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. Follow more of her adventures at RoxieontheRoad. Copyright 2023 Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation. 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. Pro Tips: Fall Creek Falls will challenge your sand game. We got an up-close view of the parks gorgeous waterfalls. 2022-12-09: The Virgin Falls Trail is open from the Scotts Gulf Road Trailhead. Since you're there (and, if you are capable) make the trip up. If youre looking for a place to eat after all the fun, check out this neat old-school diner! Its great for picking up last-minute supplies or a quick bite to eat. 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. Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, We had a really great day riding bikes with. The park is home to a variety of activities suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities. Today the park features nearly 30,000 acres of land and four major waterfalls. There are regular educational events like yarn spinning classes, guided hikes, foraging classes, and stargazing parties. With plenty of wildlife, spectacular waterfalls, abundant forest, and gorgeous gorges invite stunning photos. Leashed dogs are welcome in most areas of the park including the campgrounds, hiking trails, and picnic areas. All rights reserved. Choose routes from easy to extreme. While all hikers will have their own opinions of which views are most worth returning to over and over, a common favorite can be found in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, just outside Gatlinburg, TN. Yonkey loves to follow the open road wherever it takes her. Specialties: Fall Creek Falls is the largest park in the state park system and offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Tennessee. Look for swallows, ducks, herons, and loons. 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. 242 reviews of Deep Creek Hot Springs "Deep Creek Hot Springs may be heaven on earth. 2. At 256-feet high, Fall Creek Falls is the highest free-falling waterfall in the eastern U.S. From there, drive the Dayton Mountain Highway and its incredibly interesting twists and turns to Highway 286 until you reach the park entrance. Pro Tip: Check the states trout stocking schedule (PDF). Your Middle Tennessee Adventure Starts Here. The falls are very well known by nature lovers, and during wet seasons, a second set of falls often appear. But among the division, there are great swaths of Tennessee that are more or less unknown. Fall Creek Falls features 30 cabins, 222 campsites, and the 85-room Lodge Fall Creek Falls. Fall Creek Falls is in located in Spencer, TN, which is in Van Buren County. What is the most highly rated trail in Tennessee? All Rights Reserved. There are over 56 miles of hiking trails around the park. 10-14-21: Heavy rains brought severe flooding to Fall Creek Falls State Park. The park is a photographers dream. The volunteer was very helpful and we enjoyed chatting with her. Test your agility and resolve on 70+ aerial obstacles including ladders, wobbly bridges, rope swings, cargo nets, balance beams and zip lines. Read Also: The lost iron mine hidden behind a waterfall in the Smoky Mountains. Have you visited Fall Creek Falls? Visitors may bring their own canoes and kayaks year-round. 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. Additionally, the park has 16 backcountry campsites. We used the nordic trails to access the the High Bogong Plains and Fainter range. Fall Creek Falls State Park is one of Tennessees largest and most visited state parks. The event will kick off with an opening ceremony 11 a.m. and after that people will take the plunge. All other marks belong to their respective owners. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. It boasts a variety of obstacles that require climbing, swinging, balancing, jumping, crawling, and more! Get your free printed guide or e-guide to start planning. Upper Sols Creek Falls. In 2021, the park will officially open the Fall Creek Falls Lodge and Conference Center. 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. What do you think of these Fall Creek Falls State Park waterfalls? Pro Tip: Enjoy a dip in the parks Olympic-sized pool. We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Blazing Fury at Dollywood: Is It Scary? Use our comprehensive family guide to things to do in Fall Creek Falls (below) to plan the perfect day of outdoor adventure right here in Tennessee. Visitors will find many things to do when walking its many paths and trails. Find more than 140 common and rare species in the park during various seasons. I would certainly return when next in the village. Do you want to push your cycling skills? If that wasnt enough, there is even a fun playground right across the street. 