Jacks Rock Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (1)
About Jacks Rock Falls
Jacks Rock Falls (also written Jack Rock or Jack's Rock) is a whitewater rapid on Clear Creek a short distance downstream of Lilly Bridge, in the Obed Wild and Scenic River managed by the National Park Service. It is a named drop on the paddlers' Lilly-to-Nemo run, not a tall waterfall. No maintained hiking trail leads to it.
The Setting
Jacks Rock Falls sits at 1,073 feet within Obed Wild and Scenic River, in the foothills of Tennessee.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
There is no maintained trail to this rapid. NPS trails starting at the Lilly Bridge lots include the Bridge Trail (0.5 mile one way, moderate to strenuous) and the Overlook Trail (0.3 mile one way, easy).
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The creek itself is not accessible. The nearby Overlook Trail is gravel and boardwalk and is passable with wheelchairs with minimal help.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Jacks Rock Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Pets are allowed in the Obed Wild and Scenic River on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Jacks Rock Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall flow is usually strongest during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check the National Park Service website for current conditions.
Safety Information
Clear Creek is free-flowing and conditions can change quickly, especially after rain. Use caution wading or scrambling near the rapid.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Clear Creek, 0.4 miles away, not on Jacks Rock Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
6 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 29 years of record
3.83 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge CLEAR CREEK AT LILLY BRIDGE NEAR LANCING, TN (1 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
6 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
5 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
5 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
4 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
4 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
4 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
3 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
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 Wartburg hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Jacks Rock Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Jacks Rock Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 44°F to 38°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 6 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 162 feet of descent through Jacks Rock Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 1,075 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 163 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 98 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,075 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 162 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
From the Obed visitor center in Wartburg, take TN-62 west toward Lancing, then follow Ridge Road down into Clear Creek Gorge to Lilly Bridge. The rapid is on Clear Creek just downstream of the bridge.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Two NPS parking lots sit on either side of Lilly Bridge, with vault toilets and accessible parking next to the restrooms.
Elevation
1,073 feet above sea level
Coordinates
36.099796° N, -84.712999° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes due to uneven terrain. Bring insect repellent, especially in warmer months, and carry plenty of water. Cell service may be limited, so plan accordingly.
Where to Stay
Comfort Inn Harriman
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Crossville by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Harriman by IHG
Comfort Suites Crossville
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.
Nearby Campground
Rock Creek Campground (TN)
3.4 miles away · 11 sites
Overview Rock Creek Campground is located near the Emory River in the Obed Wild and Scenic River.Recreation Whitewater paddling is available seasonally in the Obed WSR. Rock climbing is another challenging activity, as is boulder climbing. The Obed WSR sports several unique trails for hikers, most notably the Point Trail and a portion of the Cumberland Trail. Those who like to fish will enjoy the Obed WSR, as a variety of bass, bluegill, catfish and other fish populate the river. Birdwatching is
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Lilly Bluff Overlook, the Lilly climbing area, the Boulder Field Trail and the Point Trail (3.8 miles round trip) all start near Lilly Bridge.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be aware of the potential presence of snakes and other wildlife.
Cities near Jacks Rock Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Writing about Jacks Rock Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.