Are there fees or permits required for Northrup Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Northrup Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Northrup Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Northrup Falls.

Live Conditions · 35 ft³/s · About average

Northrup Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Northrup Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Northrup Falls.

Tennessee • 60 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Colditz Cove Designated State Natural Area SCA · SDC

Photo Credits (2)

tjtj CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

super-structure CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.3 miles

Trail Type

Loop

Elevation Gain

200 ft

About Northrup Falls

Northrup Falls is a picturesque 60-foot cascade tucked into the Colditz Cove Designated State Natural Area in Tennessee. Owned by SDC and managed by SPR, the natural area surrounds the falls with mature, forested slopes that make this a peaceful spot for a short day outing or a quick photo stop. The setting feels intimate and wooded, ideal for those seeking an easy escape into nature without a long drive or a strenuous climb. The most common route to the falls is a short loop trail that keeps the outing accessible to families and casual hikers. At only 1.3 miles round-trip with about 200 feet of elevation gain, the hike is generally rated easy and rewards visitors with close-up views of the falls from multiple vantage points. Because the site is within a designated State Natural Area, expect a well-maintained, low-impact experience focused on enjoying the forest and the waterfall.

The Setting

Northrup Falls sits at 1,562 feet within Colditz Cove Designated State Natural Area, fed by the Clear Fork, in the hills of Tennessee. The falls drop 60 feet.

Height: 60 feet

Trail & Hike Details

1.3 mi distance 200 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy 1.3-mile loop trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Trail summary: 1.3-mile loop, ~200 feet elevation gain, difficulty: easy, trail type: loop. The route is a short, well-established forest footpath with relatively gentle grades—suitable for most hikers and families. Specific USFS trail name/number, surface, and technical class data were not provided for this route; the trail is managed as part of the Colditz Cove Designated State Natural Area (land owner SDC, manager SPR).

What to Expect

The falls drop 60 feet. 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 Northrup Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Northrup Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to seasonal rainfall. Fall offers stunning foliage, while winter provides a quieter experience with potential ice formations around the falls.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Exercise caution near the waterfall, as rocks can be slippery. Be aware of ticks and other insects in the area. Cell phone service may be limited, so plan accordingly.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Roaring

35 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

4 7 69 245

Based on 85 years of record

1.55 ft

Water depth at gauge

69°F

Cool

Refreshing for swimming

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a refreshing 69 degrees F, good for a quick swim. Expect adequate dissolved oxygen levels. PH is normal at 7.2 and mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

7.4 mg/L

Dissolved Oxygen

Good

Adequate oxygen levels

7.2

Normal

Within healthy range (6.5-8.5)

60 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

CLEAR FORK NEAR ROBBINS, TN

USGS 03409500

13.6 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 272 sq mi

Altitude: 1,081 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge CLEAR FORK NEAR ROBBINS, TN (22 km away).

Moderate confidence

Roaring right now

35 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

35 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

40 cfs

9/10

Tue

Roaring

40 cfs

9/10

Wed

Roaring

50 cfs

9/10

Thu

Roaring

44 cfs

9/10

Fri

Roaring

44 cfs

9/10

Sat

Roaring

50 cfs

6/10

Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).

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.

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 98 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 60 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,562 feet above sea level.

Water arrives on almost flat ground and leaves through a ravine that loses about 81 feet in the first 500 feet below the falls. Facing south, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Northrup Falls near Allardt, Tennessee, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Northrup Falls near Allardt, Tennessee, showing about 98 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing south

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 1,562 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 98 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.

Ground profile through the falls

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

Northrup Falls is located in the Colditz Cove State Natural Area, near Allardt, Tennessee. Visitors can access the trailhead via Northrup Falls Road, which is off Highway 52.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area near the trailhead, which can accommodate a limited number of vehicles. Arrive early during peak seasons to secure a spot.

Elevation

1,562 feet above sea level

Coordinates

36.358127° N, -84.871892° W

Land Management

Colditz Cove Designated State Natural Area SCA

Managed by SPR

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy or slippery, especially after rain. Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities on-site.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

This easy 1.3 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. 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.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

Osprey Daylite Daypack

Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.

Where to Stay

Black House Mountain ATV Campground

9.2 6 reviews

5 Star with Direct Access to Brimstone Recreation Game Room Comfortable Up to 4 Bedrooms Stylish

10.0 5 reviews

Big South Fork Lodge

9.2 50 reviews

'Sunset Blue' Family-Friendly Home in Byrdstown!

See all hotels near Clarkrange

Cabins & Rentals VRBO

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

BANDY CREEK

13.3 miles away · 145 sites

Reservable

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.gov

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions include Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and Pickett State Park, both of which offer additional hiking and outdoor activities.

Wildlife

The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also encounter native plants and wildflowers along the trail.