LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Copperas Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
2.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Copperas Falls
Copperas Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Tennessee, known for its serene surroundings and natural beauty. The waterfall is tucked away in a forested area, making it a peaceful destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Copperas Falls is a relatively short and easy hike through a forested area. The path is well-shaded and features gentle terrain, making it suitable for most visitors. The trail may be muddy after rain, so proper footwear is recommended.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Copperas Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Copperas Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically stronger due to seasonal rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail may be slippery after rain, and visitors should exercise caution near the waterfall to avoid slipping on wet rocks. Always stay on marked trails.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Richland Creek, 10.7 miles away, not on Copperas Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
124 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 17 years of record
5.85 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge RICHLAND CREEK AT HWY 64 BYPASS AT PULASKI, TN (17 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
124 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
127 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
126 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
134 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
141 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
136 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
151 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, widespread frost then mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to mid March, peaking in March.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Leoma hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Copperas Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Copperas Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 47°F to 35°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 133 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
1-meter lidar measures about 21 feet of drop in the ground within a few hundred feet of Copperas Falls. Elevation at the pin is about 779 feet.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 779 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 21 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Copperas Falls is located near the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in Tennessee. Access typically involves driving to a trailhead and hiking to the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the trailhead, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
748 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.139526° N, -87.240572° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and secure parking. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes, especially if visiting after rain when the trail may be slippery. Bug spray is recommended during warmer months.
Where to Stay
Hampton Inn By Hilton Lawrenceburg
David Crockett Motel
Secluded Getaway on 40 Acres in Lawrenceburg!
Best Western Plus Lawrenceburg
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area offers additional hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and opportunities for outdoor activities.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious of snakes during warmer months.
Cities near Copperas Falls
Other waterfalls named Copperas Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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