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. Get exclusive stories delivered right to your inbox. What are the top attractions to visit in Falls Creek? The Nature Center at Fall Creek Falls offers hands-on environmental education through a variety of naturalist led programs. But even that tiny town does a fair tourist trade. Nashville to Fall Creek Falls All Inclusive Full Day Adventure By Just IN Time Adventures 9 reviews from $199.00 per adult (price varies by group size) Check availability Lowest price guarantee Reserve now & pay laterFree cancellation Ages 10-99, max of 10 per group Duration: 10-12 hours Start time: Check availability Mobile ticket English 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. Use Eagle Express to get up to central spot where possible as it is much quicker. The park is about a three-hour drive from Gatlinburg. Special Events Manager, Ashley Hansen, encouraged people to wear the right gear. We ski at Falls Creek every seocnd or 3rd weekend in the ski season. It may be entered from Highway 111 or Highway 30. The top attractions to visit in Falls Creek are: The best outdoor activities in Falls Creek according to Tripadvisor travellers are: Top Things to Do in Falls Creek, Victoria - Falls Creek Attractions. Lunch and dinner are also available for an extra charge. Fall Creek Falls State Park in Spencer is rated 8.7 of 10 at RV LIFE Campground Reviews. A little treasure gem of history tucked away at Falls Creek. It is the highlight of any visit to Fall Creek Falls State Park. Venture further out and youll find several battlefields, cemeteries, and parks related to the Civil War. For the most up-to-date hours and information, please contact Fall Creek Falls State Park directly. The entire Lower Loop Trail is permanently closed. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. We are the most comprehensive private site covering the Park and built with the intention of creating a one stop resource for visitors to learn, not only about the park, but about all of the great things to do and see in the area. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. In the heart of the Depression when FDRs alphabet agencies were working overtime to give Americans public works jobs, the federal government began purchasing the badly eroded land around Fall Creek Falls. Do you believe you can fly? 2023 Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation. Golf Digest has named Fall Creek Falls golf course as a top 100 public course three times. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. In addition to Fall Creek Falls, the park is home to Piney Falls, Cane Creek Falls and Cane Creek Cascades. The virgin forest cradles the lake. Love Tennessee? Bobcat vs Mountain Lion: Are There Wildcats in the Smoky Mountains? Rent an aluminum Jon boat and bring your trolling motor. If youre a tree lover, youll adore the virgin hardwood forest. Fall Creek Falls, at 256 feet, is one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States. Fishing, birding, swimming, hiking, biking, boating, rock climbing, golf, hunting, and a challenge course are all available. Other activities include swimming, horseback riding, and fishing. Laced with cascades, gorges, waterfalls, streams and lush stands of virgin hardwood timber, the park beckons those who enjoy nature at her finest. Points of Interest & Landmarks Lookouts. What is the most scenic view in Tennessee? The operating hours, policies and procedures of other businesses may change at any time without notice. But if that is not the case for you, set your alarm. Its magnificent, majestic beauty is worthy of the preservation efforts its received. I have been on a couple of tours with Macca and they have been amazing!! We decided to surprise our girls and a best friend with this ride, 13,14 and 22yr old just loved it. This waterfall is only present during wet seasons. What are the best outdoor activities in Falls Creek? For a large gathering, the park offers five picnic pavilions. There is the Canopy Challenge course for adults and the Junior Canopy Challenge for kids. The park itself offers lake-side fishing cabin rentals, forested group cabin rentals, and more! Fall Creek Falls is home to a beautiful gorge with awe-inspiring scenic overlooks and magnificent waterfalls. Read our Privacy Policy. 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. Anglers 13 and over need a fishing license. The hike on the boardwalk pathway through the woods to the bottom of the falls is a wonderful forest experience. And the area south of Nashville, with the noted exception of Lynchburg, is typically unknown outside of the region. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Fall Creek Falls is possibly one of the best and most well known state parks in Tennessee. Rockhouse Falls plunges 125 feet, while Cane Creek Falls drops 85 feet. Fishing is best in the spring and fall and is good from either a boat or the bank. