In the steamy summer, take a cooling plunge. Things To Do. The Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte is our most highly rated trail, but it's best only to attempt it if you are an experienced hiker. Join us in the trees for 2.5 hours of zip-riding, heart-pounding, bridge-crossing, breath-taking, tree-climbing, eco-friendly, unforgettable fun! No privately owned, motorized boats or gasoline motors are allowed on the lake. There is the Canopy Challenge course for adults and the Junior Canopy Challenge for kids. 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. Cozy Cabins & Cottages - Fall Creek Falls - TN Vacation Or call the Virgin Falls Manager Stuart Carroll at (423)414 . Very scenic 6km circuit walk that is clearly sign posted, which is a short drive from Falls Creek. Visitors will see Cane Creek as it passes out of the park. Love the Lakeside a lot better than the landside. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Leashed dogs are welcome in most areas of the park including the campgrounds, hiking trails, and picnic areas. From Memphis to the mountains, Tennessee is one of the most visited tourist locations in the world. In the spring, early summer, and fall, the state stocks Cane Creek with trout. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. The Nature Center is another popular waterfall hub. Of course, breakfast is included in the rental price. Certainly not as many people have made the drive over the mountain through Ducktown to get to Copper Hill, which sits directly on the Georgia state line. 2021 The Fall Creek Falls Guide. Fall Creek Falls has three mountain bike trails covering 24 miles. We ski at Falls Creek every seocnd or 3rd weekend in the ski season. Some of the most popular fish available in this area include: The park offers 2 different ropes courses. It's one of the very best hiking trails in Tennessee with waterfalls, and it's quite an adventure! Fall turns the leaves into flaming colors while migratory birds seek refuge from the upcoming winter. Drive around at sunrise. Roxie Yonkey is an author and travel writer who specializes in road tripping. Take a look at the park map to find these destinations. Please bring your own trolling motor and battery. The gorge trail includes the Cane Creek Overlook, Cane Creek Gorge Overlook, and the Fall Creek Falls Overlook. Plenty of trees offer refreshing shade. Get more stories delivered right to your email. What are the top attractions to visit in Falls Creek? Was it an enjoyable experience? Choose your own Tennessee vacation and discover new food, classic whiskey, rockin' music, and so much more. Registration is free and available at Park Headquarters in the Taft Village Area and online. Filled with family attractions, music, events, food, drinks, and more, you can choose your own Tennessee vacation. The scenic loop is also home to several other overlooks and waterfall views. Rent pull carts and clubs. This overlook is less than three miles from the Lodge and is handicap accessible. Venues - Lodge at Fall Creek Falls Tennessee State Parks Its magnificent, majestic beauty is worthy of the preservation efforts its received. Thank you! The 345-acre Fall Creek Falls Lake has produced two state record fish: channel catfish and bluegill. Then its easy to share, send or save your perfect Tennessee vacation. The park offers over 46 miles of hiking trails, with the waterfall trails being the most popular. As a result, I can tell you, those roads running east to west are not fun driving bleary-eyed through the late autumn darkness following a Friday night football game. To explore nature in the wild, visit nearby Virgin Falls Natural Area. Pro Tip: Privately owned boats and gasoline motors are prohibited. Each spring, wildflowers bloom, and the park is full of migratory birds. It was the perfect way to unwind after a busy day. 20 + Kid-Friendly Smoky Mountain Hikes That Adults Will Love Too! After a short hike, the trail reaches the base of the . Other waterfalls within the park include Piney Falls, Cane Creek Falls, and Cane Creek Cascades. 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 falls are very well known by nature lovers, and during wet seasons, a second set of falls often appear. The operating hours, policies and procedures of other businesses may change at any time without notice. At 256 feet, the falls are among the highest in the eastern United States. 2022-12-07 Use caution at creek cable crossings. History and museum buffs will enjoy the many historical sites that helped define the state of Tennessee, as well as the museums and buildings that preserve that history. The best way and the quickest is to head on I-40 over to Crossville and then go south. Look for mountain laurel and rhododendron. The event will kick off with an opening ceremony 11 a.m. and after that people will take the plunge. Read Also: How long does it take to hike to Laurel Falls? 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. Visit the parks namesake, Fall Creek Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Rockies, or take a swing at that golf ball on the top-rated golf course. The full system includes more than 70 obstacles and seven zip lines. Then we learned we could have driven there. Tennessees most popular state park offers plenty of outdoor recreation. On scorching-hot days, the half-mile Turkey Pen Ridge Trail is the right choice. The highest-rated trail in Tennessee is The Alum Cave Trail to Mount Leconte. At 10.1 miles and taking about six and a half hours in total, it's not for the faint-hearted, but it is absolutely worth it for the unforgettable experience and the unique landscape youll get to revel in. There are 30 cabins and 222 campsites for overnight guests. However, we urge hikers to use caution at the cable crossings due to high water levels. Falls Creek Museum 11 Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, We had a really great day riding bikes with. Fishing, birding, swimming, hiking, biking, boating, rock climbing, golf, hunting, and a challenge course are all available. Experience where country music stars and fans align. What other popular state parks would you recommend checking out? Find more than 140 common and rare species in the park during various seasons. Do you believe you can fly? Test your agility and resolve on 70+ aerial obstacles including ladders, wobbly bridges, rope swings, cargo nets, balance beams and zip lines. Laced with cascades, gorges, waterfalls, streams, and lush stands of virgin hardwood timber, the park beckons those who enjoy nature at her finest. The waterside pool, located just below the restaurant, offers a space to unwind after a day of exploration. If I was guessing, and thats all it is, Id say the area under the plateau where East Tennessee transitions to Middle Tennessee is one of the regions most unknown spaces. Fall Creek Falls is a 16,181-acre natural area located within Fall Creek Falls State Park in Bledsoe and Van Buren counties. Many visitors also swim in the natural pools at the base of the waterfalls and in the streams and rivers running throughout the wilderness. Interpretive Programs Stay more than 300 yards from the waterfalls. Day 1 Olympic National Park Itinerary: Port Angeles / Olympic National Park Visitor's Center / Hurricane Ridge. 