If you’re in or near Tennessee and want to experience a fun weekend, you need to visit these three stunning waterfalls near Nashville. You’ll marvel at the power and natural beauty provided by these lovely sights.
Cummins Falls
Image via Flickr by mikerhicks
Located 71.6 miles from downtown Nashville, a drive of nearly two hours, Cummins Falls is a top ten U.S. swimming hole and waterfall. Before you travel, set a base by booking a Nashville hotel, then plan activities around the area.
Once you arrive, hike the 2-mile trail to the falls. The trail is full of switchbacks, so take care especially in winter and early spring, when there are snow, muddy ground, and freezing to brisk temperatures. Hiking boots are a must any time of year.
Down the trail, past the oak and hemlock and laurel, are stream crossings around which are slippery banks. Boulders become more prominent near the final turns to the falls. Over the shelf-like rocks, the water cascades down 75 feet and plunges deep into the pool, about which are a short sandbar and multiple low ridges. It seems the falls disturb the calm of the pool, but fish, crawdads, an odd snapping turtle, and the vast crowds in summer create an already raucous atmosphere.
Fall Creek Falls
Image via Flickr by mikerhicks
Around two hours from Nashville, Fall Creek Falls is one of the most visited state parks in the southeast. Enjoy the vast 26,000 acres and 35 miles of trails, with smooth hiking paths, sturdy bridges, and rocky steps. These trails include the 0.9-mile Woodland Trail above Fall Creek Falls and the 0.2-mile Gorge Overlook Trails, which supplies a rare view of Fall Creek Falls. The Paw Paw Trail, at 2.6 miles, connects to the 256-foot falls, among the largest falls in the Eastern United States.
Hiking is popular, including the moderate Woodland Trail to the 4.9-mile Gilbert Gaul Trail. The difficult trail is the Lower Loop, with a length of 13.2 miles. Other trails available are the 14-mile Upper Loop and overnight trail Crane Creek Trail. Some trails accommodate bicyclists.
Camping, rafting, and hiking are feasible due to the park’s size. Of course, with its proximity to Nashville, you have plenty of overnight options should you choose not to camp here. Numerous activities, vast range, and endless possibilities make Fall Creek Falls a prime destination.
Foster Falls
Image via Flickr by csm242000 Photography
In South Cumberland State Park, 105 minutes from Nashville, surrounding Foster Falls is the Fiery Grizzard Trail, distinguished as a top 25 U.S. trail. The falls are 60 feet high, and The Climber’s Loop trail leads to it. Like Fall Creek Falls and Cummins Falls, you’ll enjoy hiking and camping here, as well as rock climbing and cycling. Backpack on the trail or float in the pool under the falls. Foster Falls is a wondrous location to visit.
Perhaps nothing inspires more peaceful, serene thoughts than a waterfall, along with the sense of accomplishment of hiking to and around these landmarks. Enjoy these Nashville-area waterfalls for their magnificence.
