The Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
2.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
300 ft
About The Falls
Tucked into the rugged sandstone country of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and managed by the National Park Service, The Falls offers a peaceful cascade framed by mixed hardwood forest and the park’s characteristic gorges. The Big South Fork unit spans parts of Tennessee and Kentucky and protects the gorge of the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River; portions of the river are designated Wild and Scenic (WSR), adding to the area’s scenic and recreational importance. The NPS manages access and stewardship here, so expect maintained trails and guidance consistent with park regulations. The Falls is a favorite short outing for hikers and photographers looking for a quick nature escape. Camping is convenient for multi-day trips: Bandy Creek Campground lies about 4.22 km away, making early starts or overnight plans easy to arrange. Follow NPS signage and seasonal notices, pack out what you pack in, and bring sturdy footwear — the setting is scenic but naturally rugged.
The Setting
The Falls sits at 850 feet within Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, in the foothills of Tennessee.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 2.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 300 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
This is a 2.5-mile out-and-back route with roughly 300 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. The path winds through forested terrain and includes some rocky, uneven sections; it’s generally well-marked but can become muddy after rain, so good traction is recommended. The route is managed as part of the National Park Service’s Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (there is no USFS trail number for this NPS-managed route). Trail surface and technical class data from USFS sources are not applicable for this NPS trail; hikers should expect natural dirt tread with intermittent rock and root obstacles and a moderate grade over the route.
What to Expect
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 The Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Leashed pets are allowed on Big South Fork trails, but some trails have ladders and rock ledges that dogs may need help with.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at The Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may provide a quieter experience.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check the National Park Service website for current conditions.
Safety Information
The rocks near the waterfall can be slippery, especially after rain. Visitors should exercise caution and avoid climbing on wet or unstable surfaces. Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on South Fork Cumberland River, 1.6 miles away, not on The Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
95 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 31 years of record
4.55 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge SOUTH FK CUMBERLAND RIVER AT LEATHERWOOD FORD, TN (3 km away).
Today
Low
95 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Low
109 cfs
4/10Fri
Moderate
104 cfs
5/10Sat
Low
96 cfs
6/10Sun
Low
92 cfs
6/10Mon
Low
126 cfs
6/10Tue
Low
115 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to early March, peaking in January.
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 Oneida hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is The Falls Frozen?
Updated about 4 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
The Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 73°F to 36°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 99 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 76 feet of drop through The Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 856 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 20 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 55 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 856 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 76 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The Falls is accessible via a trailhead located in a rural area of Tennessee. Visitors should use GPS or local maps to navigate to the parking area, as signage may be limited.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but availability may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
850 feet above sea level
Coordinates
36.495354° N, -84.651051° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, especially after rain, as the trail can be muddy and slippery. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds. Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
With 2.5 miles and 300 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.
America the Beautiful Annual Pass
Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.
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
Black House Mountain ATV Campground
Big South Fork Lodge
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Caryville by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Williamsburg by IHG
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.
Nearby Campground
BANDY CREEK
2.6 miles away · 145 sites
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.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions may include other hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and small towns with local shops and restaurants.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of snakes and other potentially hazardous animals.
Cities near The Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named The Falls
20 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
Writing about The Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.