Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.3 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
100 ft
About Falling Water Falls
Falling Water Falls is a striking 110-foot cascade tucked into the Falling Water Falls Designated State Natural Area, managed by SPR. The drop and surrounding rock outcrops make a dramatic focal point for photographers and day-hikers alike, and the site’s compact setting allows visitors to enjoy a big waterfall without a long approach. Located in the greater Chattanooga region, the falls are known for their scenic pool and verdant banks that swell in spring runoff. Access is straightforward: a short, family-friendly hike brings you to a well-defined viewing area where you can watch the water spill over the ledge. The route’s brevity and modest elevation change make the falls an easy half-day stop while exploring state natural areas nearby; note that official land ownership details are managed under the Falling Water Falls Designated State Natural Area (SPR).
The Setting
Falling Water Falls sits at 1,407 feet within Falling Water Falls Designated State Natural Area, in the foothills of Tennessee. At 110 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Tennessee.
Height: 110 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.3-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Trail type: out-and-back. Distance: 0.3 miles. Elevation gain: approximately 100 feet. Difficulty: easy. The trail is a short, direct approach that gains about 100 feet over its length and ends at a primary viewing area for the 110-foot waterfall. Surface, grade, and USFS trail class/number data are not available for this route.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 110 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 Falling Water Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Falling Water Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to seasonal rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the edge of the waterfall, as rocks can be slippery. Avoid visiting during heavy rain or storms, as conditions may become hazardous.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge NORTH CHICKAMAUGA CR AT MILE STRAIGHT, TN (7 km away).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to early 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 Falling Water 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.
The laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 297 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 110 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 1,412 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 221 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 229 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,412 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 297 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
Falling Water Falls is located in the Falling Water Falls State Natural Area, approximately 10 miles north of downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. Visitors can access the trailhead via Falling Water Road.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but spaces may be limited, especially during peak seasons.
Elevation
1,407 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.189835° N, -85.282525° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to secure parking, especially on weekends. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be slippery. Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the falls.
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For this easy 0.3 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
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.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Where to Stay
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Hixson
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chattanooga-Hixson by IHG
The Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chattanooga Downtown/South
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Chickamauga Battlefield Group Campground
18.1 miles away · 9 sites
Overview THIS IS NOT A PUBLIC CAMPGROUND. SCOUTS AND CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS ONLY. These sites are for overnight camping by organized non-profit (501c) youth groups (scouts, church youth groups) under adult supervision for the purpose of education of the historic resources of the battlefield. Due to limited space and facilities, camping for solely recreational purposes is not allowed. Groups must choose sites according to the size of their group. Recreation Hiking, biking, and horseback riding are p
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Signal Mountain, the Tennessee River Gorge, and downtown Chattanooga.
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter birds, squirrels, and other small wildlife typical of the region.
Cities near Falling Water Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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Other waterfalls named Falling Water Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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