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. I recommend arriving a day early and overnighting in Port Angeles if you're coming from Seattle. A suspension bridge crosses the river above the waterfall. The red tees play 5,181 yards, while the blue tees play 6,669 yards. With over 26,000 acres of land, there are multiple waterfalls, miles and miles of hiking trails, and bike trails to boot. The best places to find birds are on the Paw Paw Trail, Wheeler Farm Loop, the Gilbert Gaul Trail, and at Millikans Overlook. Discover more about learning with a Ranger -- in a park or in your classroom! 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. 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. Pro Tip: Arrive 15 to 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. The beautiful and challenging 18-hole golf course is one of the best courses in Tennessee. 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. Want an adventure? Fall Creek Falls has three mountain bike trails covering 24 miles. There are six of them! Rock climbing at Fall Creek Falls State Park is by registration only. Look for mountain laurel and rhododendron. Anglers enjoy bank and wade fishingin creeks throughout the park. Prepared food is available at The Village pool snack bar and FCF Golf Course Pro Shop. Fall Creek Falls, at 256 feet, is one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States. The natural beauty of the area will make you want to visit Fall Creek Falls over and over again. The Lodge Fall Creek Falls will become one of Tennessees most unique destinations. More than half of the park is designated a natural area wilderness. Click More Info for complete details. 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. The park is open 24 hours a day, but select areas including roads leading to the falls and day-use trails close at sunset. At the boat dock, you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, paddle boats, jon boats, and pontoon boats. 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. If you want a more interesting drive, however, you can follow my old route and take I-75 down to Exit 60 at Sweetwater. Fall Creek Falls also features five picnic pavilions complete with picnic tables and grills. And finally, we have the newest addition to Fall Creek Falls State Park: The brand new Lodge at Fall Creek Falls. Golf carts, food, and lodging are available on-site. In the steamy summer, take a cooling plunge. However, the best scenic view of the falls which launch over a horseshoe-shaped cliff to the basin below is from the base of the falls. Barred owls, Coopers hawks, red-headed woodpeckers, and nuthatches are always present. Theres also the Fall Creek Falls snack bar and general store. The park serves as an excellent outdoor classroom with programs designed to relate to your school's required curriculum. The Canopy Challenge course features a variety of aerial obstacles including ladders, wobbly bridges, rope swings, cargo nets, balance beams and zip lines. Wading pools are nearby. In 1994, the federal government transferred ownership to the state of Tennessee. At the suspension bridge, walk down to the creek for a cooling dip. On Paw Paw, look for woodland birds, owls, woodpeckers, and whip-poor-wills. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. 2021 The Fall Creek Falls Guide. . 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. All of the loops offer the same amenities including restrooms, hot showers, water hookups, electrical hookups, picnic tables, and firepits. Still exploring? Adventurous visitors can head across the suspension bridge to enjoy views from the opposite side of the gorge. A rain jacket and good hiking gear are highly recommended if you dont want to get wet. No privately owned, motorized boats or gasoline motors are allowed on the lake. The Falls Creek Falls pool offers a large main pool, shallow kiddie pool, restroom, snack bar, lounge chairs, and scenic lake view. Pro Tip: Privately owned boats and gasoline motors are prohibited. The best part is you only have to navigate a short 1/2 mile hike to get there. The falls are viewable from a platform located about a five-minute walk from the Scenic Loop Road. Frequently Asked Questions about Falls Creek. Both of them are strenuous, but, again, the views are worth the sweat. You can also apply for a permit to indulge in backcountry camping. Lake lovers will be thrilled to know that theres even a boat dock where you can rent aluminum jon boats, paddleboats, kayaks and canoes. Piney Creek Falls drops 40 feet into Cane Creek Cascades 45-foot waterfall. Cabins 11-20 were impacted by the flooding. There is no fee. #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 Plants at the gorges bottoms are from southern Canada, which is a long way from Tennessee. The golf course and the pool offer snack bars. This hot spring is typical of other "natural" or undeveloped hot springs in that the bathers are typically naked, overweight elderly people . The most popular ones include Fall Creek Vineyards, Flat Creek Estate Winery, Spicewood Vineyards, McReynolds Wines, Spicewood Vineyards, Perissos Winery, and more. The state park offers a variety of on-site restaurants. