Fall Creek Falls via Base of Falls Trail Fall Creek Falls State Park, TN
miles
LENGTH 0.8 MILES
DIFFICULTY 2.8 Easy
DURATION 1 hour
ELEVATION GAIN
260
feet
TRAIL TYPE
There And
Back Again
Fall Creek Falls via Base of Falls Trail

Take this short hike to the base of the impressive 256ft Fall Creek Falls for a rewarding experience without an extended hike. Although the park has numerous trails, this is by far the most travelled so expect crowds on the weekends.

Beginning from the parking lot along Scenic Loop Road, pass by the restrooms to the Fall Creek Falls overlook. Here you'll enjoy an excellent view of the falls from above. Take a left to begin your decent along the Base of Falls trail. Trails should be well marked.

During warmer months and on weekends, expect many people to the point of waiting in line on the way down. The trail is very rocky but there are plenty of handrails the entire way. The trail turns right along the exposed rock of the gorge before coming to the base of the falls.

Many people choose to swim in the pool at the base or just take a break on the large rocks surrounding the falls. The trail drops 260ft so although this is a short hike, it's quite steep on the way back up. For a longer trip, check out Fall Creek Falls via Gorge Overlook Trail.

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Elevation Map Length (miles) by Elevation (feet)
Terrain Map Click to control map
Details
length0.8 miles
difficulty2.8 Easy
duration1 hour
trail typeThere And Back Again
blazeWhite
elevation gain260 ft.
state Tennessee 
park/forestFall Creek Falls State Park
ranger districtFall Creek Falls State Park
2009 Village Camp Road
Spencer, TN 38585
423-881-5298
parking feeNone
trailhead coordinates 35.667201, -85.357534 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 35°40.03, W 85°21.45 (Degree Minutes, MinDec)
N 35°40'02'', N 35°40'02'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
Trailhead Directions
35.667201, -85.357534 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 35°40.03, W 85°21.45 most GPS units use this one
N 35°40'02'', N 35°40'02'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
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Notes
Dogs are allowed on all the hiking trails in the park but rangers strongly suggest you do not bring them on the steep Cable Trail.
Most areas along the trail have railings but there are a few steep drop offs to watch out for.
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Reviews / Comments
Average Review Rating
4.5 (2)
themehios-2 years ago
Winter Wonderland
This hike during January in winter is absolutely amazing! You have to watch for ice and slippery rock, but when you get to the base of the falls, it’s like you are transported to the Kingdom of Narnia! Beautiful Winter Wonderland of frozen ice surrounding the falls! But watch out for falling icicles falling off nearby cliffs if the weather inches above freezing. One nearly missed us on the hike back up. We will definitely be back to hike again in summer!
Easy-Medium | Hiked Winter 2022
hikethesouth-6 years ago
Short and Sweet
Get straight to the point with this hike. Short and simple. View the falls from above, then below. One of the best waterfalls in the area!
Easy | Hiked Fall 2013
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