“Don’t go chasing waterfalls”
TLC
Apparently, when TLC wrote that song, they had never been to Tennessee. Because waterfall hiking trails in Nashville, TN are the best!
The Best Waterfall Hiking Trails in Nashville, TN
Something to know about my families adventure level is that their little legs tire easily, bugs aren’t our favorite, and we are almost like vampires in our desire to hide from the hot sun. So keep this in mind when taking our recommendations.
With school starting back we have a break from our regularly scheduled programming of travel. So we decided we needed to get out more and explore Nashville. So in order to make our list, it must include a short drive from Nashville (think day trip), be a short hike that is family-friendly, and must have a waterfall. Not asking too much right?
Things to Bring to a Waterfall Hike
- Bathing Suit and change of clothes
- Towel
- River Shoes
- Bug Spray
- Lunch
- Backpack for use of hands
- Trash bags to bring all trash back
Our Favorite Waterfall Hikes in Nashville, TN
Rutledge Falls-Tullahoma, TN
- Distance from Nashville: 1 hour and 15 mins
- Distance of Hike: 0.25 to waterfall and back
- Height of waterfall : 40 ft
- Dog friendly: yes
This is actually on private property and they have been kind enough to share it with the world. There is street parking right before the entrance. It’s very covered with plenty of places to spread out and enjoy. Pack a lunch and enjoy on a flat rock looking at the waterfall.
Machine Falls is a ten-minute drive from Rutledge Falls so if you are in the area and looking for a longer trail, check it out. It’s around 4 miles which is why I am not including it but wanted to make you aware incase you and your family are real outdoorsmen.
Ozone Falls- Crossville, TN
- Distance from Nashville: 1 hour and 50 mins
- Distance of Hike: 0.25
- Height of waterfall: 110 ft
- Dog friendly: yes (but not recommended)
Part of “The Jungle Book” was actually shot here because it’s so beautiful. So while a bit further from Nashville, its def worth the drive. The hike to the top of the falls is easier, but from the bottom, you will see why it was chosen for the movie.
Cummins Falls- Cookeville, TN
- Distance from Nashville: 1 hour and 20 mins
- Distance of Hike: 1.1 miles in and out
- Height of waterfall: 75 ft
- Dog friendly: yes
Fall Creek Falls-Spencer, TN
- Distance from Nashville: 2 hours
- Distance of Hike: 0.8 miles in and out
- Height of waterfall: 256 ft
- Dog friendly: yes
Burgess Falls – Sparta, TN
- Distance from Nashville: 1 hour and 30 mins
- Distance of Hike: 1.5mile loop
- Height of waterfall: 135 ft
- Dog friendly: yes
Greeter Falls and Boardtree Falls – Altamont, TN
- Distance from Nashville: 1 hour and 30 mins
- Distance of Hike: 1mile loop there are longer routes available as well
- Height of waterfall: 50 ft
- Dog friendly: yes
I want to share this post but I also want to keep them all a secret 🙂 Thank you for a fantastically organized list!
Exploring family-friendly waterfall hiking trails in Nashville, TN sounds like the perfect way to spend quality time together in nature. The serene beauty of the waterfalls combined with the joy of hiking creates lasting memories for both young and old. Can’t wait to check out these trails with my family and immerse ourselves in the scenic wonders of Nashville’s outdoors!
I feel like Jackson falls and still house falls are nice ones to go to.
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Hiking around Nashville to find those hidden waterfalls is such an awesome way to spend a weekend, especially if you love getting outdoors without driving hours out of the city. Places like Cummins Falls and Burgess Falls offer trails that are totally manageable for families, meaning even the kids can handle the walk without too much whining. Packing some snacks, plenty of water, and wearing sturdy shoes makes all the difference when you are splashing around the creek beds and climbing over roots. Planning out the logistics can sometimes be a bit tricky if you do not want to worry about parking at the trailheads, which get super packed on sunny Saturday mornings. Booking reliable taxi services straight from your hotel or downtown rental makes getting to the trailheads totally stress-free, letting you skip the headache of finding a spot in packed gravel lots. Plus, having a driver ready for pickup when everyone is completely exhausted after a long hike is a total lifesaver. Once you get back on the road, heading back into town for a huge post-hike meal completes the whole adventure. Using reliable taxi services means no one in the group has to stress about navigating unfamiliar backroads or staying alert after a tiring day on the trails. It keeps the whole family trip smooth, fun, and focused entirely on enjoying the great Tennessee scenery.