These are the hidden gems of the best waterfalls in Tennessee that you may not have heard of before.
Everyone has heard of Fall Creek Falls. Many have heard of Benton Falls or Foster Falls. But did you know there’s so much more out there? Even I have only just scratched the surface of Tennessee’s best waterfalls. Keep reading to learn more about the ones on my list that are a bit lesser known.
For this list, I have picked just one waterfall from each location to give you a spread of options. Most of these places have more popular waterfalls nearby if you want to explore those as well. These are not ranked in any way because they are in location order instead (northwest to southeast). Let me know in the comments below if you’ve ever been to any of these and which ones are new to you.
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Big Laurel Falls: Sparta, TN
You’ve maybe heard of Virgin Falls but did you know Big Laurel Falls the halfway point on that long hike? This 40-foot waterfall spills from Big Laurel Creek and instead of flowing outward like most waterfalls do, this one actually goes backwards and flows into a cave below. This makes Big Laurel Falls one of the craziest waterfalls I’ve ever experienced. Be sure to learn more about this hike and plan for your trip in my Big Laurel Falls blog post.
Hemlock Falls: Spencer, TN
Hemlock Falls is located at the end of Prater Place Trail making it a rewarding hike. This area is a lesser known part of Fall Creek Falls State Park. I’ve been told in the past that it doesn’t flow during the dryer months. But as long as it’s rained within the last few weeks, you should still have a waterfall to enjoy. There’s more to this hike than just the waterfall so be sure to read more details about this particular hike in my Prater Place blog post.
Bridal Veil Falls: Sewanee, TN
Did you know that sometimes hiking trails and waterfalls can be found on a college campus? Although Bridal Veil Falls is the highlight of this hike, there are many other waterfalls along the way. This waterfall flows below the trail and disappears into a cave underground. Learn more about Bridal Veil Falls and others on this hike in my Sewanee waterfall hiking blog post.
Denny Cove Falls: Sequatchie, TN
You may have heard of Denny Cove before, but I’ve found it to be a less-popular waterfall in the South Cumberland State Park. I’m not sure why this is because the hike is just as wonderful as the waterfall itself. There’s even overlooks along the way to this 70-foot cascading waterfall. Plan for your trip to see this waterfall by reading more details in my Denny Cove Falls blog post.
Upper Piney Falls: Grandview, TN
Upper Piney Falls is a favorite of mine because you can walk behind this waterfall. You can also hike to the edge of the top of this waterfall. Basically you get to see all the angles of this waterfall which is an uncommon feature. Learn more about the hike and where to find this place in my Piney Falls blog post.
Laurel Falls: Dayton, TN
Not to be confused with Big Laurel Falls (we like this name for waterfalls here in Tennessee), Laurel Falls is an 80-foot tall waterfall in Laurel Snow State Natural Area. It’s a scenic hike full of history with the waterfall at the end. This area is pretty well-known, but not quite as many people who visit here actually hike up to the waterfall. For more information so you can plan your trip here, check out my Laurel Falls blog post.
Blowing Wind Falls: Chattanooga, TN
Blowing Wind Falls is a 30-foot tall cascading waterfall that is hidden away near the top of the mountainside in the Tennessee River Gorge. This waterfall can be found on the Ritchie Hollow Trail which takes you deeper into the Prentice Cooper State Forest Park. Since this place is part of the Prentice Cooper Park, be sure to check their hunting dates and plan accordingly as the trail will be closed during hunts. Learn more about this hike in my Ritchie Hollow blog post.
Scenic Falls: Reliance, TN
This waterfall has many names so I’m sticking to Scenic Falls. Some call it Rock Creek Falls as it flows from a creek by that name. Whichever name you land on, this is definitely one of the best hidden Tennessee waterfalls. The hike is fairly easy but there are some obstacles to note before you head out. So be sure to read through all the details in my Scenic Trail blog post.
In Closing
Tennessee has so many amazing waterfalls, it’s impossible to list them all. But this list will get you started with some of the less crowded options that are out there.
If you want more including detailed trail maps, check out A Year of Hiking where I share every trail specific for some of these hikes and more! Not only that, but this ebook encourages you to get out and hike all year long with one hike a month, dedicated to each season.
Let me know in the comments below if you’ve visited any of these waterfalls before and which one is your favorite. If you want to watch the video versions of each of these waterfalls, I made a playlist for you on YouTube. Until next time, enjoy exploring Chatt!
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