Fall Creek Falls State Park is located in Tennessee, about an hour north of Chattanooga. It is one of the most visited state parks in the region and offers a wide range of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. The park is home to some of the most breathtaking waterfalls, gorges, and streams in the United States. With almost 30,000 acres of rugged and scenic terrain, it is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Whether you’re looking to hike, bike, golf, swim, or simply relax in a tranquil environment, Fall Creek Falls State Park has something for everyone. While you could easily spend an entire week there, below you will find a one day itinerary that will take you to some of the park’s best highlights!
Entrance Fee:
FREE
Lodging:
The park has one lodge, several cabins, and five campgrounds. Â The lodge is brand new, gorgeous, and right on the lake. Reservations for the lodge and cabins can be made here- The Lodge at Fall Creek Falls.Â
The park’s five campgrounds have over 200 sites available. Over 100 sites of those sites have full hookups, which rarely happens in state parks! We have personally stayed in Campground B and loved it. The spaces were large, with fire pits, grills, and plenty of trees. There is also 24-hour laundry and a General Store with groceries, firewood, and propane switches available. Reservations for all Fall Creek Falls State Park campgrounds can be made here- Fall Creek Falls Camping.Â
The park also offers 16 backcountry camping sites. Reservations are required and can be made here- Backcountry Camping.Â
Dining:
Fall Creek Falls State Park offers a variety of dining options for visitors to enjoy during their stay.
One of the most popular dining options at Fall Creek Falls State Park is The Restaurant at Fall Creek Falls. Located in the park’s main lodge, this restaurant offers casual dining with stunning views of the surrounding scenery. The menu and hours can be found here- The Restaurant. We personally ate here after a long day of hiking and really enjoyed it.
Another excellent dining option is the Fall Creek Falls Snack Bar. Near the park’s swimming pool, this snack bar offers quick and convenient meals like hot dogs, burgers, and ice cream. It’s the perfect spot to grab a bite after hiking the trails or swimming at the park’s pool.
If you prefer to cook your own meals, Fall Creek Falls State Park offers several picnic areas with grills and tables. You can even pick up groceries at the park’s general store.
Must Know Before You Go:
- Most trails near the cliff ledge at least once. Use caution, especially with little ones running ahead.Â
- For the most impressive waterfalls, spring is the perfect time to visit, but the area is gorgeous year-round 😊
- Ensure you have a map or GPS unit before setting out. Many of the trails are connected, with multiple splits along the way.
- Please remember to follow the Leave No Trace principles.Â
Cell Service:
We had excellent service throughout the entire park, including hiking trails.
Starlink also worked well within the campgrounds.
One Day Itinerary
Fall Creek Falls/ Raccoon Creek Falls
When visiting Fall Creek Falls State Park, your first stop should be the stunning Fall Creek Falls and, in the right season, Raccoon Creek Falls. These waterfalls cascade over a 256-foot cliff ledge, making them one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern United States. The views from the top are breathtaking, but the view from the base of the falls is even more impressive.
After visiting the main overlook, which is just off the parking lot, head left to follow the Base of the Falls Trail. The trail is only 0.8 miles roundtrip, but it can be moderate to strenuous in difficulty. It is very steep, with over 250 ft of elevation gained on the return trip. It is also quite rocky and can get very slick in the rain. Nevertheless, visiting these falls from the bottom is an experience that should not be missed if you are capable of making the trek.
Piney Creek Falls
After visiting the park’s namesake falls, head down the road to see Piney Creek Falls.
While you can walk to the overlook from Fall Creek Falls, if you have only one day to explore the park, I recommend driving. To get there, continue down Scenic Loop Road and park your vehicle in the circle lot. Two trails begin from the parking lot.
The trail on the right takes you to the Piney Creek Falls Overlook. It is a rocky but short 0.2-mile roundtrip trail. It ends on the cliff ledge, from where you can see Piney Creek Falls on the other side of the gorge.
To get to the suspension bridge, head back to the parking lot and take the trail on the left. The bridge offers stunning views of the gorge, but if you want to see Piney Creek Falls, you’ll need to take the short trail that goes under the bridge. You can find the trail immediately to the right on the other side of the suspension bridge, and it will take you to the top and very edge of the falls. The whole trip will be about 0.4 miles roundtrip, so it’s a relatively short walk.
Cane Creek Falls/Rockhouse Falls/ Caney Creek Cascades
The last stop of the day begins at the Nature Center. The Nature Center will have informative exhibits, maps, a gift shop, restrooms, and rangers to help you with questions.
Just a few steps to the left of the Nature Center, you will find the first overlook of the 85-foot Cane Creek Falls and 125-foot Rockhouse Falls. Continue down the paved path until you reach a set of steep stairs. Take the stairs down to see the Cane Creek Cascades from several viewpoints. After experiencing the 45 ft Cane Creek Cascades up close, climb back up the stairs and turn right towards the suspension bridge. To catch several more viewpoints of these three stunning waterfalls and the Caney Creek Gorge, cross the suspension bridge and climb up the steep set of stairs to the right of the bridge. At the first two forks in the trail, continue right to reach the four overlooks before looping around to the Woodlands Trail. Turn left onto the Woodlands Trail to return to the suspension bridge and the Nature Center. This route is 2.7 miles roundtrip with over 200 feet of elevation gain.Â
Optional Add on
Wheeler Farm Loop
If you have time for one more hike, I highly recommend the Wheeler Farm Loop. It is 1.9 miles roundtrip and has almost 400 ft of elevation gain. This trail has a beautiful waterfall, a natural arch, plenty of unique rock formations, and, in the right season, a meadow of beautiful wildflowers😊
Looking for another Tennessee adventure? Check out one of our Great Smoky Mountains National Park Itineraries!
Also, check out our hiking gear and apparel below!
Are you a fellow RV traveler? Check out our RV favorites here- RV Travel.
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