Fall Creek Falls State Park Photo: Svjatosha / CC BY-SA 3.0
United States › Tennessee

Fall Creek Falls State Park

ByWilderness Experts

Fast facts

  • Size: about 29,800 acres (121 km²), one of Tennessee’s largest state parks
  • Signature feature: Fall Creek Falls, 256 feet (78 m), the highest waterfall in Tennessee
  • Waterfalls: seven signature falls on trails, and dozens more in the backcountry
  • Gateway: Spencer and Pikeville
  • Managed by: Tennessee State Parks

The landscape

Fall Creek Falls sits on the Cumberland Plateau, where streams have cut deep gorges into the sandstone, dropping in waterfalls such as Fall Creek, Cane Creek and Piney falls. Hardwood forest and hemlock fill the gorges, with old-growth trees in places. Deer, wild turkeys and many birds live here.

Best time to go

Spring brings the strongest waterfalls. Fall colour peaks in late October. Summer is warm and busy; winter is quiet.

Fall Creek FallsPhoto: Jsfouche · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Rockhouse Creek FallsPhoto: Jsfouche · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Piney Creek FallsPhoto: Jsfouche · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Cane Creek FallsPhoto: Jsfouche · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Coon Creek FallsPhoto: Jsfouche · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
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Getting there and around

The park is reached by state highways across the plateau. Roads lead to overlooks, the village area, campgrounds and trailheads. Overnight loops and backcountry campsites are reached on foot.

Things to do

Overlooks give easy views of the main falls, and a steep trail leads to its base. The Cable Trail and Gorge Overlook trails explore the gorges, and overnight loops lead to backcountry sites. The park also has a lake, cabins and a lodge.

Staying safe

Gorge edges are sheer; stay behind barriers. Rock near waterfalls is slippery, and streams rise after rain. Leave a trip plan for overnight trips.

Know before you go

This page is a general overview, not a live conditions report, so confirm current closures and reservations with Tennessee State Parks before you go.

Navigation
Coordinates
35.6970, -85.3563
Magnetic declination
5.2° W (2026)

Set this declination on your compass, then align it to the map's north lines; it is the angle between true north and magnetic north, refreshed each year.

How declination works, and how to navigate with a map and compass

53 places in Fall Creek Falls State Park

A spread of the park’s main places shows straight away, and the rest appear as you zoom in. You can also search above, or pick any place from the lists below, and the map will go to it. Places in bold, marked , have a short description.

Getting there 1

Visitor centre

On the trail 32

Campgrounds

Huts and shelters

Picnic sites

Sights 20

Viewpoints

Waterfalls

Lake

Peaks

Map data comes from third-party sources and may be incomplete or out of date, so carry a current official map (terms).

Trip types
Day hikeCar campingWeekend backpackingBackcountry

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Terrain
ForestCanyonsRivers
Key hazards
Gorge edges and waterfallsSlippery rockFlash flooding in the gorgesStorm-damaged areas
Best seasons
Spring, Fall (foliage), Winter
Difficulty
Easy to moderate
Access / trailheads
Near Spencer and Pikeville on the Cumberland Plateau, off State Routes 30, 284 and 111.
Water
Water at developed areas; treat stream water.
Cell / satellite coverage
Fair near the main areas, patchy in the gorges.
Nearest ranger / SAR / emergency
Emergencies: 911.
Permits & regulations
Backcountry campsites and overnight loops need reservations through Tennessee State Parks (1-888-867-2757).
Leave No Trace
Stay behind barriers at the falls, camp only at reserved backcountry sites, and pack out all waste.
Conditions by month

October This month

Average high71°F(21°C)21°C(71°F)
Average low43°F(6°C)6°C(43°F)
Rainfall3.4 in(87 mm)87 mm(3.4 in)
Daylight, mid-month11 h 20 minSunrise 6:46 a.m., sunset 6:07 p.m.

What to bring depends on your trip: how long you’re out, where you sleep, and how far you go from the road. The planner builds the list for yours.

Plan a trip here →

Averages for 1991–2020 from NOAA U.S. Climate Normals, measured at the Fall Creek Falls Sp station, 4 miles (6 km)6 km (4 miles) away at 1,790 feet (546 m)546 m (1,790 feet). Higher trails run colder, by about 3.5°F for every 1,000 ft (2°C per 300 m)2°C for every 300 m (3.5°F per 1,000 ft) of climb. Daylight runs from sunrise to sunset on the 15th, on the park’s own clock, for a level horizon. Valleys and slopes facing away from the sun are in shade earlier.

Before you go Conditions, permits, fire bans and closures change constantly — we summarise and link out, but always confirm with the managing agency first.
Official park website → Last verified 2026-09-21

Nearby parks

Straight-line distance between park centres. Road distance is usually longer.

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