Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
10.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Snow Falls
Snow Falls tumbles through the sandstone cliffs of Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau, set within the Laurel Snow Pocket Designated State Natural Area (commonly called Laurel-Snow). The area’s mix of rugged rock outcrops and lush forest makes the falls a favorite for photographers and day-hikers seeking a classic plateau cascade. The natural area is designated SCA and is managed by SPR, which helps protect the site’s quiet, wooded character and trail access. Plan for a moderately paced outing—Snow Falls and the surrounding Laurel-Snow pockets offer a compact but rewarding taste of the Plateau’s scenery. The setting feels remote despite being a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, with shaded river corridors and rocky viewpoints that invite lingering and exploration.
The Setting
Snow Falls sits at 1,686 feet within Laurel Snow Pocket Designated State Natural Area, in the hills of Tennessee.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail: 2.4 miles round trip (out-and-back) with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty: Moderate. The route follows well-used footpaths through dense forest and over rocky terrain; expect uneven footing and some steep approaches as you near the falls. The trail is an out-and-back type and is suitable for most hikers in reasonably good condition. (No USFS trail number/class/surface data was provided.)
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Snow Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Snow Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are the best times to visit Snow Falls, as the weather is mild and the waterfall flow is typically stronger. Summer is also popular but can be hot and humid.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Watch for loose rocks and steep drop-offs. Always stay on marked trails and carry a map or GPS device. Cell phone service may be limited in the area.
Know when to go.
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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 88 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,671 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 50 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 37 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
- 1,671 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 88 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
Snow Falls is accessed via the Laurel-Snow Trail, which begins at the Laurel-Snow State Natural Area parking lot near Dayton, Tennessee. The trailhead is located off Back Valley Road.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area at the trailhead for the Laurel-Snow State Natural Area. Parking is free but may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
1,686 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.546594° N, -85.038657° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring plenty of water, as the trail is long and challenging. Start early to allow enough time to complete the hike before dusk. Be cautious on rocky sections and near the waterfall, as the terrain can be slippery.
Where to Stay
Sleep Inn & Suites Dayton South
Econo Lodge Dayton North
Best Western Dayton
Comfort Inn Dayton South
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
Laurel Falls, Buzzard Point, and the Cumberland Trail are nearby attractions within the Laurel-Snow State Natural Area.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious of snakes, especially during warmer months.
Cities near Snow Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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