Fall Creek Falls

Everyone always told me that Fall Creek Falls was the most impressive waterfall they’ve ever seen. I’ve seen photos of this waterfall and it did look pretty impressive in those photos, but when we visited it was a trickle. I visited Fall Creek Falls about a week and a half after heavy flooding in the area so I was expecting a magnificent waterfall, especially since all the other waterfalls I visited earlier in the day that were really close had great water flow. However, that’s not what I got. Fall Creek Falls was about what you’d see coming out of your kitchen faucet. The next trip I made with my husband and the water flow was amazing (see photo below to see the difference).

Little did I realize that Fall Creek Falls is dam controlled, so the water flow will vary depending upon the dam. If you want to be sure it will be good water flow on the day you are planning to visit, you may want to call the ranger station first at 423-881-5298.

There is an overlook that you can view Fall Creek Falls that is right off of the parking area, which gives you an excellent view of the waterfall.

If you want to go to the base of the falls, follow the orange blazes of the Base of Fall Creek Falls Trail. Please note that the sign at the beginning of the trail lists it as very strenuous. This trail is heads off from the overlook and continues for 0.4 miles downhill that will take you to the base of the falls, which means you have to return the same 0.4 miles uphill. Since the waterfall was so low when we visited, we did not elect to take this trail. However it is also the base of this part of the gorge so it might be worth a look just for that benefit. However since we still had lots of waterfalls to visit that day, we decided to skip this trail.

While you are there be sure to check out Cane Creek Cascades, Cane Creek Falls, Rockhouse Falls and Piney Creek Falls. All are located inside Fall Creek Falls State Park and are worth a visit.