Are there fees or permits required for Stinging Fork Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Stinging Fork Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Stinging Fork Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Stinging Fork Falls.

Live Conditions · 1 ft³/s · About average

Stinging Fork Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Stinging Fork Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Stinging Fork Falls.

Tennessee • 30 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Cumberland Trail SP · OTHS

Photo Credits (5)

Kebil00 CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About Stinging Fork Falls

Stinging Fork Falls is a 30-foot cascade tucked into the Stinging Fork Falls State Natural Area near Spring City in Rhea County, Tennessee. Designated a Tennessee Class II Natural‑Scientific State Scenic Area, the site is managed by OTHS and lies within the Cumberland Trail land unit. The falls drop into a small, tree‑lined gorge and a peaceful plunge pool, making it a favorite short outing for photographers and day hikers seeking a scenic pay‑off for a relatively brief walk. The maintained trail from the parking area runs about 1 mile one‑way (2.0 miles round trip) with roughly 300 feet of elevation change and terminates at the bottom of the falls. A future segment of the Cumberland Trail is planned to connect directly to Stinging Fork Falls, which will open up longer route options. Come prepared with sturdy footwear for the rocky descent into the gorge and enjoy a compact, scenic hike managed as part of the Cumberland Trail unit by OTHS.

The Setting

Stinging Fork Falls sits at 1,411 feet within Cumberland Trail, fed by the Basses Creek, in the foothills of Tennessee. The falls drop 30 feet.

Height: 30 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Upper Piney Falls (80 ft) lies 3.6 miles to the east. Also nearby: Laurel Falls (80 ft, 9.5 mi) and Lower Piney Falls (40 ft, 3.5 mi).

Upper Piney Falls Laurel Falls Lower Piney Falls

Trail & Hike Details

2.0 mi distance 300 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 2.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 300 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Out-and-back, 2.0 miles round trip (≈1.0 mile each way) with about 300 feet of elevation gain; rated moderate. The trail is a narrow, often rocky and uneven singletrack that drops into a small gorge before reaching the base of the 30‑foot waterfall (the trail terminates at the falls). Average grade on the ascent is roughly 5–6% given the one‑mile climb back to the parking area. Expect rocky footing and some short, steeper pitches on the return; the route is best suited to hikers comfortable on uneven terrain. Managed by OTHS as part of the Cumberland Trail land unit, the path currently serves as a short out‑and‑back destination, with a planned Cumberland Trail segment intended to provide a direct connection in the future.

What to Expect

The falls drop 30 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 Stinging Fork Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Stinging Fork Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest after seasonal rains. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a quieter experience with potential ice formations around the falls.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Safety Information

The trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Wear appropriate footwear and exercise caution near the waterfall and on steep sections of the trail. Watch for snakes and avoid venturing too close to the edge of the gorge.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Strong

1 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

0 1 3 35

Based on 14 years of record

2.39 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.

BASSES CREEK AT LAKE TANSI NR CROSSVILLE,TN

USGS 03538970

11.5 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 8 sq mi

Altitude: 1,789 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge BASSES CREEK AT LAKE TANSI NR CROSSVILLE,TN (18 km away).

Moderate confidence

Strong right now

1 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Roaring

1 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

1 cfs

9/10

Tue

Strong

1 cfs

10/10

Wed

Strong

1 cfs

10/10

Thu

Strong

2 cfs

10/10

Fri

Strong

1 cfs

10/10

Sat

Roaring

2 cfs

6/10

Best window: Tue — strong flow, sunny (trip score 10/10).

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 Spring City 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.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 220 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 30 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 1,415 feet.

The whole reach is steep: about 197 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 233 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Stinging Fork Falls near Spring City, Tennessee, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Stinging Fork Falls near Spring City, Tennessee, showing about 220 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing north

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 1,415 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 220 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: North; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Stinging Fork Falls is located off Shut-In Gap Road near Spring City, Tennessee. Visitors can access the trailhead via a small parking area at the entrance to the Stinging Fork Falls State Natural Area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area available at the trailhead. Parking is free but may be limited during peak times.

Elevation

1,411 feet above sea level

Coordinates

35.721127° N, -84.927073° W

Land Management

Cumberland Trail SP

Managed by OTHS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends or peak seasons. Bring plenty of water and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Be cautious on the descent to the falls, as the trail can be steep and slippery.

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With 2.0 miles and 300 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.