11 Waterfalls to See in Middle Tennessee

Photo: Rodney Truitt Jr

1. Ozone Falls

Rockwood, Tennessee

A short trail with a big payoff. Sightsee from the top accessible via a short and cleared path or make your way down to the base of Ozone Falls. Located just 4 miles off of I-40, this is a straightforward waterfall that is worth the drive.

Photo: Rodney Truitt Jr

2. Burgess Falls State Park + Waterfall

Center Hill Lake

Paddle to this waterfall on Center Hill Lake or visit the state park and access the very top of the largest waterfall. The park also entails hiking trails and other smaller waterfalls. If you can’t make the kayak / canoe trip, the park is just as nice.

Recently, this waterfall has gained quite the buzz so be prepared for a big crowd.

3. Fancher Falls

Center Hill Lake

Another waterfall on Center Hill Lake that is accessible via water only. You will need to paddle to this place if you want to see it!

Photo: Loc Giang

4. Rock Island State Park

Center Hill Lake

Gain front row seats to this stunning waterfall at 1 of 3 state parks on lovely Center Hill Lake in Middle Tennessee. This park is home to several hiking trails and multiple waterfalls so choose your mileage and hit the trail!

Please note: this park has closures due to water generation often so call ahead.

5. Window Cliffs

Baxter, Tennessee

Not only does this natural area feature a waterfall and winding creeks and waterways, it also ends on top of 200′ cliff tops! Just be prepared for the 5.3 mile hike. It’s worth the hike though!

Be sure to wear waterproof hiking boots because you will need to cross over the creeks many times! For reference, this place is near Cookeville Boat Dock on Center Hill Lake.

6. Waterloo Falls

Cookeville, Tennessee

The largest waterfall is approximately 40 feet and the other is about 5 feet. Between these two waterfalls, there are smaller waterfalls. The water is shallow between the waterfalls so bring some chairs and kick it on the shoreline or in the river! It’s also dog-friendly. Just be mindful of others.

7. City Lake + Waterfalls

Cookeville, Tennessee

This is a smaller lake right off I-40. It’s the perfect spot if you are new to kayaking or paddle boarding and need a place to practice. The hiking trail is paved and very short so it’s also a great trail for kids or those who need a very easily accessed hike. It’s also the halfway point between Nashville and Knoxville so this would make a great pit stop if you are traveling through the area!

8. Lost Creek Falls

Sparta, Tennessee

This one is a little more out of the way but worth the trip. Fun fact: Lost Creek Falls was one of the film locations for Disney’s 1994 Jungle Book. Not only is there a waterfall, but you will also find an entrance to a cave system that stretches 7 miles. The trail is short and parking is provided making this a go to spot.

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Photo: Rodney Truitt Jr

9. Fall Creek Falls

Spencer, Tennessee

Tennessee’s largest and most visited state park! Home to Fall Creek Falls, a 256′ waterfall, one of the highest in the eastern United States. Explore this waterfall and others.

Photo: Dan Russo

10. Virgin Falls

Sparta, Tennessee

Definitely one of the toughest hiking trail in Tennessee due to it being just under 9 miles with several inclines and boulders. If you decide to take this trail on, start early and pack accordingly. There are also other look out points including Martha’s Pretty Point and waterfalls including Laurel Falls. You may also be interested in driving to Welch’s Overlook, a scenic point overlooking the Caney Fork River within the Virgin Falls Natural Area.

11. Northrup Falls

Jamestown, Tennessee

Northrup Falls Trail is a roughly 2 mile moderately trafficked loop trail. Plunging 60+ feet over a protruding rock ledge into a scenic, narrow, gorge along Big Branch Creek, this waterfall was named after the family who settled here and operated a mill above the falls in the 1800s. 

These high cliffs and shallow, open cave-like structures at the falls were once used by cliff-dwelling Woodland Indians 3,000+ years ago. They primarily used these shelters during hunting season. Needlesss to say, this is a really interesting spot.