Fall Creek Falls Hike
Waterfall · about 256 ft high | Tennessee
0.8 mi round trip
Fall Creek Falls Hike at a Glance
The Fall Creek Falls hike via the Base of the Falls Trail is 0.8 mi round trip.
| Falls height | About 256 ft |
|---|---|
| Trail | Base of the Falls Trail |
| Distance | 0.8 mi round trip |
Your time: about 15 min of moving time at Naismith pace (3 mph plus 1 hour per 2,000 ft climbed); about 20 min at a relaxed pace. A 160 lb hiker with a daypack burns roughly 150 kcal. No elevation gain is published for this route, so climbing time isn’t included.
Adjust for your pace and breaks →Route line not shown. The 0.8 mi distance for this hike is verified (southeasttennessee.com), but we don't yet have a trail track we trust, so the map shows only the destination. Carry an official map.
About Fall Creek Falls
Fall Creek Falls is a waterfall in Tennessee, about 256 feet high, on land managed by Fall Creek Falls State Park (Tennessee State Parks). Its height is from southeasttennessee.com.
The Hike
The hike to the falls follows the Base of the Falls Trail: 0.8 miles round trip, from Fall Creek Falls Overlook parking, Scenic Drive Loop. Distance from southeasttennessee.com.
Before You Go
- The hike to the base is moderately challenging, with slippery rocks and elevation change. (southeasttennessee.com)
- Rock around waterfalls is slick when wet; stay on the trail and back from the edge.
- Check Fall Creek Falls State Park (Tennessee State Parks) for current conditions, closures and parking before you go.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the hike to Fall Creek Falls?
The Base of the Falls Trail to Fall Creek Falls is 0.8 miles round trip.
Where does the Fall Creek Falls hike start?
It starts from Fall Creek Falls Overlook parking, Scenic Drive Loop.
How tall is Fall Creek Falls?
Fall Creek Falls is about 256 feet high.
Safety Information
Current Hazards
- Slippery wet rock near the falls
- Fast, high water after rain or snowmelt
- Check weather before departure
Turn-Around Time
3:00 PM
Plan to reach the falls by this time so you are back before dark.
Essential Gear Checklist
* Critical items - do not hike without these
Emergency Contacts
Emergency / Search & Rescue
911Point Forecast
NWS Point Forecast →In most of the US, backcountry search and rescue is dispatched through 911 — tell the operator you have a hiker emergency and your GPS coordinates.
Downloads
Sources for The Fall Creek Falls Guide
Where the trail data, elevation and route line on this page come from.
- Verified against
- southeasttennessee.com
- Distance
- southeasttennessee.com
- Falls height
- southeasttennessee.com
- Falls location
- southeasttennessee.com
Conditions change. Check the land manager for closures, fees and weather before you go.
Nearby Hikes
Other hikes within 30 miles of Fall Creek Falls.