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. Instagram stardom awaits! This overlook is less than three miles from the Lodge and is handicap accessible. Frost clothes the trees in white. 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. There are two long-distance overnight trails for adventure-seeking visitors while the day-use trails are designed to accommodate recreational and educational activities for all ages. Or call the Virgin Falls Manager Stuart Carroll at (423)414 . Thank you! Backcountry camping is also available with a permit. Millikans Overlook is a popular overlook and is home to the parks colorblind viewfinder. Fall Creek Falls State Resort Park is a beautiful state park in the U.S. state of Tennessee. We think they are some of the most epic falls in the state. Fall Creek Falls State Park in Spencer, Tennessee: 139 reviews, 149 photos, & 55 tips from fellow RVers. If youre in the mood for swimming, you can visit one of the two swimming holes in the park. Fall Creek Falls is filled with deep gorges, dense and diverse woods, and bluff-top vistas, attracting awide array of bird life year-round. Hello from California. Then its easy to share, send or save your perfect Tennessee vacation. Fall Creek Falls State Park is the largest state park in the state, made up of more than 26,000 acres on the eastern side of Tennessee. Swimming is prohibited. Turkey Pen ridge also connects to additional hiking trails if you are up for a longer adventure. Located near Little Canada Recreation Park. Visitors often enjoy a quick swim once they traverse the hiking trail leading to the bottom. While drowning can happen anywhere, the risk is higher in these locations for a variety of reasons. Aluminum jon boats may be rented year-round. 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). The parks signage leaves something to be desired and often hikers can become confused. What other popular state parks would you recommend checking out? Van Buren is located in Middle Tennessee while Bledsoe is in the east. We stayed at the Olympic Lodge. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. No trip to Fall Creek Falls is complete without waterfall chasing. Copperhead Rock Climbing Area offers top roping and rappelling routes for beginners to advanced rock climbers. Fall Creek Falls State Park is home to one of the most challenging 18-hole layouts carved out of the densely forested woodlands of the Cumberland Plateau. Just a short 3 minutes drive from the state park entrance, Cascade Inn is by far the most popular bed and breakfast in the area. 1. Tap Add to Trip on anything you like. Pickwick Landing State Park was a riverboat stop dating from the 1840s. Tennessee may be known as a landlocked southern state, but that doesnt mean its been forgotten by Mother Nature. Fall Creek Falls State Park is one of Tennessee's largest and most visited state parks. The park boasts a wide variety of family-friendly attractions including ropes courses, swimming holes, playgrounds, golfing, and so much more! If you decide to stay overnight in a cabin on top of the mountain, make sure you make reservations, as the cabins book up months in advance. The park is currently assessing the damage and working with guests who have upcoming reservations. It is the highlight of any visit to Fall Creek Falls State Park. Obviously, the falls are the most impressive during periods when rain is abundant. Roxie Yonkey is an author and travel writer who specializes in road tripping. Take a look at the park map to find these destinations. Northwest Tennessee, for instance, around Dyersburg and Martin are not exactly vacation hotspots. Mount Rogers NRA contains Virginia's loftiest terrain, namely 5,729 foot Mount Rogers, the highest point in Virginia and part of the nationally renowned Mount Rogers High Country, a melding of rare spruce-fir forest, open meadows, wild ponies and rock prominences. Mountain views are the main attraction at this park, and if you drive along Newfound Gap Road, you can make a stop at one (or many!) Fall Creek Falls State Park is home to one of the most challenging 18-hole layouts carved out of the densely forested woodlands of the Cumberland Plateau. There are a few ways to get from Seattle to Olympic National Park but most will take you about 3 hours. The falls are very well known by