Dudley Falls is located in the Paint Creek Corridor in the Cherokee National Forest. While not the most impressive waterfall by height (it’s only 15 feet), the waterfall is really easy to find, being roadside. As a bonus, the drive to the waterfall is scenic and peaceful.
Also you will probably find that the rock formations around the waterfall are really interesting.
From the intersection of Rollins Chapel Road and Lower Paint Creek Road, travel just 0.8 miles on Lower Paint Creek Road. Dudley Falls has its own parking area.
The waterfall is viewable from the parking lot itself or you can walk down a few steps for a better view.
There are several picnic areas nearby that are quiet and have restrooms. Also during the summer months, there are several areas in the Paint Creek Corridor where the creek is stocked with trout during the summer months if you like to fish.
If you would like to see another waterfall, just go two miles before you reach Dudley Falls, you can see Kelly Falls. I would recommend visiting Kelly Falls first and then visiting Dudley Falls, as there is no pull off that is easy to use if you visit Dudley Falls first and then drive back to Kelly Falls.
National Forest literature also mentions a Ricker Falls in the area, but we were unable to find it on this trip. We will try again on our next trip.
It’s not Margarette Falls, but then again you don’t have to hike to it either. Very nice for a little roadside waterfall.
Wonderful swimming hole for families. Not crowded. Nice shallow area for the little kids to walk and splash and most is not that deep . Except over by the wall. And you can tube down the falls. Not accesible for anyone with walking issues though.