Are there fees or permits required for Upper Piney Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Upper Piney Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Upper Piney Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Upper Piney Falls.

Live Conditions · 32 ft³/s · About average

Upper Piney Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Upper Piney Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Upper Piney Falls.

Tennessee • 80 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Piney Falls Designated State Natural Area SCA · UNK

Photo Credits (2)

rjcox CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

200 ft

About Upper Piney Falls

Upper Piney Falls plunges roughly 80 feet through a lush hardwood forest in the Piney Falls Designated State Natural Area, offering a tranquil punchline to a short, rewarding hike. Nestled on state-managed lands overseen by SDC, the falls cut a picturesque chute that draws photographers and day-hikers looking for classic Tennessee woodland scenery without a long backcountry haul. The setting feels intimate — towering trees, fern-fringed rock ledges and the steady roar of falling water — and the route to the view is family-friendly for those comfortable with moderate trails. Plan on a round-trip outing that gives you time to soak in the falls from the overlook and, if conditions allow, to explore the base with careful footing after wetter weather.

The Setting

Upper Piney Falls sits at 1,368 feet within Piney Falls Designated State Natural Area, fed by the Sewee Creek, in the foothills of Tennessee. The falls drop 80 feet.

Height: 80 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Laurel Falls (80 ft) lies 6.4 miles to the northeast. Also nearby: Lower Piney Falls (40 ft, 0.2 mi) and Stinging Fork Falls (30 ft, 3.6 mi).

Laurel Falls Lower Piney Falls Stinging Fork Falls

Trail & Hike Details

2.0 mi distance 200 ft climbed

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 Upper Piney Falls is an out-and-back route of about 2.0 miles round trip with roughly 200 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. It threads through dense forest and includes rocky, uneven tread and a descent to the base of the falls that requires careful footing—especially after rain. The route is suitable for hikers who are comfortable on moderate grades and natural surfaces; specific USFS surface/grade/class listings are not provided for this State Natural Area trail. The path and falls lie within the Piney Falls Designated State Natural Area, managed by SDC.

What to Expect

The falls cascade 80 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 Upper Piney Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Upper Piney Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest after seasonal rains.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Exercise caution near the waterfall, as rocks can be slippery. Avoid hiking during heavy rain or immediately after, as the trail may become hazardous.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

32 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

17 22 46 110

Based on 75 years of record

0.25 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.

SEWEE CREEK NEAR DECATUR, TN

USGS 03543500

12.2 miles from waterfall

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SEWEE CREEK NEAR DECATUR, TN (20 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

32 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Barely Flowing

32 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

32 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

32 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

31 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

34 cfs

3/10

Fri

Low

35 cfs

4/10

Sat

Low

34 cfs

4/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early February to mid April, peaking in March.

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 147 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 80 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 1,372 feet.

The ground changes about 57 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 121 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Upper Piney Falls near Spring City, Tennessee, showing about 147 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing west

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 1,372 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 147 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: West; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Upper Piney Falls is located in Piney Falls State Natural Area near Grandview, Tennessee. The trailhead can be accessed via Firetower Road, and signage for the natural area is present.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area available at the trailhead, but it may fill up quickly during peak seasons.

Elevation

1,368 feet above sea level

Coordinates

35.731035° N, -84.863489° W

Land Management

Piney Falls Designated State Natural Area SCA

Managed by SDC

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trail can be rocky and slippery, especially near the waterfall. Bring water and snacks, and consider visiting early in the day to avoid crowds.

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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.