Top Things to do in Tennessee
Top Hotels in Tennessee
- 1. Drury Plaza Hotel Nashville Downtown
- 2. Holiday Inn Nashville-Vanderbilt (Dwtn), an IHG Hotel
- 3. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Nashville Downtown Stadium
- 4. The Peabody Memphis
- 5. Hutton Hotel
- 6. Cambria Hotel Nashville Downtown
- 7. Margaritaville Island Inn
- 8. Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg
- 9. Arbors at Island Landing Hotel & Suites
- 10. Best Western Plaza Inn
What to do and see in Tennessee, United States: The Best Waterfalls
Discover the best top things to do in Tennessee, United States including Falls Branch Falls, Bald River Falls, Ramsey Cascades, Spruce Flats Falls, Benton Falls Hike, Virgin Falls State Natural Area, Winding Stairs Nature Trails and Park, Greeter Falls, Foster Falls, Laurel Falls.
Restaurants in Tennessee
1. Falls Branch Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By dbauman9 - Lenoir City, United States
It’s an easy to moderately difficult hike through Cherokee National Forest to the falls. First 2/3 of the hike is easy. Last 1/3 a bit more challenging. Good idea to bring walking sticks for balance. Many locations to get wonderful photos. Hike right up to or into the falls if your brave. When we were there, a few hikers brought their dogs. I love dogs but this was VERY IRRITATING! Why would they destroy the quite and solitude of this beautiful place with obnoxious barking, yapping dogs? Irresponsible and thinking only of themselves!!
2. Bald River Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 371 reviews
Reviewed By cnorth828 - Las Vegas, United States
The Bald River is a favorite after the has been a heavy rain or when it has frozen. You can see it from road or park and hike a short distance to the top. One of my favorite places to go for a relaxing hike and beautiful waterfall.
3. Ramsey Cascades
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 172 reviews
Reviewed By Travel_Addict_Cyprus - Michigan, United States
We loved this trail! Beautiful scenery on the way to the Ramsey Cascades, with the reward of the stunning waterfall at the end! This trail is in the Greenbrier area of the park. While researching this trail, i saw that it was described as an 8.0 mile RT trail and rated moderately strenuous. It seemed longer than 8 miles to me, and my fitness app showed close to 10 miles, so i am not sure if the 8 miles is accurate. Regarding the difficulty level, I would say it is moderate, because the 2,190 feet of elevation gain is spread over a long distance (approx 4 miles). The road to the trailhead is a bit rough, with some pot holes, but nothing too bad; just drive carefully to the end of the dirt road and you will find the parking area. As at most trailheads, if the lot is full you can turn around and park along the side of the road. Beautiful scenery along the trail, which starts out very easy. Even though it's a steady uphill, it's a gradual climb that only gets steep the last mile and a half. At the sign that says there's 2.5m to the Falls, you'll start a more difficult ascent, with the terrain being rocky and rooted. You will cross a couple of foot bridges over the stream. The last 1.5 miles is pretty steep and rocky, but definitely doable by anyone in average shape. Once you reach the waterfall, the rocks are slippery, so watch your step. If you plan to stay a while and enjoy the waterfall, make sure you have a jacket; it's cold up there. I brought a hiking stick but the rest of my family did not and had no issues.
4. Spruce Flats Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By Alex0518 - Fort Mitchell, United States
A moderate trail. Rocks and stumps so watch your step. A couple of nice views along your hike. Somehow uphill both ways lol. Beautiful waterfall makes a perfect place to cool off and have a snack. Not as trafficed as some of the other Smoky Mountain trails
5. Benton Falls Hike
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By VicandVonaK - Union Grove, United States
Fairly busy area well kept and clean. Made the hike to the Falls. The trail was rather muddy in places due to the recent rains, but the Falls were full and beautiful. The hike is easy up to the Falls area. There are some steps down and uneven terrain to get to the water. I would say it is moderate. Not a trail that you want to take a stroller on though. Lots of large rocks in the walking path and washout ditches in other areas. Was fortunate to see the copperhead snake in the weeds before I stepped on it.
6. Virgin Falls State Natural Area
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By Whatafall
Starts in a flat pine forest but don't worry, you leave the mundane soon enough. There's a beautiful creek crossing (where backpackers can stay) , then down down to a steep spot to the first waterfalls. It gets more lovely but rougher from there. Climb up to the source of the falls right when you get there, it makes a picnic or rest-break by the falls so much more relaxing and gives your legs a rest before the hike back. Some side-hikes add to the adventure. This is a remote area - you will see other hikers but plan to be on your own.. bring water and tread carefully, as a sprained ankle or exhausted kid could extend your say until dark. Texts go out in some areas, but not all. I always bring a headlamp .. as I often stay at the falls area longer than expected. Thankfully, that first boring part of the trail is easy by moonlight.
7. Winding Stairs Nature Trails and Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By DavidLou - Nashville, United States
There are a couple of newly-opened trails here that add to the enjoyment! This place is a gem in a semi-out-of-the-way spot that's just a little more than an hour from Nashville. It's perfect for a day trip with about 3 hours of hiking if you hike all of the trails. The trails are mostly moderate with a few spots experienced hikers would label "difficult" - but those can be avoided if desired. Take a picnic!
8. Greeter Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By nancymK3947XA - Pisgah, United States
Drove up to TN from AL just after TN started opening up. The trails were in good shape inspite of the recent rains. They have been well used so very rocky with lots of tree roots so moderately difficult. The stairs at the end of the trail (at waterfall) are slippery when wet but were easy to climb. Both falls are worth seeing - very beautiful. The lower fall has a large pool area where you can sit to read, picnic, nap, etc.
9. Foster Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
This beautiful waterfall is a part of the expansive South Cumberland State Park. The park is located on the Cumberland plateau and near Mont Eagle.
Reviewed By elizabethw6466 - Ringgold, United States
Great accessibility to falls overlook. So often the handicapped are left out at our parks, not here.
10. Laurel Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,496 reviews
Reviewed By PrimeSteak86 - Gatlinburg, United States
There are a number of beautiful waterfalls throughout the Smokies, but few are as easy to hike to as Laurel Falls. The trailhead is located about 4 miles SW of Gatlinburg. Take a Right off 441 beside Sugarland visitors center, and you’ll be to the trailhead in only about 5 mins. It’s just about 1/2 mile before the Elkmont Campground. Parking stays packed here daily, especially in peak seasons. So It’s best to get an early start; while the bulk of tourists are still in town shoveling pancakes. Though there is a slight up n down elevation along this easy hike, the trail is paved, and quite easy to trek(I’ve seen 4 yr olds make it up n back with relative ease)... You’ll pass several folks with strollers pushing along as well. Laurel Falls is only a about a mile or so up, and the same coming down. The falls themselves aren’t the tallest or most majestic in the Smokies, but they do have a magnetism to them: making it a very popular photo spot. There’s a wooden bridge here that serves up some nice photo opportunities too. Note: Please be careful climbing in or around the falls; especially children. The rocks in this area are very slick; have been the cause of serious injuries, and sadly, even deaths. I’d honestly rate the falls themselves at about a 4.5 overall; especially when compared to other waterfalls in the Smokies: But the simplicity of getting here, allowing folks of all ages to enjoy their beauty, I’m compelled to rate them at a 5.... Enjoy your easy hike
