Visitors may bring their own canoes and kayaks year-round. 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. Experience one of Ithaca's secret waterfalls close to downtown and near Stewart Park, a great place to stop and enjoy a picnic lunch or just relax with a good book! Dropping 256 feet, Fall Creek Falls is the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. While you hike, you're bound to find a water feature or two that stops you hard in your tracks. Then its easy to share, send or save your perfect Tennessee vacation. 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. The park boasts a wide variety of family-friendly attractions including ropes courses, swimming holes, playgrounds, golfing, and so much more! This scenic 350-acre lake is surrounded by mountains and boasts several access points. Test your agility and resolve on 70+ aerial obstacles including ladders, wobbly bridges, rope swings, cargo nets, balance beams and zip lines. With over 26,000 acres of land, there are multiple waterfalls, miles and miles of hiking trails, and bike trails to boot. It is a difficult hike down and back. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Waterfowl find refuge at Fall Creek Lake during the winter. 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. Anglers enjoy bank and wade fishingin creeks throughout the park. Rent pull carts and clubs. After a short hike, the trail reaches the base of the . On the opposite side of the lake, guests can rent paddleboards and kayaks at the boat dock, and enjoy the Canopy Challenge Course or the 18-hole golf course. Turkey Pen ridge also connects to additional hiking trails if you are up for a longer adventure. Have you visited Fall Creek Falls? Tuckasegee and the surrounding areas are fairly remote; however there are a number of activities in and around the area that we would love to share with you! Things To Do. Blazing Fury at Dollywood: Is It Scary? Spanning Bledsoe and Van Buren Counties, Fall Creek Falls State Park can be accessed either by Highway 30 or Highway 111. When we went, we wanted to see as many of the waterfalls as quickly as we could. Looking for a trail map? The event will kick off with an opening ceremony 11 a.m. and after that people will take the plunge. Fall Creek Falls is the highest waterfall east of the Rocky . 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. Expect to see wildlife. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Click to Interact Get Driving Directions Experience where country music stars and fans align. There are multiple hikes and waterfalls in the park, many of which are fairly close to each other. While most cars should be able to make it, If you are feeling iffy about the capability of your vehicle, its probably best to pass on this attraction. Leashed dogs are welcome in most areas of the park including the campgrounds, hiking trails, and picnic areas. Reserve campsites and cabins early. Of course, breakfast is included in the rental price. 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. 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. Native Americans used this area continuously for about 500 years, eventually leaving it abandoned. Lunch and dinner are also available for an extra charge. There are regular educational events like yarn spinning classes, guided hikes, foraging classes, and stargazing parties. And the area south of Nashville, with the noted exception of Lynchburg, is typically unknown outside of the region. You'll have the chance to see beautiful landmarks, breathtaking views, and even the summit of Mt. Within the 29,800-acre park, there's no shortage of activities to keep you busy, from laid-back endeavors like fishing and birding to more adrenaline-pumping feats such as mountain biking the 24 . Either way, Fall Creek Falls isnt on the beaten path. Fall Creek Falls has one of the highest vertical drops (256 feet) in the Eastern United States. Row or troll on Fall Creek Falls Lake and in the creeks. Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, We had a really great day riding bikes with. Test your agility and resolve on 70+ aerial obstacles including ladders, wobbly bridges, rope swings, cargo nets, balance beams and zip lines. All Rights Reserved. The Falls Creek Falls pool offers a large main pool, shallow kiddie pool, restroom, snack bar, lounge chairs, and scenic lake view. Hikers can opt for short or long walks around the lake and to and from the base of Fall Creek Falls. 2021 The Fall Creek Falls Guide. Staff members remain nearby at all times to supervise from the ground in case there is an emergency. two of the girls had never been in a helicopter, not scared at all, thought it was awesome! Very scenic 6km circuit walk that is clearly sign posted, which is a short drive from Falls Creek. Lake proponents argued that turning Cades Cove into a body of water would promote tourism (photo by Patrick Jennings/stock.adobe.com), In the Smokies, a bobcat is often mistaken for a mountain lion. Other activities include swimming, horseback riding, and fishing. A few years later in 1944, the National Park Service transferred ownership of the park to the State of Tennessee. Look for mountain laurel and rhododendron. The center is also the meeting site for a variety of educational park programs. 