Piney Creek Falls
Tennessee • 95 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Piney Creek Falls
Piney Creek Falls drops a dramatic 95-foot (29 m) plunge along Piney Creek in Fall Creek Falls State Park, a short drive from Spencer, Tennessee. The falls sit about a mile above Piney Creek’s confluence with Cane Creek and are framed by the park’s dense hardwood forest, making the overlook a peaceful spot for photos and picnics. The park manages access and visitor facilities, so the site is an easy stop while exploring the larger park. A well-marked trail leads to a high overlook that provides sweeping views of the falls and the gorge below. There is no developed trail to the base of Piney Creek Falls; reaching the foot of the waterfall requires a technical rappel or a rugged route up Piney Creek Gorge, so most visitors stick to the overlook and nearby viewpoints. The setting is especially atmospheric after rain when the creek runs full and the forest is lush.
The Setting
Piney Creek Falls sits at 1,493 feet in the foothills of Tennessee. The falls drop 95 feet.
Height: 95 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Fall Creek Falls (256 ft) lies 1.7 miles to the east. Also nearby: Cane Creek Falls (85 ft, 2.0 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Difficulty: moderate. Trail type: out-and-back. The route is a well-maintained park trail that climbs steadily to an overlook above Piney Creek Falls; sections can be slick after rain, so good footwear is recommended. The trail ends at the overlook—there is no maintained trail to the base of the falls, which can only be reached by rappel or a rugged hike up the Piney Creek Gorge.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 95 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Piney Creek Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Piney Creek Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are the best times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically stronger, and the surrounding foliage is vibrant.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Stay on the marked trail and avoid getting too close to the edge of the overlook, as the gorge is steep and can be dangerous. The trail may be slippery after rain, so exercise caution.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Calfkiller River, 18.1 miles away, not on Piney Creek Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
19 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 9 years of record
2.96 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
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge CALFKILLER RIVER AT HWY 70 AT SPARTA, TN (29 km away).
Today
Moderate
19 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
19 cfs
8/10Tue
Moderate
19 cfs
8/10Wed
Moderate
18 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
17 cfs
8/10Fri
Moderate
16 cfs
8/10Sat
Moderate
17 cfs
8/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, widespread frost then sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early February 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 Spencer hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Piney Creek Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Piney Creek Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 41°F to 33°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 19 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 204 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 95 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 1,493 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 161 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 231 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southeast, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,493 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 204 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Piney Creek Falls is located within Fall Creek Falls State Park in Tennessee. The trailhead can be accessed from the Piney Falls parking area, which is well-marked within the park.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area near the trailhead for Piney Creek Falls. Parking is free but may fill up during peak seasons.
Elevation
1,493 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.673123° N, -85.384137° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds. Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be slippery. Bring a camera to capture the stunning views.
Where to Stay
The Way Inn by OYO Spencer
Gas fireplace, firepit, and cedar Adirondack chair
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Crossville by IHG
Comfort Suites Crossville
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
Fall Creek Falls, Cane Creek Falls, and the Fall Creek Falls State Park Nature Center are all nearby and worth visiting.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Keep an eye out for native flora and fauna along the trail.
Cities near Piney Creek Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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