LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Magendanz Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainAbout Magendanz Falls
Magendanz Falls is a quiet, lesser-known waterfall tucked into Tennessee’s wooded hills, offering a peaceful reward for hikers looking to escape the crowds. The cascade drops through a canopy of hardwoods and rhododendron, making it an inviting spot for photography, picnics, and a shady rest on warm days. Its tucked-away setting gives the falls a true hidden-gem feel for nature lovers and photographers alike. There’s no nearby campground within 10 km, so day-use is most common; check local trail reports before you go and bring water and sturdy shoes for the approach.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Official USFS trail surface/grade/class information is not available for this route. Hikers should plan on a moderate forest hike—bring sturdy footwear and check local resources or recent trip reports for current conditions before setting out.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a peaceful and scenic waterfall surrounded by natural forest. The area may be less crowded due to its relative obscurity.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Magendanz Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Magendanz Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as water flow is likely to be higher due to seasonal rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Trail conditions may be uneven or slippery, especially after rain. Visitors should exercise caution and avoid visiting during severe weather.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Clear Fork, 14.5 miles away, not on Magendanz Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
15 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 85 years of record
1.30 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 CLEAR FORK NEAR ROBBINS, TN (23 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
15 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
18 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
19 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
18 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
20 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
23 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
25 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 late January to early April, 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 Allardt hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Magendanz Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Magendanz Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 41°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
- 16 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.
The ground through the falls loses about 138 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,540 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 33 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 101 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest 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
- 1,540 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 138 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- 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 southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Specific directions to Magendanz Falls are not widely documented. Visitors are advised to consult local hiking resources or maps for accurate guidance.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear. Visitors may need to park along nearby roads or at designated trailheads if available.
Elevation
1,512 feet above sea level
Coordinates
36.363700° N, -84.889596° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring a map or GPS device as the trail may not be well-marked. Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for varying trail conditions.
Where to Stay
Black House Mountain ATV Campground
5 Star with Direct Access to Brimstone Recreation Game Room Comfortable Up to 4 Bedrooms Stylish
Big South Fork Lodge
'Sunset Blue' Family-Friendly Home in Byrdstown!
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
BANDY CREEK
13.7 miles away · 145 sites
Overview Bandy Creek is a spacious and modern campground, situated in The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area--a vast and scenic expanse of land that offers visitors countless recreational activities.Recreation Numerous trails snake through the Recreation Area, offering mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding for visitors. A swimming pool, along with on-site volleyball court, playgrounds and ball fields, make Bandy Creek an ideal spot for families. The main river of the Big Sou
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls and hiking trails in Tennessee may be nearby, but specific attractions are not documented.
Wildlife
The area may host typical Tennessee wildlife such as birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of snakes and other potentially hazardous animals.
Cities near Magendanz Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Writing about Magendanz Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.