2022-12-09: The Virgin Falls Trail is open from the Scotts Gulf Road Trailhead. Turn west on TN-68 and then south on Dayton where you can stop and have some Scopes Monkey Trial fun. Leconte. Take a look at the park map to find these destinations. Horseback riders will enjoy the stables, offering 2-mile guided rides through the back country. The trail is accessible year-round but is best in the warmer months. The best part is you only have to navigate a short 1/2 mile hike to get there. You may reconsider your lifes choices that brought you to this point, but its different. . Travel Smarter! Once inside the park, however, you wont regret a thing. On scorching-hot days, the half-mile Turkey Pen Ridge Trail is the right choice. John Gullion, Managing Editor at the Citizen Tribune, is a freelance contributor for TheSmokies.com LLC the parent company of TheSmokies.com and HeyOrlando.com. The address is: Yes, Fall Creek Falls is dog-friendly. Cabins 11-20 were impacted by the flooding. Or, for the ultimate Fall Creek Falls trail experience, take one of the two overnight trails. In 1994, the federal government transferred ownership to the state of Tennessee. Rock climbing at Fall Creek Falls State Park is by registration only. At 256-feet high, Fall Creek Falls is the highest free-falling waterfall in the eastern U.S. 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. All Rights Reserved: Fall Creek Falls Guide, Located within one of the Southeasts most popular state parks, the Restaurant at Fall Creek Falls offers the some of, Fall Creek Falls State Park has 30 beautiful cabins lake-side and land-side cabins available for rent. Viewing the Falls. Try these popular ideas in and around Flag Pond. Cane Creek Falls 24 Waterfalls Temporarily closed By BrightTiger Overlook deck and path to the bottom of the falls available. 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. Fall Creek Falls State Park lives up to its name. Fall Creek Falls has three mountain bike trails covering 24 miles. In addition to Fall Creek Falls, the park is home to Piney Falls, Cane Creek Falls and Cane Creek Cascades. No privately owned, motorized boats or gasoline motors are allowed on the lake. The resort is generally forgiving and a great place to learn to ski compared to Mt Hotham. By continuing to browse this site, you're accepting the use of cookies. Found within 40 miles of the park are Virgin Falls, Savage Gulf, and Laurel-Snow natural Areas, as well as the famed Cumberland Caverns. Read Also: The lost iron mine hidden behind a waterfall in the Smoky Mountains. Its also a good idea to check the water levels. Hikers can opt for short or long walks around the lake and to the base of Fall Creek Falls. The operating hours, policies and procedures of other businesses may change at any time without notice. First, youll be outfitted and complete Ground School. Discover more about learning with a Ranger -- in a park or in your classroom! Wear sunscreen and bug repellent. Pro Tip: Register for a free permit before climbing. I have been on a couple of tours with Macca and they have been amazing!! These cabins are available, The brand new Lodge at Fall Creek Falls State Park is a fully appointed resort located at the gateway of, Families searching for a place to stay when visiting Fall Creek Falls State Park, but want and need more than, Finding a great place to stay is often times a difficult prospect for families when planning a vacation. 242 reviews of Deep Creek Hot Springs "Deep Creek Hot Springs may be heaven on earth. The Fall Creek Falls guide is dedicated to the promotion of Fall Creek Falls and the surrounding area. Is the Laurel Falls Hike Easy? It combines the modern comforts of a resort hotel with surroundings that simply cant be matched. 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. Fall Creek Falls has three mountain bike trails covering 24 miles. It is accessible from the aptly named Base of Fall Creek Falls Trail, which is relatively short but quite difficult. Jump into the water from a rock formation. More than half of the park is designated a natural area wilderness. The lodge features 85 guest rooms overlooking Fall Creek Falls Lake. Get more stories delivered right to your email. The volunteer was very helpful and we enjoyed chatting with her. Tennessees most popular state park offers plenty of outdoor recreation. Located near Little Canada Recreation Park. The ambience and music was relaxing and the staff were friendly. Its strange to call one of the most highly-visited Tennessee state parks underappreciated, but it is. Hawks and turkey vultures soar above Millikans. The best places to find birds are on the Paw Paw Trail, Wheeler Farm Loop, the Gilbert Gaul Trail, and at Millikans Overlook. It features a grassy beach area with concrete steps leading into the water. What are the top attractions to visit in Falls Creek? For serene solitude, find the Cane Creek Gorge. Bring your canoe or kayak and enjoy the scenery. Find more than 140 common and rare