Winter is waterfall season in Chattanooga so get started planning your hikes in the area with these winter waterfalls.
Rainy season is upon us and that means bigger and better winter waterfalls. The Chattanooga area has plenty of waterfalls to choose from, but some are best explored in these rainy months. Keep reading to learn more about ten area waterfalls you can enjoy this winter.
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A Note of Caution
I must first preface this post with a note of caution. Winter hiking in the Chattanooga area can be a dangerous activity if you’re not prepared or have the knowledge you need beforehand. If you’re new to hiking or new to this area, I suggest brushing up on these winter hiking tips before planning your first winter waterfall hike.
Some of these hikes and more are featured in my e-book “A Year of Hiking” with all the details, photos, and maps you need to confidently explore these hiking trails and more all year long.
Denny Cove Falls
South Cumberland State Park
Denny Cove Falls is a 70-foot tall, cascading waterfall located within the South Cumberland State Park between Jasper and Tracy City, TN. This waterfall can dry up in the summer making it the perfect winter waterfall in this area. On top of this, you can see more from the overlooks you’ll find on your hike there. Learn more details about hiking here in my Denny Cove Falls blog post.
Laurel Falls and Snow Falls
Laurel Snow State Natural Area
There are actually numerous waterfalls in the area named Laurel Falls (just like you may know multiple Sarahs or Saras). But this particular Laurel Falls is located in Pocket Wilderness, or Laurel Snow State Natural Area in Dayton, TN. This waterfall is 80-feet tall and requires a somewhat strenuous hike to reach. But the climb is worth it! There’s also Snow Falls which is a smaller 35-foot waterfall that’s an even further hike. Learn more details about both Laurel Falls and Snow Falls in my Laurel Snow State Natural Area blog post.
Hemlock Falls and Cherokee Falls
Cloudland Canyon State Park
Most people would have swapped these two waterfalls named above, but I’ve listed them in this order for a reason. Hemlock Falls will be the first waterfall you come to if you follow my recommended hike at Cloudland Canyon State Park located near Trenton, GA. Cherokee Falls is the more popular waterfall most people approach by climbing down hundreds of stairs. But my recommended hike, although longer, is easier on the inclines and allows for more scenic views. Learn more details about this hike in my Best Way to Hike to Hemlock Falls blog post.
Some of these hikes and more are featured in my e-book “A Year of Hiking” with all the details, photos, and maps you need to confidently explore these hiking trails and more all year long.
Bridal Veil Falls and Morgan Falls
Sewanee University Campus
Bridal Veil Falls is located in Sewanee, TN and can be seen from the hiking trail looking straight ahead. The water flows down into an underground cave, but you can see it fall into the bowl below. In the other direction, on the same trail, is Morgan Falls which is technically two different waterfalls (ok, so this makes 11 waterfalls, not 10, so you get a bonus). Both waterfalls from Morgan Falls flow into the same creek and can be enjoyed from a wooden bridge. Learn more details about these two (I mean three) waterfalls in my Tennessee Waterfall Hiking at Sewanee blog post.
Hemlock Falls
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Just like Laurel Falls, you can see that Hemlock is the John or Jon of waterfall names around here. This particular Hemlock Falls is located in Fall Creek Falls State Park near Spencer, TN. But it’s not inside the main part of the park. This somewhat strenuous hiking trail is a little further north and ends at the peaceful waterfall. Learn more details about this winter waterfall in my Prater Place Trail blog post.
Blowing Wind Falls
Prentice Cooper State Forest
Blowing Wind Falls is a 30-foot tall, cascading waterfall located in the Prentice Cooper State Forest just outside of downtown Chattanooga, TN. The hike to this winter waterfall includes creek crossings that feature smaller waterfalls along the way. This is also a great hike for winter views of the Tennessee River below. Learn more details about this hike in my Ritchie Hollow Trail blog post.
Some of these hikes and more are featured in my e-book “A Year of Hiking” with all the details, photos, and maps you need to confidently explore these hiking trails and more all year long.
In Closing
There are hundreds of waterfalls in the Chattanooga area so this just barely scratches the surface. But when it comes to winter waterfalls, this list should help get you started in exploring various areas in and near Chattanooga. Have you visited any of these waterfalls recently? Let me know in the comments below. Until next time, enjoy exploring Chatt!
More Chattanooga Area Winter Adventures:
- Chattanooga Winter Hiking Tips
- Winter Hiking at Greeter Falls
- Tips for Exploring in Chattanooga Snow and Ice
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