Day Trip: 10 Scenic Waterfalls Within 3 Hours of Franklin, Tennessee
Waterfalls, and their cascading majesty, have been a symbol of power, beauty, and inspiration since ancient times. We certainly have no lack of these natural wonders here in Tennessee. As spring approaches, don’t miss out on the incredible beauty of the Volunteer State. If you’re looking for a pleasant solo hike or a lively excursion with friends, there are several falls within a short distance of Franklin and Williamson County, perfect for a day trip. Grab your trail mix, lace up your hiking boots, and step into the fantastical world of the Tennessee wilderness!
Burgess Falls
Burgess Falls, the main attraction of Burgess Falls State Park, is in Sparta, Tennessee, and about an 1.5 hour drive from Franklin. The park is home to 4 waterfalls along Falling Water River. The last waterfall is the largest, at 130 feet tall.
What you should know:
- Interesting fact: The Falling Water River was used to generate hydroelectric power for Cookeville from the years 1928-1944. In 1973, Burgess Falls State Park became a protected Tennessee State Natural Area.
- Fishing is permitted and popular below the dam and the main waterfall, at the designated fishing pier and along the bank.
- Swimming is not permitted at the falls.
- The Native Butterfly Garden, adjacent to the upper parking area, is a great place to see native wildflower displays and beautiful butterflies.
- The park is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in off season, and 6 p.m. during warmer months.
- The trail is an easy 1.5 miles, round-trip.
Address: 4000 Burgess Falls Dr, Sparta, TN 38583
Window Cliff Falls
Window Cliff Falls is managed by Burgess Falls State Park; however, the park entrance is 8 miles away from the entrance to Burgess Falls (Still approximately the same 1.5 hours from Franklin). Keep in mind there are no trails connecting Burgess Falls to Window Cliff Falls. The falls are about 20 feet tall.
What you should know:
- Roundtrip, the Window Cliff hike is 5.4 miles long, and takes on average 2.5-3 hours.
- The trail has 18 creek crossings, via cables and rock crossings.
- Pets are not allowed in the Window Cliff Natural Area.
- The area is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the off-season, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in-season.
- The trail is susceptible to rising water and flooding; always check trail alerts before venturing out.
Address: 8400 Old Cane Creek Rd, Baxter TN 38544
Cummins Falls
Cummins Falls in Cookeville, Tennessee is 1 hour and 35 minutes from downtown Franklin, in Cummins Falls State Park. The park is located in the Cordell Hull Watershed, which is part of the Cumberland River Basin. At 75 feet, Cummins Falls is the 8th largest waterfall in the state.
What you should know:
- Parking, restrooms, and trailheads are located above the falls. While the overlook is open access, you must have a permit to access the base of the waterfall known at The Gorge. You can reserve access permits online.
- The base of the waterfall is only open on fair-weather days. Getting to the base requires visitors to participate in either a steep 1 mile or 1.5 mile hike, swimming or wading, and climbing and crossing slippery rocks. While this may not be strenuous to an experienced adult hiker, the park recommends that visitors remain cautious.
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult and are required to wear a life jacket while at the falls.
- The park is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in-season. It closes at 4:30 during the off-season.
- During fair-weather, swimming is permitted at the base of the falls.
Address: 390 Cummins Falls Ln, Cookeville, TN 38501
Fall Creek Falls
Fall Creek Falls is a gorgeous destination in Spencer, Tennessee, about 2.5 hours from Franklin. Part of Fall Creek Falls State Resort Park, the area is known for its scenic beauty and cascades. The park is home to several waterfalls: Piney Falls, Cane Creek Cascades, Fall Creek Falls, Racoon, and Rock House Creek. Fall Creek Falls is the most visited and tallest waterfall in the state, cascading an impressive 256 feet.
What you should know:
- There are more than 56 miles of trail throughout the park. Hikers can tailor their walk, opting for short or long daytime excursions. For the especially courageous, there are 2 long-distance overnight trails in the park.
- Should you choose to say, there are camping accommodations at Fall Creek Falls, including 222 campsites, 30 cabins, and 85 rooms at the Lodge at Fall Creek Falls.
- Backcountry camping is available with a permit.
- Expect a lot of visitors, especially in warmer months and on weekends.
- Swimming and wading is allowed at the base of Fall Creek Falls.
Address: 2009 Village Camp Rd, Spencer, TN 38585
Foster Falls
Foster Falls is 1 hour and 45 minutes from Franklin, located in Sequatchie, Tennessee. The Falls are a part of South Cumberland State Park.
What you should know:
- There are several trails that lead to the falls, varying in difficulty. The Foster Falls Base Trail is a moderate 0.6 miles and leads to the base of the falls. The Foster Falls Climbers Loop Trail is 1.7 miles and popular for hiking, rock climbing, and running. The Foster Falls Overlook trail takes about 30 minutes and is quite steep. Finally, the most challenging Fiery Gizzard Trail is 12.5 miles long, spanning from Grundy Forest to Foster Falls.
