Pilot Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (3)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
2.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Pilot Falls
Pilot Falls is a scenic waterfall located in Tennessee, known for its serene surroundings and natural beauty. It is a lesser-known destination, offering visitors a peaceful retreat into nature.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 2.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Pilot Falls is a moderately challenging hike through wooded terrain. It features some uneven paths and a gradual incline, making it suitable for hikers with some experience. The trail may be muddy or slippery after rain.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a peaceful hike through forested areas leading to a picturesque waterfall. The area around the falls is typically quiet and offers a great spot for relaxation or photography.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Pilot Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Pilot Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Pilot Falls, 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
Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and uneven trail conditions. Always stay on marked trails and avoid venturing too close to the edge of the falls.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Basses Creek, 9.5 miles away, not on Pilot Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
9 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 14 years of record
2.73 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing higher 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 BASSES CREEK AT LAKE TANSI NR CROSSVILLE,TN (15 km away).
Today
Moderate
9 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Moderate
9 cfs
9/10Tue
Moderate
5 cfs
9/10Wed
Moderate
6 cfs
9/10Thu
Moderate
4 cfs
9/10Fri
Moderate
7 cfs
9/10Sat
Moderate
6 cfs
9/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, widespread frost then sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to late March, peaking in December.
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 Pleasant Hill hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Pilot Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Pilot Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 42°F to 34°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 10 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 110 feet of descent through Pilot Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 1,517 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 123 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 27 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,517 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 110 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Pilot Falls is located in Tennessee, but specific directions to the trailhead or parking area are not widely documented. Visitors are encouraged to consult local maps or hiking resources for accurate navigation.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear, but visitors may need to park along nearby roads or designated areas if available.
Elevation
1,516 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.893400° N, -85.216077° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, especially after rain, as the trail can be slippery. Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities nearby. Check weather conditions before heading out.
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With 2.0 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
Quality Inn Crossville Near Cumberland Mountain State Park
Comfort Suites Crossville
Hampton Inn Crossville
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Cookeville, TN
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
Other nearby natural attractions in Tennessee may include additional waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks.
Wildlife
The area may feature common Tennessee wildlife such as deer, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious of snakes and other potentially hazardous animals.
Cities near Pilot Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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