Time truly is a thief. It seems that before you know it, March fades to August (yikes) quicker than any of us dare hope. While you can chase waterfalls all year long, the spring and summer months are the best times to search for “waterfalls near me” and check out the inspiring views! So, we thought finding a couple of day trips for those long summer days would be a perfect adventure. We’ve found several waterfalls within two hours from Music City, giving you AND your weekends the gift of a quick trip.
Yep. You’re welcome.
- Burgess Falls - Sparta
Steve Harwood/Flickr Located in Burgess Falls State Park, this Putnam and White County stunner is popular among the young folk during the summer months. Burgess Falls State Park, 4000 Burgess Falls Dr, Sparta, TN 38583, USA
- Twin Falls - Rock Island
Wikipedia/Brian Stansberry You’ve seen these falls on your Instagram feed and you’ve been jealous of this absolute wall of water for ages. It’s only a hot second out of the city — a romantic date day, maybe? Rock Island, TN 38581, USA
- Savage Falls - Monteagle
Hiker 1942 / TripAdvisor This gorgeous state park is located near Chattanooga, and Savage Falls is a sweet little reprieve from the expansive forest. You can learn more about this waterfall hike near Nashville and the surrounding area in our feature article. Savage Falls, Tennessee 37365, USA
- Rutledge Falls - Tullahoma
Charlotte H/TripAdvisor It’s only a short hike to the falls, so no need to worry about blisters and sunburn. It’s the perfect reprieve from a summer of work and BBQs. Rutledge Falls, TN 37388, USA
- Ozone Falls - Crossville
Frank Kehren/Flick Cumberland County OWNS with this one. With 43 acres of beauty and a waterfall to boot, Ozone Falls is perfect for a day trip. In fact, if searching for waterfalls near me, this is one of the best. Ozone Falls, Tennessee 37854, USA
- Greeter Falls - Altamont
V P/TripAdvisor Located in South Cumberland State Park, the Greeter Falls trail is a 1.6-mile loop that’s great for the kids! Plus, this is one of the best waterfall hikes near Nashville as you get to climb up a unique spiral staircase. Greeter Falls Road,, Altamont, TN 37301, USA
- Foster Falls - Marion County
Brent Moore / Flickr With sixty feet of waterfall for you to stare at, Foster Falls is worth the solid drive out of the city. You can learn more about this waterfall hike near Nashville in our feature article. Foster Falls, Tennessee 37374, USA
- Fall Creek Falls - Spencer
Wikipedia/Jsfouche Known across the state as a stunning sight, part of the state park was used during the filming of the live-action adaptation of “The Jungle Book.” Fall Creek Falls, Tennessee 37367, USA
- Cummins Falls - Cookeville
Wikipedia/Brenton Rogers One of the top spots amongst Nashvillians, Cummins Falls is great if you’re looking to pull out that old swimsuit and enjoy a traditional swimming hole. Cummins Falls, Tennessee 38501, USA
- Cane Creek Falls - Pikeville
Wikipedia/Jsfouche Fall Creek Falls has this gorgeous waterfall hiding in its midst. Though the lesser of the two regarding how well known it is, Cane Creek Falls has a heavier water flow. Cane Creek Falls, Tennessee 37367, USA
Have you planned your trip yet?! What are your favorite waterfalls to visit near Nashville? Let us know YOUR favorite waterfalls and waterfall hikes near Nashville in the comments!
Steve Harwood/Flickr
Located in Burgess Falls State Park, this Putnam and White County stunner is popular among the young folk during the summer months.
Burgess Falls State Park, 4000 Burgess Falls Dr, Sparta, TN 38583, USA
Wikipedia/Brian Stansberry
You’ve seen these falls on your Instagram feed and you’ve been jealous of this absolute wall of water for ages. It’s only a hot second out of the city — a romantic date day, maybe?
Rock Island, TN 38581, USA
Hiker 1942 / TripAdvisor
This gorgeous state park is located near Chattanooga, and Savage Falls is a sweet little reprieve from the expansive forest. You can learn more about this waterfall hike near Nashville and the surrounding area in our feature article.
Savage Falls, Tennessee 37365, USA
Charlotte H/TripAdvisor
It’s only a short hike to the falls, so no need to worry about blisters and sunburn. It’s the perfect reprieve from a summer of work and BBQs.
Rutledge Falls, TN 37388, USA
Frank Kehren/Flick
Cumberland County OWNS with this one. With 43 acres of beauty and a waterfall to boot, Ozone Falls is perfect for a day trip. In fact, if searching for waterfalls near me, this is one of the best.
Ozone Falls, Tennessee 37854, USA
V P/TripAdvisor
Located in South Cumberland State Park, the Greeter Falls trail is a 1.6-mile loop that’s great for the kids! Plus, this is one of the best waterfall hikes near Nashville as you get to climb up a unique spiral staircase.
