08 Jun Hike to Fall Creek Falls Along Base of the Falls Trail

Fall Creek Falls State Park is the largest park in the state of Tennessee AND it has the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi in the United States. Need another reason to visit? There are a variety of other activities available within the state park, including hiking, swimming, boating, rock climbing, and much more. However, the star of the state park is Fall Creek Falls. It stands at 256 feet (~78 meters) tall, and visitors are able to enjoy Fall Creek Falls from an overlook and can also hike down to the base on the Base of the Falls Trail. It makes sense the park is named after such a beautiful waterfall, and thus you should not miss out on a chance to visit next time you are in Tennessee.

Contents:

1) Location of Fall Creek Falls Hike

2) Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

3) The Best Time to Visit

4) Quick Facts

5) State Park General Information

6) Fall Creek Falls Hike Information

7) Base of the Falls Trail

8) Other Activities in the State Park

9) Recommended Items to Bring

1) Location of Fall Creek Falls Hike

Fall Creek Falls State Park is located in Spencer, Tennessee. For reference, it is just two and a half hours southeast of Nashville. While in Nashville, you have to plan a visit to the Parthenon in Centennial Park. Additionally, it is one hour and 15 minutes north of Chattanooga.

Some nearby attractions include the Lost Sea Adventure in Sweetwater, TN as well as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I completed the hike to Fall Creek Falls while on a cross-country road trip from Pennsylvania to California, and thus I also visited the above attractions before reaching the state park. 

Parking – Fall Creek Falls Hike

There is a small parking lot right off the Scenic Loop Road. It is located next to the scenic overlook as well as the trailhead for the Base of Falls Trail. You should see signs directing you to the trailhead at the back of the parking lot. Additionally, there are restrooms located here. 

Nearby Lodging

For lodging, check out accommodations in the nearby towns of Spencer, Sparta, or Pikeville. Otherwise, book a stay in Chattanooga, Tennessee and take a day trip to visit the state park and see the falls. 

Nearby Airports 

There are a few nearby regional airports, however they are all pretty small. The closest international airport is the Nashville International Airport two hours northwest of the state park.

Furthermore, there is no public transportation available from the nearby airports to Fall Creek Falls State Park. You will thus need to rent a car or utilize a ride share service such as Uber if you want to visit the state park and hike to Fall Creek Falls.

Surrounding scenery at Fall Creek Falls State Park

2) Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

Fall Creek Falls State Park is open all day, every day. However, the road that leads to the waterfall trail, also known as the Base of the Falls Trail, closes at dark. Moreover, the park is closed on Christmas Day. 

Entrance Fee

Ready for some good news? There is no entrance fee for Fall Creek Falls State Park. You can thus visit here at no cost. 

View of another waterfall along the trail

3) The Best Time to Visit

I would recommend that you hike the Base of the Falls Trail anytime from spring through autumn. Why not winter? The town of Spencer, Tennessee and thus the state park do get a bit of snow each winter. Therefore, it is possible there will be snow or ice along the trail, which will make it much more difficult to hike. However, you might need to pack crampons, which are spikes that attach to the bottom of your shoes, if you still plan to visit in winter to prepare for snowy or icy conditions. 

Estimated Visit Time – Fall Creek Falls Hike

Plan for at least one hour if you are hiking the Base of the Falls Trail. An average hiker can complete the trail within 35 minutes. However, I always recommend you add in a bit of extra time for pictures and relaxing at the destination. The waterfall is quite beautiful, so you can even pack a lunch and enjoy it at the base. 

If you also plan to visit other attractions within the state park, you will need to adjust your schedule accordingly to plan for more time. 

4) Quick Facts

1. The Base of the Falls Trail is located within Fall Creek Falls State Park in Spencer, Tennessee.

2. While the state park is open 24/7, the road leading to the waterfall trail closes at dark. 

3. The Base of the Falls Trail is 0.8 miles (~1.3 kilometers) long with an elevation gain of approximately 290 feet (~88 meters). 

4. Fall Creek Falls, which is the main attraction of the state park, stands at 256 feet (~78 meters). 

5. The state park has a variety of other activities available, for example biking, frock climbing, fishing, and boating. 

Jumping around on the rocks by the falls

5) State Park General Information

Fall Creek Falls State Park has something for everyone in its ~20,000 acres. However, it was not always a beautiful park attracting visitors from all across the country. Back in the 1930s, the land around the now popular waterfall was in need of care and restoration. The federal government then bought this land in the mid 1930s.

One year after purchase, the National Park Service went to work. They engaged a few groups, including the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), to begin restoring the falls and surrounding areas. After some years of restoration, the federal government transferred ownership of the area to Tennessee in the mid 1940s. It then became known as Fall Creek Falls State Park. 

Panoramic view of Fall Creek Falls State Park

6) Fall Creek Falls Hike Information

Fall Creek Falls, the waterfall from which the state park received its name, stands at 256 feet (~78 meters) tall. It is therefore one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern portion of the U.S. 

There are two ways to experience the Fall Creek Falls: (1) take in the view from an overlook (2) get up close and personal as you hike along the Base of the Falls trail.

