This waterfall day trip starts in Manchester, home to Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park. The park features three impressive waterfalls and a dam. The Old Stone Fort was built 1,500-2,000 years ago during the Middle Woodland Period. Originally it was thought to be a fort, however today the site is believed to be an ancient Native American ritual enclosure.
From here we venture to Tullahoma. Driving distance for this portion of the trip is 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic to four waterfalls. All of these waterfalls have extremely limited parking, so I’d recommend visiting on a weekday.
We end our trip on the most popular waterfalls of this day trip at the Greeter Falls trail in Altamont. The trail features, Upper and Lower Greeter Falls as well as Boardtree Falls.
This waterfall day trip is best done in the Spring due to several of the waterfalls being wet weather waterfalls that can experience low flow during the Summer and Fall.
Click on “More options” inside the map to get a full list of directions and stops along this trip. Click on link in each section below to view more information about each waterfall including trail details and directions to the waterfall.
Blue Hole Falls
When you start on the Enclosure Trail, you’ll first come across Old Stone Fort Dam, built in 1962. Located downstream from the dam, you’ll reach Blue Hole Falls. The waterfall is approximately 30 feet high and roughly 60 feet wide. It is known as the widest waterfall in the park, cascading over a horseshoe-shaped cliff into a blue pool.
Big Falls
After viewing Blue Hole Falls, continue south on the Enclosure Trail another 100 yards you will reach the remains of a paper mill. Shortly after that you will reach Big Falls.
Big Falls is roughly 30 feet wide. It is considered the largest waterfall in the park, featuring a dramatic plunge over rocky formations that spans a significant width of Duck River. It is a wide cascade rather than a sheer drop, often creating a large flow of white water along the shoreline.
Step Falls
Step Falls is a series of smaller waterfalls that are all part of the same waterfall. The water flows over multiple rock ledges, forming a stepped or stairway appearance. Layering of sedimentary rock created the step formation of the waterfall.
If you’re looking for a waterfall that is easy to get close to inside the Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park, this is the easiest one.
Rutledge Falls
Rutledge Falls is a privately owned waterfall located in Tullahoma. The owners graciously let visitors hike to the waterfall, but you must stay on the trail. They have placed a sign at the beginning of the trail with rules for visiting the waterfall. The 40 foot waterfall was featured in “Hannah Montana: The Movie.”
Depending on which path you take to the waterfall it is between a 0.3-0.5 mile hike round trip with an elevation gain of 22 feet. The trail to the overlook of the waterfall is easy. You just stay on the main trail and it leads to an overlook of the waterfall. If you want to get to the base of the waterfall from here, you’ll need to climb down and over a few rocks.
There is an easier trail if you want to go to the base of the waterfall. There is a small trail that branches off to the left (heading toward the home before you reach the statue) for a gradual hike down to the riverbed. From there you can easily walk back upstream to the bottom of the falls.
Parking in the church parking lot is not permitted. If no parking is available at Rutledge Falls you could continue on to Machine Falls (only 5 minutes away and then return to Rutledge Falls afterward).
Machine Falls
Machine Falls is located just five minutes away from Rutledge Falls. Machine Falls is an impressive 60 foot waterfall located inside the Short Springs Natural Area, which contains several waterfalls that can all be accessed from the same starting trail.
From the main trailhead you’ll reach the observation platform in about 15 minutes hiking the white blazed trail. To reach the base, pass the observation platform and descend down a rather steep set of wooden steps. You’ll see a wooden bridge. Do not cross this bridge, but head toward the water’s edge to reach the base of Machine Falls. Your feet will get wet as you walk along on the tops of rocks in the creek (and in the creek) and around the corner to the base of the waterfall.
Parking is also limited at this waterfall. You’ll want to park at the water tower parking lot, which is relatively small so arrive early to find a place to park. There are several signs stating that parking is not permitted in other areas and to return later if parking spaces are not available.
Wetumpka Falls (also known as Shipman’s Creek Falls or Moonshine Falls)
After viewing Rutledge Falls and Machine Falls, you’ll drive around 15 minutes before reaching Ledford Mill. Keep driving past the mill and a very short distance away you’ll see Wetumpka Falls on your left side. Drive past it and you’ll come to a small paved pull-off, which can hold 3 or 4 cars. After you park you can walk back to view Wetumpka Falls.
This waterfall has also been referred to as Shipman’s Creek Falls due to its location on Shipman’s Creek. Some people have also called the waterfall Moonshine Falls since there used to be a moonshine still by the upper part several decades ago.
Ledford Mills Falls
After viewing Wetumpka Falls continue walking down the road and you can view Ledford Mill Falls from the roadside as well.
Ledford Mill is home to a three-room bed and breakfast and antiques shop. If the antiques shop is open you can go inside and view the waterfall from the base. If it is closed you can walk along the road heading away from the mill. From the edge of the road you can view the side of Ledford Mill Falls.
Lower Greeter Falls
Lower Greeter Falls is a 50-foot waterfall is known for its impressive plunge into a large blue swimming hole and its unique spiral staircase leading toward the base of the waterfall. This waterfall is best viewed in the Spring or after a good rain.
Upper Greeter Falls
Once you have seen Lower Greeter Falls return to the Greeter Falls spur and go to the right to see Upper Greeter Falls after a short walk. Upper Greeter Falls is a 15-foot, wide waterfall accessible via a moderate 1-mile round-trip trail. It features a shallow, sandy bottom pool at its crest, making it a popular spot for wading and relaxing on its flat rocks.
Boardtree Falls
Boardtree Falls is roughly 45 to 50 feet tall, with a main plunge of about 30 feet following a smaller upper cascade. Boardtree Falls can have minimal flow during dry spells. It is best viewed in the Spring.
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