- South Cumberland State Park, which spans 100 square miles, has more than 12 major waterfalls and many smaller ones. Foster Falls is the tallest, at 60-feet.
- The park is open from 7 a.m. to sunset. The visitor center is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- The park itself has many recreational opportunities, including camping, caving and climbing.
Address: 498 Foster Falls Road, Sequatchie, TN 37374
Machine Falls
Machine Falls is a beautiful, 60-foot waterfall located in Tullahoma, Tennessee, about 1 hour and 17 minutes from the heart of Franklin. It’s a piece of the Short Springs State Natural Area.
What you should know:
- The trail to Machine Falls is a moderate 1.6 mile hike, with smaller cascades along the looped trail.
- Parking can be sparse, as the falls are very popular.
- The trail is open year-round, and is gorgeous in any season. However, during warmer months, Short Springs State Natural Area is known to have an array of colorful wildflowers.
- The trail is shaded, and steep in some places.
- Dogs are allowed, as long as they’re on a leash.
Address: Short Spring Rd, Tullahoma, TN 37388
Ozone Falls
Ozone Falls is a 110-foot waterfall in Cumberland County, and part of Ozone Falls State Natural Area and Cumberland Trail State Park. It takes between 2 and 2.5 hours to get there from downtown Franklin, and the falls are worth every minute of the drive. Ozone Falls are so majestic that Disney took notice, using the landscape in the live-action version of “Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book” (2016).
What you should know:
- Though there isn’t much hiking to get to the falls themselves, the descent to the basin is very steep and rocky. If you opt to stay at the top of the falls, the trail is very short and easy.
- The falls are open from sunrise to sunset.
- Dogs are allowed on leash, but not recommended due to the terrain.
- Fishing and camping are not allowed.
- Ozone Falls is a great swimming spot. Keep in mind that the water is chilly and the falls can be very powerful after rainfall.
Address: 14563 TN-1, Ozone, TN 37854
Rutledge Falls
Rutledge Falls is an approximately 40-foot cascade in Coffee County, Tennessee, just over an hour away from Franklin. The enchanting site is famous for being featured in “Hannah Montana: The Movie” (2009).
What you should know:
- Rutledge Falls is located on private property. The owners allow visitors, but ask that people act responsibly and, as always, to pick up after themselves.
- This waterfall is fairly close to Machine Falls and Foster Falls, if you want to visit several in one day.
- You can enjoy the falls dawn until dusk, but camping is prohibited.
- Rutledge Falls does not require much of a hike, and is an excellent spot to swim when the weather permits.
Address: 1276 Rutledge Falls Rd, Tullahoma, TN 37388
Stillhouse Hollow Falls
Under an hour from downtown Franklin, Stillhouse Hollow Falls State Natural Area is located in Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee. The main attraction of the area is Stillhouse Hollow Falls, the stunning 75-foot waterfall.
What you should know:
- The trail to the falls is 1.2 miles, and takes about 30 minutes to complete.
- The area is very popular, so expect to encounter other hikers.
- The basin of the falls is about 2 feet deep; swimming and wading are permitted.
- The parking lot is small, and parking along the road is not allowed. If you want a little more space, visit in the off-season or during the week, when it’s less crowded.
- Dogs are allowed, as long as they’re on a leash.
- Fishing and camping are not permitted.
Address: Stillhouse Hollow Falls State Natural Area, TN 38474
Twin Falls
Twin Falls, the incredible set of 80-foot waterfalls in Rock Island State Park, is located in Rock Island, Tennessee and is just under 2 hours from downtown Franklin. The Rock Island area was used for several shots in the movie “The Specialist” (1994), starring Sylvester Stallone.
What you should know:
- Due to potential for quick flooding, swimming is strictly permitted at the falls or along the trail. There is, however, a designated swimming hole in Rock Island State Park.
- The park is family-friendly, with opportunities to kayak, swim, and fish.
- The trail is a moderate 1.6 miles, and takes about 40 minutes.
- The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: 82 Beach Road, Rock Island, TN 38581
Explore the Great Outdoors
A beautiful Tennessee spring is just around the corner, and with it, adventure awaits! The eastern part of our state is known nationally for its blue mountains, black bears, and biodiversity, but you don’t have to venture all the way to the Smokey Mountains to get a taste of Tennessee wildlife. These Middle Tennessee parks and their exquisite waterfalls are ideal for the spontaneous traveler who only has a Saturday to spare. Beyond exploring waterfalls, if you’re looking to fill up your calendar as the warmer weather approaches, there are several events and opportunities to spend some time in the fresh air here in Williamson County!
