Youll understand the parks layout better and will enjoy Fall Creek Falls and Cane Creek Gorges overlooks. It is the highlight of any visit to Fall Creek Falls State Park. Found within 40 miles of the park are Virgin Falls, Savage Gulf, and Laurel-Snow natural Areas, as well as the famed Cumberland Caverns. Fall Creek Falls is a 16,181-acre natural area located within Fall Creek Falls State Park in Bledsoe and Van Buren counties. However, we urge hikers to use caution at the cable crossings due to high water levels. Learn about the parks history, geology, environment, plants, and animals at the nature center. Virgin Falls drops 110 feet before disappearing into a cave. 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. Fall Creek Falls State Park in Spencer is rated 8.7 of 10 at RV LIFE Campground Reviews. The trail down to the base from the trailhead near the overlook is less than half a mile, but there is a stark elevation change. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. 10-14-21: Heavy rains brought severe flooding to Fall Creek Falls State Park. The trail passes through a narrow crevice in a large boulder, then climbs alongside the creek through old-growth Douglas-fir. A steep hike leads to the bottom of the falls where a cool pool of water awaits. From there, drive the Dayton Mountain Highway and its incredibly interesting twists and turns to Highway 286 until you reach the park entrance. And also on-site is a full-service restaurant, a swimming pool, a Canopy Challenge Course and an 18-hole golf course (Fall Creek Falls Golf Course). Rockhouse Falls plunges 125 feet, while Cane Creek Falls drops 85 feet. Then we learned we could have driven there. Spencer, TN38585 Contact inquiries@fallcreekfallscabins.com 931-946-3144 Hours Office Hours 9am - 7pm Visit Our Site Connect For the most up-to-date hours and information, please contact Cozy Cabins & Cottages - Fall Creek Falls directly. 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. 3. Choose your own Tennessee vacation and discover new food, classic whiskey, rockin' music, and so much more. Pro Tip: Check the states trout stocking schedule (PDF). We got an up-close view of the parks gorgeous waterfalls. No thanks, Im not into adventure Though the Volunteer State is missing a coastline, its rife with gorgeous lakes, rivers, and waterfalls that make up for a lack of sandy beaches. Even in September there were a good selection trails around. Within the parks 20,000-plus acres, five waterfalls cascade down the slopes of the Cumberland Plateau. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 East TN Family Fun | All Rights Reserved, Complete Family Guide to Cherokee National Forest. Cozy Cabins & Cottages - Fall Creek Falls - TN Vacation Unfortunately, to reach the trailhead you will need to navigate a narrow gravel road that isnt in the best condition. Just past the cascades is an overlook that provides a good view of both Cane Creek and Rockhouse Falls. Join us in the trees for 2.5 hours of zip-riding, heart-pounding, bridge-crossing, breath-taking, tree-climbing, eco-friendly, unforgettable fun! Located an hour from Chattanooga and less than two hours from Nashville and Knoxville, this brand-new Lodge will satisfy your longing for adventure. Its great for picking up last-minute supplies or a quick bite to eat. 2023 Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation. We enjoyed the Restaurant at Fall Creek Falls relaxed feel and buffet. Blessed with some of the most extraordinary scenery in America, Fall Creek Falls attracts thousands of people each year to its numerous swimming, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, bicycling and nature viewing opportunities. The most popular ones include Fall Creek Vineyards, Flat Creek Estate Winery, Spicewood Vineyards, McReynolds Wines, Spicewood Vineyards, Perissos Winery, and more. Look for swallows, ducks, herons, and loons. The park is great for camping, both in primitive sites and cabins. Plants at the gorges bottoms are from southern Canada, which is a long way from Tennessee. 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. For more info on Fall Creek Falls State Park or things to do in the area, check out these articles. When the water levels are high especially after heavy rains the falls are majestic. 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. What to wear at the Eau Claire Polar Plunge The Nature Center at Fall Creek Falls offers hands-on environmental education through a variety of naturalist led programs. Thirty rental cabins are available. Visitors will see Cane Creek as it passes out of the park. Fall turns the leaves into flaming colors while migratory birds seek refuge from the upcoming winter. Venues - Lodge at Fall Creek Falls Tennessee State Parks Buy a souvenir to support the Friends of Fall Creek Falls. The Best Things To Do In Fall Creek Falls - TravelAwaits 2022-12-09: The Virgin Falls Trail is open from the Scotts Gulf Road Trailhead. But among the division, there are great swaths of Tennessee that are more or less unknown. What comprises the park today was once t, This 1,247-acre area is located on the east banks of the Tennessee River. First, youll be outfitted and complete Ground School. Filled with family attractions, music, events, food, drinks, and more, you can choose your own Tennessee vacation. Additional programs include arts and crafts, movies, campfires, organized games, and live musical entertainment. Copyright 2023 Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation. Or call the Virgin Falls Manager Stuart Carroll at (423)414 . Interpretive Programs The 26,000-acre park features majestic cascades, deep chasms, virgin timber and the striking Fall Creek Falls, which plunges 256 feet into a shaded pool. The snack bars serve breakfast sandwiches and limited lunch and dinner selections including, pizza, chicken tenders, burgers, and other quick-cooking menu items. Fall Creek Falls State Resort Park is a beautiful state park in the U.S. state of Tennessee. At the base, in the warmer months, you can jump in the lake and swim at Fall Creek Falls to cool off. Backcountry camping is allowed with a permit. Tee times are required. Tennessee may be known as a landlocked southern state, but that doesnt mean its been forgotten by Mother Nature. On Paw Paw, look for woodland