Fall Creek Falls State Park
Tennessee's premier state park, boasting the tallest free-fall waterfall east of the Mississippi and vast natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak waterfall flow & foliage
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Best Time
Peak waterfall flow & foliage
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Tennessee's premier state park, boasting the tallest free-fall waterfall east of the Mississippi and vast natural beauty.
"One of the most beautiful waterfalls I’ve ever seen. Highly recommend stopping by!"
🎯 GPS to the Falls
Search 'Base of Fall Creek Falls' for direct access, not just the park name.
👟 Hike Prepared
Wear sturdy shoes for trails; some can be steep and wet.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fall Creek Falls
Main overlook and base trail
Witness the tallest free-fall waterfall east of the Mississippi, a breathtaking 256-foot cascade.
Suspension Bridge
Near Fall Creek Falls overlook
Walk across this iconic bridge for stunning panoramic views of the gorge and surrounding forest.
Cane Creek Falls & Rockhouse Falls
Cane Creek Trail
Explore these beautiful falls and the unique rockhouse formation, accessible via a scenic loop trail.
+1Scenic Overlooks
Various points throughout the park
Enjoy easily accessible viewpoints offering sweeping vistas of the park's natural beauty, especially during fall.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Waterfalls
Park Navigation & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 GPS to the Falls
Search 'Base of Fall Creek Falls' for direct access, not just the park name.
👟 Hike Prepared
Wear sturdy shoes for trails; some can be steep and wet.
💧 Waterfalls Peak Flow
Visit spring-fall for best waterfall views; flow varies.
🚗 Park is HUGE!
Allow ample time to drive between attractions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 GPS to the Falls
Search 'Base of Fall Creek Falls' for direct access, not just the park name.
👟 Hike Prepared
Wear sturdy shoes for trails; some can be steep and wet.
💧 Waterfalls Peak Flow
Visit spring-fall for best waterfall views; flow varies.
🚗 Park is HUGE!
Allow ample time to drive between attractions.
💰 Free Admission
Enjoy the park's main attractions without an entry fee.
🛍️ General Store Convenience
Stock up on essentials; it's a lifesaver if you forget something.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Fall Creek Falls State Park for its stunning natural beauty, particularly its waterfalls and scenic overlooks. Many appreciate the free admission and the variety of activities available, from hiking to golf. Some dining experiences at the lodge restaurant have received mixed reviews regarding price and quality, but the park's overall grandeur and accessibility make it a highly recommended destination.
"One of the most beautiful waterfalls I’ve ever seen. If you’re traveling between Kentucky and Atlanta, I highly recommend stopping by Fall Creek Falls State Park. A few tips I want to share:
1.There’s no admission fee. You can enjoy this incredible view thoroughly for free.
2.The park is enormous. If you’re using GPS, do not search “Fall Creek Falls State Park.” Like me, you might end up in the middle of the park with no clear direction to the falls. Instead, search for “Base of Fall Creek Falls” to go directly to the waterfall area.
It’s also a great place to relax, with a resort-like atmosphere and a beautifully maintained golf course. If you need a refreshing break, definitely consider visiting this park."
Joe Cho
"We love FCFSP. We stayed for a week around Christmas last year and are doing it again this year. The many trails of the park are always fun to hike. We love the restraunt and bar at the lodge. Great place to relax with a cocktail and some food. Having the general store in the park almost made it so we never had to leave the park. If we needed anything, we just went there."
The Adventures of Pork Taco
"Beautiful fall foliage on the day we visited!
This was our first time here and we were mainly just driving through, stopping by the overlooks to admire the beautiful scenery. The grounds were well kept and it wasn't overly crowded. The overlooks were easily accessible.
We definitely plan to go back to enjoy the hiking trails and some of the other amenities."
Janet P
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fall Creek Falls State Park is approximately a 2-hour drive from Nashville. Take I-24 E towards Chattanooga, then exit onto US-41 S and follow signs for the park.
Yes, Fall Creek Falls State Park is about an hour's drive north of Chattanooga, making it a popular day trip destination.
The park is vast. For direct access to the main waterfall, search 'Base of Fall Creek Falls' in your GPS. Otherwise, use park maps to plan your route between overlooks and trailheads.
Yes, EV charging stations are available within the park, making it convenient for electric vehicle owners.
While possible, it's challenging. Public transportation doesn't directly serve the park. Renting a car or joining a guided tour is recommended for ease of access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to enter Fall Creek Falls State Park. You can enjoy the overlooks and many trails for free.
Fall Creek Falls State Park is open year-round. Specific facility hours, like the lodge or restaurant, may vary seasonally.
No advance booking is required for general park entry. However, if you plan to stay at the lodge or cabins, reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.
While the main overlooks are easily accessible, hiking to the base of some falls, like Fall Creek Falls, involves steep trails. Always check trail conditions and be prepared.