nature lovers, and during wet seasons, a second set of falls often appear. We recommend Fall Creek Falls as one of eight must-see Tennessee waterfalls. Thier main lakeside restaurant is currently under renovation and will be reopening in 2021. Wear sunscreen and bug repellent. Fall Creek Falls is the highest waterfall east of the Rocky . Many tent campers prefer loops C and E, due to the increased privacy provided by the surrounding woodlands. The Lodge at Fall Creek Falls features over 5,000 square feet of flexible indoor event space and stunning outdoor venues. Staff members remain nearby at all times to supervise from the ground in case there is an emergency. Today Fall Creek Falls State Park features nearly 30,000 acres of land and four major waterfalls (photo by Jonathan Percy/shutterstock.com). When you arrive at the park for the first time, walk the easy 2.6-mile Paw Paw Trail. The deep gorge provides multiple habitats. Horseback riders will enjoy the stables, offering 2-mile guided rides through the back country. But in East Tennessee, its just one great massive, beautiful green space among many. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. 2022-12-09: The Virgin Falls Trail is open from the Scotts Gulf Road Trailhead. Fishing, birding, swimming, hiking, biking, boating, rock climbing, golf, hunting, and a challenge course are all available. The lodge features 85 guest rooms overlooking Fall Creek Falls Lake. (The restaurant is currently under renovation until 2021.). Fun Facts With a drop of 150ft and width of 175ft, Ithaca Falls is the region's . Some of the most popular fish available in this area include: The park offers 2 different ropes courses. No privately owned, motorized boats or gasoline motors are allowed on the lake. Meigs, Rhea, Bledsoe, and Sequatchie counties are relative unknowns even among many Tennesseans. Fall Creek Falls is birding heaven (PDF). The resort is generally forgiving and a great place to learn to ski compared to Mt Hotham. Located in Bledsoe and Van Buren counties, the park saddles the dividing line among the Grand Divisions. Turn west on TN-68 and then south on Dayton where you can stop and have some Scopes Monkey Trial fun. 20 + Kid-Friendly Smoky Mountain Hikes That Adults Will Love Too! 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. You can also see . Cane Creek Cascades is a 45-foot cascading waterfall thats behind the Nature Center. The namesake waterfall is visible from the Fall Creek Falls overlook on the scenic loop. Theres no cost to enter Fall Creek Falls State Park, which features over 56 miles of trails. more, Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. Things To Do. A little further downstream, you can see the top of Cane Creek Falls. 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 ambience and music was relaxing and the staff were friendly. Visitors may bring their own canoes and kayaks year-round. Pro Tip: Tennessee State Parks offer free admission. You can find more information about the Fall Creek Falls State Park Golf Course here. Located an hour from Chattanooga and less than two hours from Nashville and Knoxville, this brand-new Lodge will satisfy your longing for adventure. A driving range, practice greens, pull carts, and club rental are offered at the golf course. Today the park features nearly 30,000 acres of land and four major waterfalls. The self-guided Canopy Challenge course takes around 2.5 hours to complete and includes zip-lining, tree-climbing, bridge-crossings, and over 70 ariel obstacles. Things To Do In Fall Creek Falls As spectacular as all those waterfalls are, they are only the park's leading attraction. 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. Release your inner Tarzan at the challenge course. The park offers bike rentals at the Canopy Challenge Course near the pool and Park Office. 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. The park encompasses more than 29,800 acres sprawled across the eastern top of the rugged Cumberland Plateau. The more adventurous hikers can descend a strenuous trail to the base and behold the splendor of the towering waterfall. Take a look at the park map to find these destinations. We also offer a range of audio/visual equipment to enhance your meeting or event. Interpretive Programs Falls Creek Alpine Resort 902 Ski & Snowboard Areas Beach & Pool Clubs By AusJs Late season snow and a fantastic village to explore! Millikans Overlook is one of several scenic vistas you will find along the Gorge Scenic Drive Motor Nature Trail, offering panoramic views of Cane Creek Gorge . Fall Creek Falls is a 16,181-acre natural area located within Fall Creek Falls State Park in Bledsoe and Van Buren counties. 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. Area Status: Open. Fall Creek Falls Golf Course Seasonal Closure.