7. Greeter Falls
It’s a rock scramble for some, but two falls on one trail justify the effort. From the Greeter Falls parking area, take the moderate one-mile round-trip hike to the Upper Falls and Greeter Falls. Watch your footing and wear sturdy shoes for a trail with steep drop-offs, exposed roots, and slippery rocks.
Take the loop trail counterclockwise and follow the escarpment above the river to a cliffside grotto of limestone overhangs. From here, it’s a short spur to the Upper Falls. The main trail leads you to a spiral metal staircase hugging a cliff face and a set of wooden stairs that drop to Greeter Falls.
On a warm day, reward your effort with a dip in the Blue Hole swimming area. Access it by a separate 0.4-mile trail from the parking area.
Greeter Falls is located in the Savage Gulf State Natural Area of South Cumberland State Park, 90 miles southeast of Nashville and 60 miles northwest of Chattanooga.
Address: Greeter Falls Road, Altamont, Tennessee
8. Blue Hole Falls
Blue Hole Falls, located in the northeast corner of Tennessee, is smaller than other waterfalls on our list but extraordinarily stunning. It’s 30 by 40 feet and emerges from a spectacular pour-off flanked by cliffs as high as 50 feet. Rhododendrons contribute to the lush setting and are best seen when blooming in the spring. The blue «hole» at the base of the falls is ideal for a refreshing dip in the summer.
Due to the steep and often slick steps, a visit to Blue Hole Falls is not advised for young children or dogs. Be sure to wear sturdy walking shoes. Take your time going up and down. To access the falls, drive highway 91 to Panhandle Road, then go another mile to the small parking lot. The falls is located 12 miles northeast of Elizabethton, better known by locals as Betsy Town.
Address: Near Panhandle Road, Elizabethton, Tennessee
