While only about 10 feet tall, Buffalo Springs Falls, located inside the Buffalo Springs Wildlife Management Area, is a peaceful waterfall with a clear creek that is perfect for cooling off. Buffalo Springs Wildlife Management area is located inside Grainger County in Rutledge, TN.
While heading to Chattanooga, we decided to take a short detour and visit Buffalo Springs Falls. The parking area can fit a few cars, about six maybe, which is nice because that means it isn’t busy. The parking area is located right next to the creek and waterfall. While the area can become crowded during peak times, there were only a few people when we visited and they left shortly after we arrived, giving us the place to ourselves.
I honestly wasn’t expecting much from this waterfall based upon the descriptions I had been given prior to visiting. The waterfall is located just under a bridge below the Buffalo Springs Hatchery. There is a spring pipe that is located right next to the waterfall, which provides clean, clear water for public use.
While small in size, Buffalo Springs Falls is very picturesque. You don’t even notice the road above it. The water in front of the waterfall is great for wading in, however it is very cold!
It was a quiet, relaxing break from the interstate drive and a welcome detour taking in all of nature’s beauty. There are several vantage points to view the waterfall, however the best views are from the middle of the creek. So if you want to get the best view you’ll need to get into the freezing water. You can also view the waterfall from the parking area, however from this vantage point, the spring pipe is more prominent in your photos.
Buffalo Springs Falls is the perfect waterfall for visitors of all ages and abilities. You can get up close to the waterfall right from the parking lot and with only a few steps into the creek be right in front of the waterfall. The water is deepest in front of the waterfall. If you enter the creek toward the back of the parking lot it is shallower and great for kids to splash in. The creek bottom is covered in pebbles and moss so it can be a little slippery in a few spots. The water is clear and easy to see the bottom.
Around the falls there are some deeper pools of water to swim in. Swimming at the falls can be great for cooling during the summer, however the water stays around 65 degrees so it can be very cold during the spring, fall, and winter months.
If you look closely you might see rainbow and small brown trout. If you’re interested in fishing, the best place to fish is right under the falls. The TWRA stocks trout right under the falls, while they vary in size most are sized suitable for eating. It is permitted to fish by the waterfall as long as you don’t fish above the falls.
I could have sat there for a while just listening to the flowing water and watch the water flowing over the waterfall, but alas we had to continue on. I’m looking forward to exploring more on our next visit.
The waterfall parking area is closed one hour after sunset until one hour before sunrise. While there are no restroom facilities at the waterfall itself, there are restrooms in the nearby park. The park is located by the Buffalo Springs Hatchery. In addition to the picnic area, there is a basketball court and two swings.
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