LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Deer Lick Falls
Tennessee • 15 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
50 ft
About Deer Lick Falls
Deer Lick Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Monteagle area of Tennessee. It is a serene and relatively small waterfall surrounded by lush forest, making it a peaceful destination for nature lovers.
The Setting
Deer Lick Falls sits at 1,791 feet along the Elk River, in the hills of Tennessee. The falls drop 15 feet.
Height: 15 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 50 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Deer Lick Falls is a short and easy hike through a wooded area. It features a well-maintained path with minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for most visitors. The trail leads directly to the base of the waterfall.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 15 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Deer Lick Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Deer Lick Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are the best times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically stronger during these seasons, and the surrounding foliage is particularly beautiful.
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, so exercise caution. Stay on the marked trail to avoid damaging the environment or getting lost.
Current Water Conditions
51 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 61 years of record
2.42 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge ELK RIVER NEAR PELHAM, TN (7 km away).
Today
Roaring
58 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
51 cfs
9/10Tue
Roaring
45 cfs
9/10Wed
Roaring
48 cfs
9/10Thu
Roaring
46 cfs
9/10Fri
Roaring
51 cfs
9/10Sat
Roaring
63 cfs
6/10Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to late March, peaking in January.
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 Tracy City hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
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 199 feet of descent through Deer Lick Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 15 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 1,790 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 114 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 189 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,790 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 199 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Deer Lick Falls is located within The Retreat at Deer Lick Falls, a private community near Monteagle, Tennessee. Visitors can access the falls via a short trail from the community area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available near the trailhead within The Retreat at Deer Lick Falls community.
Elevation
1,791 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.272024° N, -85.793586° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy after rain. Bring water and a camera to capture the scenic beauty. Check with The Retreat at Deer Lick Falls for any access restrictions or updates.
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For this easy 0.6 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
OR Sombriolet Sun Hat
UPF 50+ sun protection with vents so your head doesn't cook on exposed trail sections.
Where to Stay
Quality Inn Monteagle
Comfort Suites Manchester near Arnold AFB
The Smoke House Lodge
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Manchester - Arnold AFB
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
Nearby attractions include South Cumberland State Park and the Fiery Gizzard Trail, both offering additional hiking opportunities.
Wildlife
The area is home to various birds, small mammals, and insects. Visitors may also see wildflowers during the spring.
Cities near Deer Lick Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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Other waterfalls named Deer Lick Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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