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. As spectacular as all those waterfalls are, they are only the parks leading attraction. Fall Creek Falls State Park lives up to its name. For the cyclist or hiker, Fall Creek Falls offers choices for the leisurely traveler as well as the more advanced rider or hiker. Fall Creek Falls - Tennessee What is the most highly rated trail in Tennessee? With nearly 20 miles of trails of varying difficulty levels, there is a trail for every type of nature enthusiast. The water is seven feet at its deepest and three feet at its shallowest. 3-Day Olympic National Park Itinerary for the Best Highlights (2023) Unfortunately, to reach the trailhead you will need to navigate a narrow gravel road that isnt in the best condition. Fall Creek Falls State Park is one of Tennessee's largest and most visited state parks. Mount Rogers National Recreation Area - Virginia Is For Lovers Registration is free and available at Park Headquarters in the Taft Village Area and online. The park is located in Bledsoe and Van Buren counties, 11 miles east of Spencer and 18 miles west of Pikeville. Millikans Overlook is a popular overlook and is home to the parks colorblind viewfinder. All Rights Reserved. Aluminum jon boats may be rented year-round. The Fall Creeks Falls Riding Stables are located just outside of the park. Cabins 11-20 were impacted by the flooding. Nashville to Fall Creek Falls All Inclusive Full Day Adventure 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. Click the link below to see a list of the maps available at this park. This popular fire tower is climbable and offers stunning 360-degree views of Fall Creek Falls State Park. The park is great for camping, both in primitive sites and cabins. The most worrisome risks are extreme water temperatures, strong currents, and unguarded waters. There are over 56 miles of hiking trails around the park. I would certainly return when next in the village. The Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps began restoring the forest. But in East Tennessee, its just one great massive, beautiful green space among many. 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. Be the first to discover secret destinations, travel hacks, and more. The park is open 24 hours a day, but select areas including roads leading to the falls and day-use trails close at sunset. Pro Tips: Check in at the Visitors Center. Today Fall Creek Falls State Park features nearly 30,000 acres of land and four major waterfalls (photo by Jonathan Percy/shutterstock.com). This stunning 2 fall water feature is officially the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi. 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. Follow more of her adventures at RoxieontheRoad. The beautiful and challenging 18-hole golf course is one of the best courses in Tennessee. Youll understand the parks layout better and will enjoy Fall Creek Falls and Cane Creek Gorges overlooks. The Nature Center at Fall Creek Falls offers hands-on environmental education through a variety of naturalist-led programs. 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. 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. Expect to see wildlife. Sometimes,. All rights reserved. The Nature Center provides exhibits . What comprises the park today was once t, This 1,247-acre area is located on the east banks of the Tennessee River. Its also a good idea to check the water levels. No privately owned, motorized boats or gasoline motors are allowed on the lake. Hello from California. Backcountry camping is allowed with a permit. Pro Tip: Register for a free permit before climbing. The park offers bike rentals at the Canopy Challenge Course near the pool and Park Office. We appreciate your patience during the recovery process. 1. Tennessee may be known as a landlocked southern state, but that doesnt mean its been forgotten by Mother Nature. Rent an aluminum Jon boat and bring your trolling motor. Read about it in our, Make the Upper Cumberland Your New Happy Place, 10 Winter Hikes You Should Take in Tennessee, Cookeville is Your Waterfall Oasis in Tennessee, Bluegrass, beauty and barbecue in McMinnville, Tennessee. Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. The Nature Center at Fall Creek Falls offers hands-on environmental education through a variety of naturalist led programs. For more information visit Environmental Education Center or call the park office. It is the highlight of any visit to Fall Creek Falls State Park. But it is in this place straddling the east and middle dividing line in Spencer, TN that one of the states most underappreciated treasures exists: Fall Creek Falls State Park. We are not endorsed by, authorized by, or affiliated with any mentioned attractions. There are also tons of annual special events like 5K runs, the Halloween Spooktacular, a July 4th Celebration, a Christmas festival, and more! Printed maps are located at the Fall Creek Falls Nature Center. The area features more falls. Visitors will find many things to do when walking its many paths and trails. Fall Creek Falls National Recreation Trail #1502 Get exclusive stories delivered right to your inbox. Visitors may bring their own canoes and kayaks year-round. We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. One hundred and forty species of birds have been observed throughout the year. Fall Creek Falls, at 256 feet, is one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States. Fall Creek Falls swimming area, including a small beach, is near the campground. Tap Add to Trip on anything you like. Fall Creek Falls has three mountain bike trails covering 24 miles. 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. A Day Trip to Fall Creek Falls - Evado Travel 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.