First, check out the overlook if you only have a limited amount of time or have physical restrictions. The overlook is accessible from the parking lot right off the Scenic Loop Road. Additionally, keep reading to find out information about the second option – hiking down to the base of the falls. 

For other nearby water-based attractions, check out the Lost Sea Adventure in Sweetwater, Tennessee as well as Falls of Hills Creek Waterfall in Hillsboro, West Virginia.

Enjoying the waterfall, even though it is a bit dry

7) The Base of the Falls Trail Description

The Base of the Falls Trail is 0.8 mile (~1.3 kilometers) long round trip with an elevation gain of approximately 290 feet (~88 meters). Additionally, an average hiker can complete the trail in around 35 minutes.

Are you an avid hiker? Then add the Endless Wall Trail as well as Maryland Heights Trail to your list. Both are located in the nearby state of West Virginia.

Other Trail Information – Fall Creek Falls Hike

Hike the Base of the Falls Trail for a more intimate and adventure-filled experience. However, keep in mind the hike is short yet steep. As you descend the 290 feet (~88 meters) to the base of the waterfall, please remember that you will later have to ascend that same distance to return to the beginning of the hike. 

Furthermore, the trail can be crowded during peak visit times, for example weekend afternoons in summer. However, we only passed a few other people on the trail when we hiked on a Friday morning in August.

Moreover, please note the trail can be slippery when wet. The chance for injuries thus increases. Wear proper hiking shoes and take care on wet portions of the trail. 

View of the waterfall from Base of the Falls Trail

8) Other Activities in the State Park

• Physical: hiking, biking, rock climbing, swimming, high ropes course, kayaking
• Relaxing: camping, fishing, bird watching, golfing, boating, ranger programs
• Other: venue rentals, visitor center/gift shop, restaurants

Physical + Outdoor Activities

First, the state park has over 56 miles of hiking trails, including the hike to Fall Creek Falls. The trails range from short to long as well as easy to hard. There is thus a trail suited for every level of physical ability. Second, there are over 24 miles of biking trails. Even though there are less miles of biking trails than hiking trails, there are still plenty to fill all your biking desires. Third, either attend one of the climbing workshops offered at the park or conquer the climbing routes yourself. Whether you are somewhat new to rock climbing or are basically an expert at this point, there is a route appropriate for you.

Fourth, the park has a public swimming pool open in the summer. Fifth, suit up for a high ropes course where you will tackle a variety of obstacles, including ladders, swings, zip lines, beams, and more.  Sixth, rent (or bring your own) kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to explore the lake.

Relaxing + Outdoor Activities

First, spend a beautiful night under the stars at one of the state park’s five different campgrounds. For a greater connection with nature, consider booking a campsite with no amenities. Second, grab a boat or a spot on the shore to throw your fishing line in the water. Maybe you can even break a state record for Channel Catfish or Bluegill (for it has been done here before).

Third, bring a pair of binoculars and observe some beautiful birds throughout the park. There is definitely not a shortage of birds as there are over 140 species. Fourth, there is an 18-hole golf course. If you are a newbie, do not fear – they offer lessons. Fifth, consider renting a boat to go fishing or just to simply enjoy the lake. Sixth, get a larger group together (such as a school field trip) and book a ranger program or overnight tour.

Other Activities

First, the state park allows rentals for many of their venues, including a recreation hall, pavilions, amphitheater, and overlook. If you want a smaller, private wedding venue with a beautiful view, then the “secret overlook” is for you. Second, stop by the visitor center or one of their four gift shops. Third, grab a bite to eat the Lodge. You can also enjoy complimentary breakfast in the morning if you stay the night.

For more information, check out the state park’s website.

Views from along the Fall Creek Falls Trail

9) Recommended Items to Bring – Fall Creek Falls Hike

If you are planning a road trip across the country, then check out my summer road trip packing list and/or winter road trip packing list for additional recommendations.

1. Water bottle: Please please please be sure to bring water with you while hiking to the waterfall. I do not mean bring water and leave it in your car. Instead, carry your water around with you as you hike along the trail as well as explore the state park. Moreover, water is even more important if you are visiting in the summer, for the heat can make you become dehydrated real quick. For example, I always carry around my Yeti water bottle.

Hygiene

2. Sunscreen: While sunscreen might not be as important on a cloudy day, it will be on a day full of beautiful clear skies. Walking around even for just 30 minutes can lead to sunburn if you have fair skin.

3. Bug spray: Let’s be honest – mosquitos, gnats, and any other little type of fly can ruin an experience. You cannot truly enjoy an attraction if you are swatting away bugs from your face the whole time. Therefore, be prepared with bug spray or a mosquito repellent bracelet.

Hiking Apparel

4. Hiking shoes: A pair of hiking shoes will be incredibly helpful if you plan to hike the Base of the Falls Trail. 

5. Hiking poles: Bring a pair of hiking poles if you want a bit of extra support.

6. Optional – crampons: Crampons are only necessary in the winter months if there is snow or ice along the hiking trails. Crampons are spikes that attach to the bottom of shoes.

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Love waterfall hikes? Check this one out: Hiking to Kanarra Falls Outside of Zion.

Need a national park trip? Might I recommend Glacier: Hidden Lake Overlook Trail in Glacier.