Skip to main content
LakeQuality

Updated July 2026

Fall Creek Falls

Van Buren County, Tennessee — about 256 ft, among the tallest.

At 256 feet, Fall Creek Falls is the highest waterfall in Tennessee, plunging into a deep gorge; an easy overlook view contrasts with the short but steep Base of Falls Trail that descends roughly 256 feet to the plunge pool.

Height
256 ft
Type
Plunge
Access
Short Hike
Trail
0.7 mi out-and-back
Elevation gain
256 ft
Best season
Winter and spring after rain (Dec-Apr)
Land manager
Fall Creek Falls State Park (TN State Parks)
Watercourse
Cane Creek

Before you go

Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check Fall Creek Falls State Park (TN State Parks) for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.

Graded lakes within 25 miles

Where to stay near Fall Creek Falls, Tennessee

Top-rated places to stay near Fall Creek Falls, Tennessee

Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.

Planning a trip to Fall Creek Falls, Tennessee?

Get lake water-quality report cards plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Fall Creek Falls, Tennessee — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fall Creek Falls drops about 256 feet. That makes it the 59th-tallest documented waterfall in this inventory, taller than roughly 91% of the falls listed here. Height comes from published land-manager and survey records, not from our own measurement.

The Base of Falls Trail reaches it about 0.7 miles (out-and-back) with roughly 256 feet of elevation gain, rated strenuous. The nearest town is Spencer. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with Fall Creek Falls State Park (TN State Parks) for closures and current conditions.

Winter and spring after rain (Dec-Apr). Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.

More Tennessee waterfalls

Sources

Get trip conditions by email

Lake grades, water temperature, and seasonal conditions as the data updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.