LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Marcella Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Marcella Falls
Marcella Falls is a picturesque waterfall located near the Natchez Trace Parkway in Tennessee. It is a serene spot surrounded by natural beauty, often visited by locals and hikers seeking a peaceful retreat.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Marcella Falls is a short and relatively easy hike, making it suitable for most visitors. The path is mostly flat with some uneven terrain, and it leads through a wooded area before reaching the waterfall.
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 Marcella Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Marcella Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically stronger due to seasonal rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Check weather conditions before visiting, as heavy rain can make the trail muddy and more challenging. Always stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Richland Creek, 14.4 miles away, not on Marcella Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
124 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 17 years of record
5.85 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average 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 RICHLAND CREEK AT HWY 64 BYPASS AT PULASKI, TN (23 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
124 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
127 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
126 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
134 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
141 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
136 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
151 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 mid 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 Ethridge hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Marcella Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Marcella 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
- 133 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 32 feet of drop in the ground within a few hundred feet of Marcella Falls. The brink sits at about 850 feet above sea level.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 850 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 32 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Marcella Falls is located near Hampshire, Tennessee, and can be accessed via local roads off the Natchez Trace Parkway. Specific directions may vary, so using a GPS or map is recommended.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available near the trailhead, but it may be limited. Visitors should plan to arrive early, especially during weekends or peak seasons.
Elevation
853 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.363411° N, -87.214457° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may have uneven sections. Bring water and snacks, and consider visiting early in the day to avoid crowds. Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall.
Where to Stay
Hampton Inn By Hilton Lawrenceburg
Comfort Suites Columbia I-65
David Crockett Motel
Best Western Plus Lawrenceburg
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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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
The Natchez Trace Parkway offers additional hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. Nearby towns like Columbia and Hampshire provide dining and shopping options.
Wildlife
The area is home to various birds, deer, and other small wildlife. Visitors should be mindful of their surroundings and avoid disturbing the animals.
Cities near Marcella Falls
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