Fall Creek Falls State Park: Pikeville, Tennessee

Fall Creek Falls State Park is a beautiful attraction located in Pikeville, Tennessee about 100 miles east of Nashville at the top of the Cumberland Plateau. The park consists of 20,000 scenic acres filled with natural beauty, wildlife, and stunning waterfalls.

When driving into the park, visitors will be awed by the lush trees that line the roads. The only way to describe the scenery in Fall Creek Falls is simply as green. The shades of green found in the park's foliage are endless and the landscape is absolutely breathtaking. Be sure to drive slowly so that you can take in all of the park's natural splendor.

The main attraction of Fall Creek Falls are the majestic waterfalls. The falls found in the park are quite impressive and visitors will be awed by their beauty. Fall Creek Falls is the highest waterfall in the eastern United States at 256 feet tall. The other falls in the park---Cane Creek Falls and Cane Creek Cascades---are also imposing to view. Unfortunately, the day that I visited the park, Tennessee was in the middle of a draught, so the falls were not over flowing with water. Still, it was not hard to imagine the water surging over the falls in regular weather.

Visitors to Fall Creek Falls can take several trails to view the falls. In fact, the park boasts 34 miles of trails. One of the trails requires visitors to cross a shaky suspension bridge. While the bridge can be frightening, it is a great way to view the scenery of the park while you are crossing. Also, visitors can swim at the bottom of the Cane Creek Falls. When I visited, there were dozens of people cooling off in the refreshing water coming down from the mountains. There was even a dog swimming!

Fall Creek Falls is a great place to visit when you are in Middle Tennessee. Although I would recommend going at a cooler time during the year (fall or spring), it is a spot that should not be missed. In addition to the natural beauty, the park also contains a nature center that explains the formation of the falls. There is also camping available for visitors, as well as a restaurant, and a bed and breakfast close by. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a golf game on the park's course and there is swimming and horseback riding for the kids.