Waterfall Hikes Near Knoxville, TN

615,829 residents
New_York Time Zone
27 Waterfalls

within 50 miles

Knoxville sits at the transition between the Appalachian foothills and the Cumberland Plateau, with the Tennessee River carving steep gorges, forested ridges, and river valleys dominated by mixed hardwoods and rhododendron-lined hollows. Within 50 miles most waterfall hikes are moderate—ridge-to-gorge ascents and canyon scrambles—alongside a few short roadside cascades, several strenuous technical routes, and some drive-up access points; the close elevation changes and river gorges create a wide variety of trail experiences within short drives.

Located at 35.9692°N, -83.9496°W

Map of Waterfalls Near Knoxville

Today's Conditions

Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service

Water Flow

27 of 27 gauged

21 of 27 waterfalls near Knoxville are flowing strongly today

Abrams Falls Roaring Bald River Falls Roaring Basin Falls Moderate Laurel Falls Moderate Ozone Falls Moderate Bemis Camp Falls Roaring Big Falls Roaring Middle Falls Roaring Santeetlah Bluff Falls Roaring Sassafras Falls Roaring Upper Falls Roaring Stewart Falls Roaring Double Drop Falls Barely Flowing Jacks Rock Falls Barely Flowing Flatrock Falls Barely Flowing Grotto Falls Roaring Laurel Falls Roaring Rainbow Falls Roaring Ramsey Cascades Roaring Wilson Falls Roaring Kennedy Falls Roaring Lower Falls Roaring Queens Falls Roaring Little Creek Falls Roaring Mingo Falls Roaring Mouse Creek Falls Strong Ray Falls Strong

Updated about 1 hour ago via USGS

Best Day to Hike

Friday

Sunny · 72°F

Aft 68°F Partly Sunny
Fri 72°F Sunny Best
Sat 77°F Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Sun 79°F Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mon 70°F Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Tue 73°F Sunny
Wed 78°F Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

Find waterfalls to hike near Knoxville

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🚗 Easy Waterfall Hikes Near Knoxville (6 waterfalls)

Easy access waterfalls are drive-up or short-walk friendly. Perfect for families, casual visitors, or anyone who loves waterfalls but is "so-so" about hiking.

Lower Falls waterfall

Lower Falls

38.4 miles away
North Carolina
Easy
0.5 miles 100 ft
Laurel Falls waterfall

Laurel Falls

40.8 miles away
Tennessee
Easy
2.6 miles 314 ft

🐕 Dog-Friendly Waterfall Hikes Around Knoxville (13 waterfalls)

Bring your four-legged friend along! These waterfalls welcome dogs on their trails.

Santeetlah Bluff Falls

26.1 miles away
North Carolina
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

All 27 Waterfalls Near Knoxville

Laurel Falls waterfall

Laurel Falls

16 miles away
Tennessee
Easy
2.6 miles 314 ft
Kennedy Falls waterfall

Kennedy Falls

37.7 miles away
North Carolina
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Mouse Creek Falls waterfall

Mouse Creek Falls

40.2 miles away
North Carolina
Moderate
4.2 miles 600 ft
Queens Falls waterfall

Queens Falls

8.1 miles away
North Carolina
Moderate
2.5 miles 300 ft
Ray Falls waterfall

Ray Falls

19.2 miles away
Tennessee
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Little Creek Falls waterfall

Little Creek Falls

34.8 miles away
North Carolina
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Mingo Falls waterfall

Mingo Falls

6.4 miles away
North Carolina
Moderate
0.4 miles 160 ft

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near Knoxville

Are there free waterfalls near Knoxville?

There are 16 free waterfalls near Knoxville, including Bald River Falls.

Are there easy waterfall hikes near Knoxville?

There are 6 easy waterfall hikes near Knoxville, including Bald River Falls.

Are there dog friendly waterfalls in Knoxville?

There are 13 dog-friendly waterfalls near Knoxville, including Bald River Falls.

Are there kid-friendly waterfalls near Knoxville?

There are 17 kid-friendly waterfalls near Knoxville, including Abrams Falls.

Can you swim in any waterfalls near Knoxville?

There are 2 waterfalls that allow swimming near Knoxville, including Lower Falls.

What is the shortest waterfall hike near Knoxville?

The shortest waterfall hike near Knoxville is Abrams Falls at 0.1 miles round trip.

How tall are the waterfalls near Knoxville?

The tallest waterfall near Knoxville is Mingo Falls at 120 feet.

Can I camp near the waterfalls around Knoxville?

Yes, 27 waterfalls near Knoxville have nearby campgrounds.

What is the closest waterfall to Knoxville?

The closest waterfall to Knoxville is Abrams Falls, approximately 20.6 miles away.

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Where to Stay

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