5. Foster Falls
Sixty-foot Foster Falls descends to a deep pool in the Fiery Gizzard range of South Cumberland State Park. From the parking lot, follow the short trail that takes you to a boardwalk and elevated lookout above the falls.
Many visitors hike the two-mile moderate Climbers Loop Trail into the gorge. The trail leads you across a suspension bridge to a location where you can admire the view at the base of the falls. Tread carefully over the steep rocky terrain that might be strenuous for some hikers. Serious hiking boots are recommended. Bring a bathing suit if the timing is right to enjoy the swimming hole in the gorge.
Don’t be surprised when you see elite rock climbers scaling challenging routes up the limestone cliffs near Foster Falls. There are other waterfalls in the park, but Foster Falls is the most impressive. Access to the park from Foster Falls Road is 36 miles northwest of Chattanooga.
Address: 498 Foster Falls Rd, Sequatchie, Tennessee
6. Twin Falls
Twin Falls in Rock Island State Park is an accidental beauty that appears like a broad wall of water leaking out of the limestone cliffs along Caney Fork River. The «accident» emerged when the Great Falls Dam was constructed to produce hydroelectric power in 1925. Excess water from this engineered project naturally diverted to a wide swath of the escarpment, where it shoots 80 feet to the river below.
Follow signs to Twin Falls after arriving in the park. A short, easy trail descends to the river’s edge where you can walk a leafy path that runs parallel to the shore. Heed danger signs that warn of high, fast-flowing water when released by the dam. Most of the time, however, you can safely walk onto the exposed riverbed for an unobstructed view of the falls.
Address: 82 Beach Road, Rock Island, Tennessee