Pets are generally allowed in Tennessee State Parks on a leash, but they are typically not permitted inside park buildings, lodges, or cabins. Always check the specific park's pet policy.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the loop to Cane Creek Falls and Rockhouse Falls (3.5 miles, moderate), and the steep but rewarding trail to the base of Fall Creek Falls (1 mile roundtrip).
Yes, many overlooks are easily accessible. For hiking, choose shorter, flatter trails or stick to paved paths. The suspension bridge is also a hit with kids.
The park offers a championship golf course, fishing and boating on the lake, swimming, and picnicking areas. The lodge provides dining and relaxation options.
Weekends, especially during fall foliage season and summer, can be busy. Weekday mornings generally offer a more peaceful experience. Parking can fill up quickly for popular spots.
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are essential. Layers are recommended, as weather can change. Bring rain gear just in case.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The park has a lodge restaurant, a snack bar, and a cafe. Some visitors find the lodge restaurant pricey and suggest the snack bar or cafe for better value.
Yes, the nearby town of Spencer offers various local eateries and fast-food options if you prefer to dine off-site.
Absolutely! Fall Creek Falls has numerous picnic areas, making it a great option for budget-conscious visitors or families.
The lodge restaurant typically offers American cuisine, often with a focus on Southern-inspired dishes.
During peak seasons or holidays, making a reservation for the lodge restaurant is advisable to ensure you get a table.
📸 📸 Photography
The overlooks for Fall Creek Falls and Cane Creek Falls are prime spots. The suspension bridge also offers unique angles. Golden hour light is magical here.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grandeur of the falls and landscapes. A tripod can be useful for long exposures, especially in lower light.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) provides the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing colors.
Try capturing the mist from the falls, the textures of the rock formations, and the vibrant fall foliage. The suspension bridge offers a dramatic foreground element.
Drone usage is often restricted in state parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check the official Tennessee State Parks regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The suspension bridge is a thrilling experience for children, offering great photo opportunities. For hiking, opt for shorter, well-maintained trails like the paved path to the main overlook or the relatively easy walk to Cane Creek Falls. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as the park is large and exploring can take time. Consider a picnic lunch at one of the designated areas to make the most of the beautiful surroundings. 💰 Budget Travelers
Many of the most rewarding experiences, like hiking to various falls and enjoying the views, are completely free. 🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
For a more challenging but iconic hike, the trail to the base of Fall Creek Falls is steep but leads to an unforgettable perspective of the 256-foot cascade. +1 Be prepared for varied terrain; sturdy hiking boots are essential, and some trails can be wet or slippery. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Chasing Waterfalls: A Guide to Fall Creek Falls
Visitors can admire its grandeur from the easily accessible overlook or embark on a more adventurous hike to its base. The park also features Cane Creek Falls and Rockhouse Falls, which are equally captivating and can be explored via the Cane Creek Trail. For the best experience, plan your visit during spring or fall when rainfall typically ensures these cascades are at their most impressive. Beyond the main attractions, the park boasts numerous other smaller falls and cascades, especially after rain. The suspension bridge near the main overlook offers a unique perspective and is a popular spot for photos.
While the park is beautiful year-round, the fall foliage transforms the landscape into a vibrant spectacle, making it a prime destination for leaf-peepers. Remember that waterfall flow can vary significantly, so checking recent conditions or visiting after a period of rain is advisable for the most dramatic views. Exploring the Vastness: Navigating Fall Creek Falls
Its sheer size means that efficient navigation is key to making the most of your visit. Many visitors recommend using specific GPS coordinates for attractions, such as 'Base of Fall Creek Falls,' rather than just the park name, to avoid ending up in the wrong section of the park. Within the park, you'll find a range of amenities designed for convenience. There's a restaurant at the lodge, a snack bar, and a cafe, though some reviews suggest the lodge restaurant can be pricey.
For those who enjoy outdoor recreation beyond hiking, the park features an 18-hole championship golf course, a lake for fishing and boating, and swimming areas. The park's extensive trail system means you could spend days exploring its diverse terrain, from scenic overlooks to dense woodlands. A Photographer's Paradise: Capturing Fall Creek Falls
The overlook provides a fantastic vantage point, but for a more dramatic shot, consider the hike to the base. The suspension bridge offers a unique perspective, allowing photographers to frame the falls and the surrounding gorge. For landscape photographers, the park's numerous scenic overlooks are ideal, especially during sunrise and sunset when the light is soft and golden.
The park truly shines in the fall, with vibrant foliage creating a stunning backdrop for any shot. When exploring the trails, look for opportunities to capture the textures of the rock formations, the mist rising from the water, and the lush greenery. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to encompass the grandeur of the landscape, and a tripod can be beneficial for capturing long exposures of the waterfalls, especially in lower light conditions. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit