's a quick way to see the falls without a strenuous hike.The Lower Trail, however, is a different story. This path descends steeply to the base of the waterfall and is described as challenging, involving significant rock climbing and uneven terrain.
Despite the difficulty, many find the trek to the bottom to be incredibly rewarding. The immersive experience of standing at the base of the powerful waterfall and the opportunity to swim in the cool pool make the strenuous hike worthwhile for many adventurers.
The Unique Hydrology of Fall Creek
This karst topography is a hallmark of the Cumberland Plateau region.This underground journey means that the water flow at Ozone Falls is highly dependent on recent precipitation. During dry spells, the impressive cascade can be reduced to a trickle, a point noted by frequent visitors.
The dramatic drop and the subsequent disappearance of the creek contribute to the wild and somewhat mysterious atmosphere of Ozone Falls, making it a unique natural wonder in Tennessee.
Ozone Falls: A Hollywood Connection
+1 This connection adds an element of enchantment to the already picturesque setting.Visitors often remark on how the landscape evokes a sense of the exotic and the wild, making it easy to see why filmmakers chose this spot. The sheer cliffs, the lush vegetation, and the powerful cascade create a backdrop that feels straight out of a fairytale or an adventure film.
Experiencing Ozone Falls can feel like stepping into a scene from the movie, offering a unique blend of natural exploration and pop culture nostalgia for fans of The Jungle Book.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit