Looking for waterfalls in our state but not really wanting to work that hard? Finding your waterfall without the four-mile hike and freezing cold weather and chilly, crying little ones DOES sound like a dream, doesn’t it? Good, because there are seven stunning waterfalls around Nashville that are great for a lovely day trip, any time of year. Each requires a little bit of a walk or light hike, but nothing longer than fifteen minutes, nor is it too difficult. We like to make beauty easy to get to! Here are some of the best waterfall hikes in Tennessee that aren’t really “hikes” at all:

1. Cummins Falls
1081 Cummins Mill Rd, Cookeville, TN 38501, USA
Michael Hicks - Flickr
Known as one of the most popular swimming holes in the Middle Tennessee area, Cummins Falls requires a bit of a walk but nothing like a strenuous hike. Pack a lunch and a towel - this is one place you'll want to visit again and again.
2. Greeter Falls
435 Greeter Falls Road,, Altamont, TN 37301, USA
Michael Hicks - Flickr
A short walk and a safe day out in the wilderness are what bring folks back to Greeter Falls over and over. There are quite a few different trails that traverse the area, however, so you can choose just how long you'd like to trek about in the forest. Check out the hike by watching this video from Adventuring in the Moment:
3. Twin Falls
82 Beach Rd, Rock Island, TN 38581, USA
Arthur T. LaBar - Flickr
Twin Falls in Tennessee consists of precisely what you'd think - two gorgeous waterfalls perfect for a day out in the springtime. Also, as opposed to flowing over the rocks like a normal waterfall - it flows OUT of the rocks like an entirely magical and beautiful fairy land.
4. Cane Creek Falls
2009 Village Camp Rd, Spencer, TN 38585, USA
Michael Hicks - Flickr
Pikeville has never looked so beautiful. The best view you'll get of Cane Creek Falls is from the bottom - so no hiking to the top, you lucky folks. The whole Fall Creek Falls State Park is filled with beauty and this waterfall has a few sections to view including a swimming hole, check it out with this Adventuring in the Moment video:
5. Piney Falls
Piney Falls Overlook, Tennessee 37367, USA
Kevin Wood - Flickr
There's an easy pathway that leads down to the falls, a stunning waterwork that runs 80 feet down to the forest floor. A 440-acre natural area in Rhea County, the old-growth forest and moderately trafficked area are great for a day out and about.
6. Ozone Falls
24 Office Dr, Crossville, TN 38555, USA
Michael Hicks - Flickr
You're going to have to take a steep walk to the falls, but it's short enough to consider a walk as opposed to a full-blown hike. The most recent live-action version of, "The Jungle Book" was actually filmed at this waterfall, too. Hollywood simply isn't too far away.
7. Foster Falls
Foster Falls, Tennessee 37374, USA
Michael Hicks - Flickr
You'll be descending down to Foster Falls, but just know that it's a steep climb back up. Does that count as a hike..? Maybe. But it's short and quick and AFTER you view one of the most beautiful spots in Tennessee, so we're fans. Standing at the bottom of this waterfall is simply stunning and the hike down can be super fun. Check out this Adventuring in the Moment video for a closer look:

How many of these waterfalls around Nashville have you been to? Did this answer your questions about waterfalls near me? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

If you’re still looking to adventure, this horseback riding trail is perfect for a day out and about.

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Waterfalls

Tori Jane | April 28, 2022

What are some of the best hiking trails in Nashville?  

Best hiking trails near Nashville include:

Honestly, which trails in Nashville AREN’T the best hiking trails in Nashville? We’re lucky to call such a stunningly beautiful city home, and of course, we do have some favorites when it comes to the best hikes in Nashville. One of those is the famed Day Loop Trail, at Long Hunter State Park, which is four miles long and easily some of the loveliest scenery in the area. We also really love going to Edwin Warner Park and tackling the Harpeth Woods Trail, which is just two and a half miles long but jam-packed with some of the most beautiful scenery in Tennessee. 

What is one of the best waterfall hikes around Nashville?  

Nashville is filled to the brim with awesome ideas for hiking adventures. Whether you’re a fan of short and sweet hikes near Nashville or a lover of multi-mile day hikes in Tennessee, you’re sure to find something to love around here! A couple of our favorite waterfall hikes in Tennessee include two gems nearby Nashville. There’s the Day Loop Trail at Long Hunter State Park – which we mentioned above, and for reasons that will be very obvious from the moment you arrive – and then there’s the Cummins Fall Trail, at Cummins Falls State Park. That one is a three-mile-long out-and-back trail that features one of the most breathtaking waterfalls near Nashville. There are plenty more, but... we think you get the idea.  

How many waterfalls in Nashville are there? 

It’s tough to put a number on just how many waterfalls in Nashville there are – especially if you want to count waterfalls that are nearby Nashville (like maybe an hour or two in range). There are, however, at least a dozen known and named waterfalls in and near the city, including truly incredible cascades like Burgess Falls at Burgess Falls State Park, Cane Creek Falls at Falls Creek State Park (which is 85 feet high!), and, at the same park, the famed Fall Creek Falls, which is sure to blow your mind at an impressive 256+ feet in height. We say explore ‘em all! What could go wrong? 

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