species in the park during various seasons. You can also apply for a permit to indulge in backcountry camping. Call 423.881.5706 for a tee time. Follow more of her adventures at RoxieontheRoad. The inn is adults-only but will accept pets for an extra charge. Located in Bledsoe and Van Buren counties, the park saddles the dividing line among the Grand Divisions. Having skied Falls Creek before, you enjoy the view of the water from the slopes, so to see it this time in summer as part of my approach from the Omeo side, wow. Within the parks 20,000-plus acres, five waterfalls cascade down the slopes of the Cumberland Plateau. . Alternatively, you could walk down the gravel road instead of driving, which will add about 5 miles to your hike. Pro Tip: Do not use electronic sound devices during nesting season from May to July. Other waterfalls within the park include Piney Falls, Cane Creek Falls, and Cane Creek Cascades. The most popular ones include Fall Creek Vineyards, Flat Creek Estate Winery, Spicewood Vineyards, McReynolds Wines, Spicewood Vineyards, Perissos Winery, and more. Buy a souvenir to support the Friends of Fall Creek Falls. If you want to know before you go, check out the hike leading down to this breathtaking waterfall with this Adventuring in the Moment video: You can also hike to the highly popular Piney Creek Falls, a 95-foot waterfall that's right on Piney Creek. Hikers can opt for short or long walks around the lake and to and from the base of Fall Creek Falls. Learn about the parks history, geology, environment, plants, and animals at the nature center. the pilot was very nice, knowledgeable and friendly, along with the other lady we organized it through. If youre in the mood for swimming, you can visit one of the two swimming holes in the park. It's one of the very best hiking trails in Tennessee with waterfalls, and it's quite an adventure! Get your free printed guide or e-guide to start planning. The Woodland Trail crosses Cane Creek Cascades via a swinging bridge. Fall Creek Falls is birding heaven (PDF). From there, drive the Dayton Mountain Highway and its incredibly interesting twists and turns to Highway 286 until you reach the park entrance. A little treasure gem of history tucked away at Falls Creek. Specialties: Fall Creek Falls is the largest park in the state park system and offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Tennessee. Take a look around the site and we believe you will fall in love with the park, the people that make Fall Creek Falls so special. For an update on the flooding conditions, visitors can call the Virgin Falls Office at Dog Cove, phone (931)739-6747. This lake-side stunner will feature 85 hotel rooms, a full-service restaurant, and a scenic lounge area overlooking Fall Creek Falls lake. There are 30 cabins and 222 campsites for overnight guests. Pioneers from North Carolina and the older Watauga Settlement in East Tennessee arrived in this area around, The Old Stone Fort was built during the Middle Woodland Period, 1,500-2,000 years ago. By the time European settlers arrived, it was unclear of what the are. For listings in Canada, the trademarks REALTOR, REALTORS, and the REALTOR logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Many visitors also swim in the natural pools at the base of the waterfalls and in the streams and rivers running throughout the wilderness. You can also find great deals on rental cabins just outside the park. They do have a reception venue there, but you will have to contact the park directly to get booking information. Love Tennessee? All Rights Reserved. In addition to individual and family environmental education, the park offers extensive programming geared to school groups. This top-notch equestrian facility offers guided trail rides, overnight boarding, birthday parties, and more! (The restaurant is currently under renovation until 2021.). Many of the best views are just a few steps away from the parking lots. Please bring your own trolling motor and battery. She wrote the Kansas ultimate bucket list book, 100 Things to Do in Kansas Before You Die, and is a contributing author to the book Midwest Road Trip Adventures. Still exploring? The snowy waters lake is a deep blue and worth a moment to appreciate. What are the best outdoor activities in Falls Creek? Fall Creek Falls t-shirts, caps, and other souvenirs are available at our two gift shops; one is located at the park office and one is located at the camper check-in building. For more information visit Environmental Education Center or call the park office. 