birds, owls, woodpeckers, and whip-poor-wills. Exercise extreme caution if swimming in any of the unguarded natural areas. Fall Creek Falls State Park - Yelp Copperhead Rock Climbing Area offers top roping and rappelling routes for beginners to advanced rock climbers. The namesake waterfall is visible from the Fall Creek Falls overlook on the scenic loop. All rights reserved. The following trails are closed at Fall Creek Falls until further notice. The Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps began restoring the forest. Its not fast. Want to know more? In addition to Fall Creek Falls, the park is home to Piney Falls, Cane Creek Falls and Cane Creek Cascades. Tennessee State Parks offers engaging, relevant, and interactive educational experiences. This stunning 2 fall water feature is officially the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi. Or rent watercraft for the day or week. Of course, these are only the highly anticipated falls in the park. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing. Love Tennessee? Turn west on TN-68 and then south on Dayton where you can stop and have some Scopes Monkey Trial fun. Then its easy to share, send or save your perfect Tennessee vacation. Ithaca Falls on Fall Creek The water starts at about 3 feet deep and gets deeper the further you go out. Waterfowl find refuge at Fall Creek Lake during the winter. Test your agility and resolve on 70+ aerial obstacles including ladders, wobbly bridges, rope swings, cargo nets, balance beams and zip lines. The Lodge at Fall Creek Falls features over 5,000 square feet of flexible indoor event space and stunning outdoor venues. More To Explore: Enjoy more epic Tennessee hikes. At 256 feet tall, Fall Creek Falls is not just one of Tennessee's most visited waterfalls, but one of the tallest in the eastern United States. This hot spring is typical of other "natural" or undeveloped hot springs in that the bathers are typically naked, overweight elderly people . Sign up to receive trip ideas and inspiration from Tennessee Tourism. The Falls Creek Falls pool offers a large main pool, shallow kiddie pool, restroom, snack bar, lounge chairs, and scenic lake view. The park is located in Bledsoe and Van Buren counties, 11 miles east of Spencer and 18 miles west of Pikeville. What other popular state parks would you recommend checking out? All of them are breathtaking. It will be stunning! Day 1 Olympic National Park Itinerary: Port Angeles / Olympic National Park Visitor's Center / Hurricane Ridge. Many tent campers prefer loops C and E, due to the increased privacy provided by the surrounding woodlands. Reserve campsites and cabins early. Aluminum jon boats may be rented year-round. As the state's most visited state park, it boasts some of the best hiking trails in Tennessee, including everything from gorgeous waterfalls to gurgling creeks to magnificent gorges cut deep in the Cumberland Plateau. Get exclusive stories delivered right to your inbox. While you hike, you're bound to find a water feature or two that stops you hard in your tracks. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. Waterfalls Tennessee State Parks Fall Creek Falls Golf Course Seasonal Closure. If youre in the mood for swimming, you can visit one of the two swimming holes in the park. Leashed dogs are welcome in most areas of the park including the campgrounds, hiking trails, and picnic areas. Anglers 13 and over need a fishing license. The park is home to a variety of activities suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities. The event will kick off with an opening ceremony 11 a.m. and after that people will take the plunge. East Tennessee, which runs from Bristol and Johnson City down to Chattanooga, is better known. Rent pull carts and clubs. (The restaurant is currently under renovation until 2021.). A steep hike leads to the bottom of the falls where a cool pool of water awaits. 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. Roxie Yonkey is an author and travel writer who specializes in road tripping. Cane Creek Cascades is a 45-foot cascading waterfall thats behind the Nature Center. Northwest of Chattanooga and west of Dayton, home of the famous Scopes Monkey Trial, there arent a lot of reasons to be going that way unless youre going to the state park. Today Fall Creek Falls State Park features nearly 30,000 acres of land and four major waterfalls (photo by Jonathan Percy/shutterstock.com). Fall Creek Falls swimming area, including a small beach, is near the campground. 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. Attractions Blessed with some of the most extraordinary scenery in America, Fall Creek Falls attracts thousands of people each year to its numerous swimming, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, bicycling and nature viewing opportunities. . Look for mountain laurel and rhododendron. Once inside the park, however, you wont regret a thing. The Nature Center provides exhibits . The public swimming pool at Fall Creek Falls is a great place for you to enjoy water-based recreation this summer. Twelve picnic areas are scattered throughout the park. Many of these independently owed cabins can have upgraded amenities like hot tubs, fireplaces, and game rooms. The 345-acre Fall Creek Falls Lake has produced two state record fish: channel catfish and bluegill. No trip to Fall Creek Falls is complete without waterfall chasing. 20 + Kid-Friendly Smoky Mountain Hikes That Adults Will Love Too! We decided to surprise our girls and a best friend with this ride, 13,14 and 22yr old just loved it. The Nature Center at Fall Creek Falls offers hands-on environmental education through a variety of naturalist led programs. Do you believe you can fly? Anglers enjoy bank and wade fishingin creeks throughout the park. Hiking to it requires a strenuous hike that lasts from five to eight hours, depending on your route. Following thorough instruction at Ground School, you will be let loose to explore six different 8-to-13-element routes ranging from serene to extreme. Van Buren is located in Middle Tennessee while Bledsoe is in the east. After a short hike, the trail reaches the base of the . You can stay at the local inn and spend your days hiking, fishing or simply sitting and reading amidst the grand beauty of the state's natural grandeur.