Greeter Falls Road,, Altamont, TN 37301, USA
Brent Moore / Flickr
With sixty feet of waterfall for you to stare at, Foster Falls is worth the solid drive out of the city. You can learn more about this waterfall hike near Nashville in our feature article.
Foster Falls, Tennessee 37374, USA
Wikipedia/Jsfouche
Known across the state as a stunning sight, part of the state park was used during the filming of the live-action adaptation of “The Jungle Book.”
Fall Creek Falls, Tennessee 37367, USA
Wikipedia/Brenton Rogers
One of the top spots amongst Nashvillians, Cummins Falls is great if you’re looking to pull out that old swimsuit and enjoy a traditional swimming hole.
Cummins Falls, Tennessee 38501, USA
Fall Creek Falls has this gorgeous waterfall hiding in its midst. Though the lesser of the two regarding how well known it is, Cane Creek Falls has a heavier water flow.
Cane Creek Falls, Tennessee 37367, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
waterfalls near me July 28, 2022 Courtnie Erickson What are some of the best hikes in Nashville? If you want to enjoy some fresh air, sunshine, and the sounds of nature, there is no better way than tackling one of the best hikes near Nashville. While there are a handful of these trails that you can explore, one of our favorites is the Day Loop Trail at Long Hunter State Park. This loop trail is approximately four miles and takes you right along the lake. You will enjoy gorgeous views the entire way and it’s quite easy so most of the family can even come along. If you are searching for another easy trail with scenic views every step that you take, check out the Stone River Greenway Trail at the Hermitage Public Use Area. This out-and-back trail is right in the heart of Nashville so you won’t have to travel far to find it. This trail follows along the river for its majority and the paved pathway features little elevation gain, making it perfect for an afternoon with the family. Are there any waterfalls near Nashville that don’t require hiking? Yes! There are several breathtaking waterfalls near Nashville that are actually hiding in plain sight — no hiking required! Cummins Falls is one of the most popular waterfall swimming holes in Tennessee and while it does require a short walk to reach the water, it is very short and quite easy. Make sure to bring a camera because this entire area is gorgeous! Piney Falls is a stunning waterfall that is surrounded by old-growth forests and rocky cliffs. To see these falls, you’ll simply have to walk down a pathway that takes you to the viewpoint. It’s an excellent stop any day of the week.
The OIYS Visitor Center
waterfalls near me
July 28, 2022
Courtnie Erickson
What are some of the best hikes in Nashville? If you want to enjoy some fresh air, sunshine, and the sounds of nature, there is no better way than tackling one of the best hikes near Nashville. While there are a handful of these trails that you can explore, one of our favorites is the Day Loop Trail at Long Hunter State Park. This loop trail is approximately four miles and takes you right along the lake. You will enjoy gorgeous views the entire way and it’s quite easy so most of the family can even come along. If you are searching for another easy trail with scenic views every step that you take, check out the Stone River Greenway Trail at the Hermitage Public Use Area. This out-and-back trail is right in the heart of Nashville so you won’t have to travel far to find it. This trail follows along the river for its majority and the paved pathway features little elevation gain, making it perfect for an afternoon with the family. Are there any waterfalls near Nashville that don’t require hiking? Yes! There are several breathtaking waterfalls near Nashville that are actually hiding in plain sight — no hiking required! Cummins Falls is one of the most popular waterfall swimming holes in Tennessee and while it does require a short walk to reach the water, it is very short and quite easy. Make sure to bring a camera because this entire area is gorgeous! Piney Falls is a stunning waterfall that is surrounded by old-growth forests and rocky cliffs. To see these falls, you’ll simply have to walk down a pathway that takes you to the viewpoint. It’s an excellent stop any day of the week.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you want to enjoy some fresh air, sunshine, and the sounds of nature, there is no better way than tackling one of the best hikes near Nashville. While there are a handful of these trails that you can explore, one of our favorites is the Day Loop Trail at Long Hunter State Park. This loop trail is approximately four miles and takes you right along the lake. You will enjoy gorgeous views the entire way and it’s quite easy so most of the family can even come along.
If you are searching for another easy trail with scenic views every step that you take, check out the Stone River Greenway Trail at the Hermitage Public Use Area. This out-and-back trail is right in the heart of Nashville so you won’t have to travel far to find it. This trail follows along the river for its majority and the paved pathway features little elevation gain, making it perfect for an afternoon with the family.
Are there any waterfalls near Nashville that don’t require hiking?
Yes! There are several breathtaking waterfalls near Nashville that are actually hiding in plain sight — no hiking required! Cummins Falls is one of the most popular waterfall swimming holes in Tennessee and while it does require a short walk to reach the water, it is very short and quite easy. Make sure to bring a camera because this entire area is gorgeous!
Piney Falls is a stunning waterfall that is surrounded by old-growth forests and rocky cliffs. To see these falls, you’ll simply have to walk down a pathway that takes you to the viewpoint. It’s an excellent stop any day of the week.
