Little Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (2)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
1.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Little Falls
Little Falls is a small, picturesque cascade tucked inside the Old Stone Fort state unit (SP) and managed by OTHS. The falls sit in a peaceful, forested setting that makes for a quick escape from the everyday — ideal for photographers, families, or hikers looking for a short nature retreat within the park. The site’s intimate scale and shady surroundings create a quiet spot to listen to rushing water and enjoy a picnic beside the stream. Access to Little Falls is straightforward but pleasantly primitive: a compact hike through the park leads you to the viewpoint and pool. Because the feature is on park-managed land (Old Stone Fort, managed by OTHS), visitors can pair the waterfall visit with other nearby park features and day-use areas for a full half-day outing.
The Setting
Little Falls sits at 955 feet within Old Stone Fort, fed by the Duck River, in the foothills of Tennessee.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 1.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Trail type: 1.6-mile out-and-back. Distance: 1.6 miles round trip. Elevation gain: ~200 feet. Difficulty: Moderate. The path is a natural, unpaved foot trail that winds through forested terrain and includes some rocky sections and short steeps; footing can be uneven in places. This is a non-technical day hike suitable for hikers comfortable with moderate grades and rockier surfaces.
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 Little Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $0.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Little Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Little Falls is during spring or after rainfall, when the water flow is at its peak. Fall is also a great time to enjoy the colorful foliage.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The rocks around the waterfall can be slippery, especially after rain. Exercise caution and stay on marked trails. Watch for uneven footing and avoid climbing on wet rocks.
Current Water Conditions
14 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 79 years of record
-0.09 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge DUCK RIVER BELOW MANCHESTER, TN (2 km away).
Today
Strong
14 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Strong
15 cfs
10/10Thu
Strong
15 cfs
10/10Fri
Roaring
17 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
18 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
18 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
17 cfs
6/10Best window: Tomorrow — strong flow, sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early February to late 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 Manchester 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 bare-earth surface loses about 70 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 954 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 57 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 34 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
- 954 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 70 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
Little Falls is located within Rock Island State Park in Tennessee. Visitors can access the park via Highway 136 or Highway 287. Specific directions to the trailhead leading to Little Falls can be obtained from the park's visitor center.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at designated areas within Rock Island State Park. Visitors should follow signs to the trailhead for Little Falls.
Elevation
955 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.484046° N, -86.104067° W
Land Management
Managed by OTHS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trail can be rocky and uneven. Bring water and snacks, especially during warmer months. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the trail may become muddy after rain.
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With 1.6 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
Comfort Suites Manchester near Arnold AFB
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Manchester - Arnold AFB
Best Western Manchester
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Manchester - Newly Renovated
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
Other attractions in Rock Island State Park include Twin Falls, Great Falls, and the Blue Hole swimming area.
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter deer, birds, and other small wildlife along the trail.
Cities near Little Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Little Falls
27 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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