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. To explore nature in the wild, visit nearby Virgin Falls Natural Area. The snack bars serve breakfast sandwiches and limited lunch and dinner selections including, pizza, chicken tenders, burgers, and other quick-cooking menu items. The namesake waterfall is visible from the Fall Creek Falls overlook on the scenic loop. For those dreaming of a scenic view in the morning, lakeside cabin rentals are available. Hiking to it requires a strenuous hike that lasts from five to eight hours, depending on your route. But if that is not the case for you, set your alarm. The Canopy Challenge course features a variety of aerial obstacles including ladders, wobbly bridges, rope swings, cargo nets, balance beams and zip lines. The water starts at about 3 feet deep and gets deeper the further you go out. This overlook is less than three miles from the Lodge and is handicap accessible. Fall Creek Falls is filled with deep gorges, dense and diverse woods, and bluff-top vistas, attracting awide array of bird life year-round. The nature center boasts a variety of taxidermied animals, geological exhibits, and a free informational park video. Pro Tip: For the best view, take the cable trail down to Cane Creek Falls and the base of Fall Creek Falls Trail. Fall Creek Falls is in located in Spencer, TN, which is in Van Buren County. We enjoyed the Restaurant at Fall Creek Falls relaxed feel and buffet. Just past the cascades is an overlook that provides a good view of both Cane Creek and Rockhouse Falls. 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. Or call the Virgin Falls Manager Stuart Carroll at (423)414-1510. Tap Add to Trip on anything you like. 1. Since 1996, the Environmental Education Center has been educating and facilitating environmental education through the park's vast natural resources by offering a low-cost, high-quality overnight field trip for school groups. The park offers over 46 miles of hiking trails, with the waterfall trails being the most popular. It may be entered from Highway 111 or Highway 30. The trail passes through a narrow crevice in a large boulder, then climbs alongside the creek through old-growth Douglas-fir. Reserve them in advance. From Buzzards Roost, buzzard hawks ride thermals with turkey and black vultures. Also note that the 85-room Lodge Fall Creek Falls is set to open in the fall of 2021. The park is about a three-hour drive from Gatlinburg. In the winter, icicles hang like Christmas decorations from every water-soaked vertical surface. Prepared food is available at The Village pool snack bar and FCF Golf Course Pro Shop. Opt for a waterfall hike in Fall Creek Falls this summer, with more than fifty-six miles of trails struck through the heart of the park for your outdoor needs. Even in September there were a good selection trails around. Exercise extreme caution if swimming in any of the unguarded natural areas. When you step out of the lobby, you enter a world of towering waterfalls andbreathtaking overlooks. This waterfall, which cascades down 256 feet, is one of the tallest single vertical drop fall east of the Rocky Mountains. It's the highest vertical drop in Tennessee and this side of the Rocky Mountains! Sign up for our free newsletter. But in East Tennessee, its just one great massive, beautiful green space among many. No privately owned, motorized boats or gasoline motors are allowed on the lake. Looking for waterfalls in this grand state park? The park is open 24 hours a day, but select areas including roads leading to the falls and day-use trails close at sunset. We got an up-close view of the parks gorgeous waterfalls. Falls Creek Museum 11 Coon Creek Falls, Rockhouse Falls, Cane Creek Cascades and Cane Creek Falls round out the impressive number of falls in the park. 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. Sign up to receive trip ideas and inspiration from Tennessee Tourism. #1 of 3 things to do in Fall Creek Falls State Park 81 reviews 1997 Village Camp Rd, Fall Creek Falls State Park, TN 38585 0.8 miles from Fall Creek Falls Cane Creek Falls #2 of 3 things to do in Fall Creek Falls State Park 24 reviews 2009 Village Camp Road, Fall Creek Falls State Park, TN 30533-7304 0.7 miles from Fall Creek Falls Book a Tour A steep hike leads to the bottom of the falls where a cool pool of water awaits. Located in the shadow of the Capitol in downtown Nashville, Bicentennial Capitol Mall gives visitors a taste of Tennessee's history, natural wonders and serves as a lasting monument to Tennessee's Bicentennial Celebration, which was June 1, 1996. If you are camping in a tent, you may be like us and be freezing so much that you have to move to your car in the wee hours of the morning and by default you'll be awake before the sun rises! be sure to check out the Fall Creek Falls State Park website and the Fall Creek Falls State Park Facebook page for more information on the park. Paddleboats, kayaks and canoes are available for rent, April through October. Participants move through the aerial adventure course connected to a flexible lifeline system that uses smart-belay technology to ensure connectivity with overhead belay cables. Thank you! Its waterfalls, cascades, sparkling streams, gorges, forests, and cave features make it one of the most visited natural areas and state parks in the southeast. Yonkey loves to follow the open road wherever it takes her. Cozy Cabins & Cottages - Fall Creek Falls 1537 Archie Rhinehart Pkwy. Drive around at sunrise. The park is located in Bledsoe and Van Buren counties, 11 miles east of Spencer and 18 miles west of Pikeville. Fishing, birding, swimming, hiking, biking, boating, rock climbing, golf, hunting, and a challenge course are all available.