Eagle Falls
Tennessee • 44 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (2)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Eagle Falls
Eagle Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Tennessee. It is known for its scenic beauty and proximity to the larger Cumberland Falls, often referred to as the 'Niagara of the South.' Eagle Falls is a smaller but equally captivating waterfall that offers a more secluded experience for visitors.
The Setting
Eagle Falls sits at 784 feet in the foothills of Tennessee. The falls drop 44 feet.
Height: 44 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 1.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The Eagle Falls Trail #9 is a moderately challenging trail that features rocky terrain, some steep sections, and beautiful views of the Cumberland River. The trail leads to Eagle Falls, where visitors can enjoy the serene waterfall and its surrounding natural beauty.
What to Expect
The falls drop 44 feet. 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 Eagle Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Eagle Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are the best times to visit Eagle Falls due to mild weather and vibrant foliage. Summer is also popular, but the trail can be hot and humid. Winter visits are possible but may require extra caution due to icy conditions.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail includes steep and rocky sections, so caution is advised. Avoid hiking during or after heavy rainfall, as the trail can become slippery. Stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Duck River, 13.4 miles away, not on Eagle Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
340 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 11 years of record
7.47 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual 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 DUCK RIVER NEAR SHADY GROVE, TN. (22 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
340 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
284 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
267 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
296 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
282 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
295 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
344 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, widespread frost then sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early February to early March, peaking in February.
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 Summertown hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Eagle Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
Eagle 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
- 350 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 shows the creek losing roughly 58 feet through Eagle Falls over a long run of ledges. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 44 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 787 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 85 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 87 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northeast, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 787 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 58 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Eagle Falls is located within Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. The trailhead to Eagle Falls is accessible from the Cumberland Falls parking area. Visitors can follow signs to the Eagle Falls Trail #9.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Cumberland Falls parking area. It is free and typically has ample space, but it can get crowded during peak seasons.
Elevation
784 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.530908° N, -87.314457° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start your hike early in the day to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough daylight for the return trip. Bring plenty of water, wear sturdy hiking shoes, and be cautious on the rocky sections of the trail. Check weather conditions before your visit, as the trail can become slippery after rain.
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With 1.5 miles and 200 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
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.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Hampton Inn By Hilton Lawrenceburg
Comfort Suites Columbia I-65
David Crockett Motel
Candlewood Suites - Columbia by IHG
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
Cumberland Falls, also known as the 'Niagara of the South,' is a must-see attraction located nearby. The park also offers other hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks.
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter deer, birds, and other small wildlife along the trail. Be cautious of snakes, especially in warmer months.
Cities near Eagle Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Eagle Falls
6 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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