Fall Creek Falls
Is it open? Status unknown0.7 mi round tripDifficult
We couldn't check the land manager's page in the last day. Check with them before you go.
At 256 feet, Tennessee's highest waterfall. The overlook is a short walk from the lot. The Base of Falls Trail drops from the overlook to the pool, about 0.7 miles round trip, and the park calls the climb back out very strenuous. The park doesn't say whether swimming is allowed at the base. Entry is free.
At a glance
The walk, the climb and how hard it is.
0.7 mi
Round trip, overlook to base
The lot is about 0.1 mi from the overlook where the trail starts (our measurement).
Tennessee State Parks, checked October 26, 2026340 ft
Climb back up
Our measurement with USGS lidar. The park doesn't publish a climb.
Measured by Chattanooga Falls with USGS 3DEP lidar elevation, checked October 27, 2026Difficult
Difficulty
The park calls it a very strenuous hike, with a steep climb on the way back out.
Tennessee State Parks, checked October 26, 2026The gorge in 3D
The pink line is the walk from the parking lot to the overlook, then down the Base of Falls Trail. Drag to turn it.
Building the 3D view…
Shaded relief: USGS 3DEP lidar. Elevation: USGS via AWS Terrain Tiles. Trails © OpenStreetMap contributors.
The water right now
Live from the National Weather Service and NOAA radar. Check again before you get in.
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Good to know
The park's rules, fees and hours, each with where it came from.
- Rules
- Swimming: the park doesn't say for the base of the falls. Statewide, Tennessee state parks allow swimming only in designated waters. Use care around waterfalls and cliff edges.Tennessee State Parks (page 1, page 2, page 3), checked October 26, 2026
- Fee
- No entry fee at Tennessee state parksTennessee State Parks, checked October 26, 2026
- Hours
- Park open 24 hours; the road to the falls is locked at dark and day-use areas close at sunsetTennessee State Parks, checked October 26, 2026
- Dogs
- Allowed on a leashTennessee State Parks, checked October 26, 2026
Parking and directions
Directions go to the parking lot, never to the falls.
Fall Creek Falls parking lot
At the Fall Creek Falls Overlook, Fall Creek Falls State Park, TN
The park doesn't say how big the lot is or when it fills. The road to the falls is locked at dark.
Source: Tennessee State Parks, checked October 26, 2026. Map pin: OpenStreetMap.Weather at the falls
The National Weather Service forecast for this spot.
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Nearby spots
Open and closed labels come from each land manager's own pages.
Status unknown
Greeter Falls and Blue Hole
Savage Gulf State Park
Open
Ozone Falls
Ozone Falls State Natural Area
Photos on Unsplash: Justin Campbell, Sarah Swainson