Visiting Northeast Tennessee and want to check out some waterfalls while you’re in the area? Here’s a family friendly day trip with the travel time under three hours.
Some of these waterfalls are more impressive than others, but what I really like about this day trip is that the waterfalls all look completely different than each other.
An added bonus is that if you have younger children or someone in your group that can’t walk long distances, they should still be able to handle these “hikes.”
Big Creek Falls
Big Creek Falls is a small, but very pretty waterfall located in the Pisgah National Forest. The waterfall is nestled in between several large, moss-covered boulders. This waterfall, like many, is most impressive after a good rainstorm or during winter or spring.
It isn’t the easiest waterfall to find, so make sure you follow the directions closely. The top of Big Creek Falls is barely visible from the roadway.
When you reach the pull off at the end of the pull off you will see a “path” descending. This will take you to an “overlook” of the waterfall. From there it is a steep scramble down to the base of the waterfall. It’s only a short scramble though, only about 0.01 feet.
Lower Spivey Falls
Lower Spivey Falls is a pretty, 50 foot waterfall located on private property. Lower Spivey Falls is part of a series of four large waterfalls, all of which are privately owned. There is a parking space right in front of the waterfall, which can be seen at a distance. There is a gate between the parking space and the waterfall. Visitors are not allowed beyond the gate. Even from this distance, the waterfall is impressive and unique.
Middle Spivey Falls
Middle Spivey Falls isn’t the easiest waterfall to find or photograph, but it is worth it. It is best photographed early in the morning or on an overcast day.
Middle Spivey Falls can be reached by a path the includes wooden and stone steps most of the way. You can also reach the waterfall via a turnoff with enough room to park one car. It’s a pretty steep descent down to the base of the waterfall, but it can be done moving carefully.
Millstone Creek Falls
Millstone Creek Falls is located on private property on the western side of Buffalo Mountain in Washington County, but the owners give permission so long as visitors respect the property and don’t litter.
The trailhead is located just across the road from a pulloff. The hike is only 150 yards. This trail is the most difficult in the day trip and my four-year-old was able to make the hike.
This in-and-back trail goes upward from the entrance and there are some roots growing in the trail. It’s not difficult in dry weather, but can be a little slick if it has rained recently so you may want to bring a hiking stick to help on one part at the beginning/end.
Blue Hole Falls
Blue Hole Falls is a series of four separate waterfalls all located near each other. While many other sites list this trail as easy. I would classify it as a moderate, since while the trail is not very long, parts can be very steep.
For this day trip I recommend only doing the hike to the plunge pool/bottom section of the waterfall. in order to have time for the other waterfalls on the list. Follow the walking trail to the steps and take them down to the bottom. The steps are high, but manageable for all family members and gives you the view you see in the picture below.
Little Laurel Branch
Little Laurel Branch Falls is 50 foot waterfall that empties into Wilbur Lake. It is located in Elizabethton, TN in Carter County between Wilbur Dam and Watauga Dam. While not the most impressive waterfall, it is scenic and peaceful.
There’s a picnic table right at the edge of the lake directly across from the waterfall. So you can pack a lunch at eat in front of the waterfall. There’s plenty of parking and a very short easy trail that heads down from the parking area to the lake.
This waterfall is best viewed after a good rainfall. I would recommend visiting this waterfall in the Winter or Spring to increase your chances of better water flow and reduce the chances of foliage obstructing your view of the falls. While there, be sure to check out Wilbur Dam which is just down the road.
Elk River Falls
Elk River Falls is located in Elk River, North Carolina just past the Tennessee/North Carolina border. The waterfall is very picturesque and well worth a visit. This waterfall an easy hike and great for all ages. The trail is a short in and out trail with a 0.4 mile round trip.
Follow the yellow-blazed trail near the rapids to the top of the waterfall on your right hand side.
Continue following the yellow blazes and you’ll see a side view of Elk River Falls through the trees. Keep going and you will come to a staircase that will take you to the base of the falls.
If you are looking for a waterfall trail with more of a challenge, I would recommend Jones Falls. You can access Jones Falls from the forest road (which is normally gated) at the same parking lot as Elk River Falls. Please note that Jones Falls is a longer, moderate trail.
Waterfall Park
Bobby McLean Memorial Park, also known as Waterfall Park is located in Newland, North Carolina. Waterfall Park is a three-tiered waterfall that is 50 feet tall. It has a roadside view, so it’s able to be enjoyed by all.
There’s also a trail that runs alongside the waterfall so you can hike up an enjoy different views of the waterfall. There are a few points that are a little steep, but nothing too difficult. There are viewing areas near each tier so you can enjoy them separately as well as all together. This waterfall is best viewed after a good rain.
Each waterfall contains a link that will take you to each waterfall’s information page, which includes directions, ease of trail, trail distance and additional information about the waterfall.
This day trip is best scheduled early spring when the water flows are higher and the foliage isn’t blocking some of the waterfalls. We hope you enjoy this trip and happy waterfalling!
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