3 Tennessee waterfall hikes perfect for winter adventures
Each of these easy/ moderate Tennessee waterfall hikes offers stunning views and unique water features!
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Winter is upon us, and if you are someone who struggles with seasonal affective disorder and enjoying time outdoors when the days get shorter and colder, may I offer a suggestion? Waterfall hikes.
Tennessee is home to hundreds of waterfalls, and they truly come alive in the winter months. With heavy flows, icy blue waters, and minimal surrounding foliage, winter becomes one of the best seasons to experience the beauty of a Tennessee waterfall.
All 3 of the waterfalls detailed here can be found along the Cumberland Plateau, a section of middle Tennessee renowned for its rock formations, river gorges, biodiversity, and stunning waterfalls. Additionally, each of these hikes are rated either easy or moderate based on the terrain and length of the hike.
Please choose a hike that fits your personal skill and experience level, and always come prepared with the proper attire and the 10 essentials. Remember to Leave No Trace as you explore outdoors in Tennessee!
Before I share about these 3 spectacular winter waterfall hikes in Tennessee, click here to check out my list of must-have winter hiking clothing and gear! (If you’d like to see my winter hiking must-haves for babies and toddlers, click here!)
Twin Falls
Located within Rock Island State Park in White and Warren counties, Twin Falls is a year-round favorite for locals and visitors alike. The Downstream Trail is an excellent way to enjoy the beauty of Twin Falls and Rock Island State Park. This trail can be accessed at the Twin Falls overlook at the end of Powerhouse Road. While you can view these falls from the overlook without having to hike, I highly recommend the Downstream Trail, an easy and scenic 1.7 mile out-and-back trail. This trail is popular and well-marked— great for families with young kids or those looking for an easier hike. The Downstream Trail follows the river most of the way and is a mostly flat trek through the lush forests of the park. With about 200 feet of elevation gain throughout the trail, you’ll still enjoy some good exercise! This trail, along with all of Rock Island State Park, is dog friendly; dogs are required to remain leashed on trail and throughout the park. Swimming is not permitted at Twin Falls due to strong and unseen currents.
Fall Creek Falls
Fall Creek Falls is the namesake waterfall at Fall Creek Falls State Park in Spencer, Tennessee. To call this waterfall iconic is an understatement— it is instantly recognizable amongst Tennesseans and returning visitors alike. At 256 feet, it is the tallest sheer-drop waterfall in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. This stunning waterfall takes a dramatic plunge into the Cane Creek Gorge, and during the winter and spring months, its flow is typically significantly heavier than it is other times of the year. You can view Fall Creek Falls from an overlook just off the trailhead parking lot, or take the 0.4 mile hike to the base of the falls to see them up close and feel the mist on your face. This is a moderate hike (could be strenuous for some) in which you’ll find yourself climbing over rocks and up and down uneven terrain. Although it is a short hike, it could be challenging for an inexperienced hiker. Proper footwear and hiking gear is a must for this trail! Dogs are allowed on leash, and this trail is definitely family friendly as long as you’re prepared to take it slowly with young children in tow and potentially help them climb over rocks (we have always carried our daughter in her Osprey Poco carrier on this hike)!
Greeter Falls
Greeter Falls is located in Savage Gulf State Park near Altamont, Tennessee. This waterfall can be accessed via a 1.1 mile loop, with Upper and Lower Greeter Falls featured along the hike. The real gem of this hike is Lower Greeter Falls, a 50 foot drop into a stunning blue pool below. Although relatively small in size, there are several factors that make Greeter Falls unique, especially in the winter months. This waterfall is quite secluded and becomes even more peaceful during the colder seasons when people aren’t hiking to the falls to swim in the pool. The icy water turns a bright blue that is accentuated even more by the rocks surrounding the waterfall. Perhaps the most charming, and definitely most unique, feature of this hike is the metal spiral staircase you must descend to reach the base of the falls. Although this is a fairly easy hike, the staircase and rocks near the waterfall and along the trail can become quick slick after a rain, so exercise caution on this trail and make sure to wear the proper footwear. Dogs are allowed on leash at Greeter Falls, but many hikers report their dogs becoming spooked by the spiral staircase— I’ve had several people tell me they had to carry their 80+ pound pooches up and down the stairs! Should you bring young kids along on this hike, I’d keep the potentially slick terrain and staircase in mind, too! All in all, the vibrant blue water and unique features of Greeter Falls make it a must-visit during winter months!
Whether you’re looking to enjoy the crisp air, catch sight of a heavily flowing waterfall, avoid the crowds, or all of the above, I can’t recommend winter waterfall hiking in Tennessee enough!
3 Tennessee Waterfall Hikes Perfect for Winter Adventures
