Why You Should Visit Fall Creek Falls State Park

Fall Creek Falls State Park is nestled in the middle of Tennessee near Pikeville. The park is primarily an oak and hickory forest containing several creeks (Piney Creek, Cane Creek, Fall Creek and Paw Paw Creek), gorges, and waterfalls. Many activities are available including mountain biking, camping, boating, golf, picnicking, swimming, hiking and fishing for bluegill, large-mouth bass, and catfish in the lake. The park is open twenty-four hours a day; however the road leading to the falls is locked at dark.

I first discovered Fall Creek Falls State Park in 2000 and have been back since. Although there are many activities available at the park, I find that the most enjoyable is hiking. Not only is the scenery beautiful, but it's also full of adventure. There are four waterfalls throughout the park and you get up close to most of them, if you're adventurous enough, and even swim in some of them. All the waterfalls are able to be viewed by scenic overlooks; however, the best views take some time and effort to get to, but are definitely worth it. There are six different trails for hikers to enjoy. The distance on them ranges from .2 miles to 4.6 miles, as well as easy to difficult.

When you first arrive, stop into the Information Center and pick up a map of the park. Not only will it help you find the waterfalls, but it will also help you find your way out of the park at the end of your adventure.

FALL CREEK FALLS
The Fall Creek Fall is a magnificent 256-foot waterfall that plunges into a relatively small pool. There is a great view of the falls from the scenic overlook; however, the most spectacular view is from the bottom of the waterfall. Man-made steps lead all the way to the bottom of the gorge. Once down there, some hiking is required to get to the base of the waterfall. How close you get is entirely up to you. Just remember the rocks are slick and it's easy to slip.

CANE CREEK CASCADES
The Cane Creek Cascades are wider than the Fall Creek Falls, but also much shorter at only 45-feet in height. The cascades are also a much gentler waterfall, providing an area that is great for swimming. Hikers should view this area in the morning, if they want a more peaceful experience.

CANE CREEK FALLS
Downstream from the Cane Creek Cascades, you'll find the Cane Creek Falls. The adventurous can get to it by walking the creek bed. Be careful not to get too close to the edge though-it's an 85-foot drop. You can also use the Cable Trail to hike to the base of the falls.

PINEY CREEK FALLS
The Piney Creek Falls are the hardest to reach, but are the most fun to find. To get to them, I had to cross a suspension bridge over the Piney Creek and climb down a steep hill. Once I was down the hill, I had fight my way through bushes and shrubs to reach the creek. You can try to walk the edge of the creek, but with the amount of bushes, it's easier just to get in and walk the creek bed. The creek bed is smooth and easy to navigate. If you walk downstream, you'll find yourself at the top of a 95-foot waterfall. It really is a brilliant view.

Fall Creek Falls State Park is a popular vacation spot, especially during the summer. If you are looking to enjoy the falls with less interruptions, I recommend doing hiking in the morning or visiting during the off-season. The awe-inspiring views will cause you to take a ridiculous amount of photographs. However, photographs cannot do justice to the beauty that is nature. It's something you have to see for yourself to truly appreciate.