Fall Creek Falls State Park Things to Do Tips by Stephen-KarenConn

Cane Creek Cascades

Just behind the Betty Dunn Nature Center you will find a short trail leading to Cane Creek Cascades. This is a particularly popular spot not only because of it's scenic beauty, but it is also a favorite place to play in the creek and cool off on a hot summer day.

Although many people wade in the shallow water both above and below the cascades, please use caution. Those who venture too far downstream will come to the top edge of Cane Creek Falls, which is a high sheer drop. Just above the Cascades is a swinging bridge which crosses Cane Creek and leads one mile along the Overlook Trail to Fall Creek Falls.

Directions: Look for signs behind the Betty Dunn Nature Center.

Phone: 1-423-881-3297

Cane Creek Falls

Just a few hundred feet below the Cane Creek Cascades is the spectacular Cane Creek Falls. The view from above the falls is somewhat limited, however, there is a stone platform which gives a side view of the falls and a better view of the natural rock ampitheatre which it has carved out over thousands of years.

For the truly adventureous there is a very difficult .40-mile Cable Trail which leads to the base of the falls, and a much more impressive view. Taking this trail requires a great deal of physical stamina, as you will using an actual thick steel cable to first lower and then lift yourself down and back up an extremely steep slope. I did it once several years ago, but opted out on our most recent trip.

Directions: Look for signs behind the Betty Dunn Nature Center.

Phone: 1-423-881-3297

Millikan's Overlook

Millikan's Overlook is one of several scenic vistas you will find along the Gorge Scenic Drive Motor Nature Trail, offering panoramic views of Cane Creek Gorge as Cane Creek passes out of the park. The overlook is named for Dr. Glen A. Millikan, a scientist who often visited the area before falling to his death while on a climbing trip in the park in 1947.

Directions: The Gorge Scenic Drive Motor Nature Trail is a one-way loop which begins about half way between the Fall Creek Village and Fall Creek Inn.

Phone: 1-423-881-3297

The Old Swimming Hole

There are two swimming pools at Fall Creek Falls, one at the Inn and also a public olympic-sized pool at the village, complete with bath house and lifeguards. However, many people, like myself, prefer to swim in one of the clear, cool swimming holes you will find, such as this one along Cane Creek.

This natural swimming area, very popular with local folks, is bounded on one side by a grassy beach area and on the other by a sheer rock wall. A swinging bridge crosses the creek at this point, and a sign says no diving is allowed from the bridge. However, the water is deep here and some people ignore the sign and take the plunge.

Lest you think the guy diving from the "no diving" bridge in tghis photo is a Tennessee hillbilly, think again. He was with a group of young men visiting Tennessee from the Ukraine.

Phone: 1-423-881-3297

More than You Can Do in One Vacation

A visit to Fall Creek Falls State Park can be as relaxing or as activity-filled as anyone could desire. Here is a list of the many ammenities that await you:

FACILITIES:
Inn / Restaurant
Conference Center
Cabins / Villas
Top Rated Golf Course
Golf Pro Shop
Group Lodges / Group Camps
Individual Campgrounds
Nature Center
Recreation Center
Gift Shop
Tennis Courts
Playgrounds
Picnic Shelters
Camp Store
Playgrounds
Swimming Pools

ACTIVITIES:
Hiking / Backpacking
Rock Climbing / Rapelling
Mountain Biking
Caving / Spelunking
Nature Study
Backcountry Camping
Horseback Riding
Horse Rentals
Boat / Bike Rentals
Basketball / Softball / Volleyball

Address: Rt. 3, Hwy. 284, Pikeville, TN 37367

Directions: In Bledsoe and Van Buren Counties, between Pikeville and Spencer, Tennessee.

Phone: 1-423-881-3297

Fall Creek Falls

The highest of four major waterfalls, and namesake for the state park, is Fall Creek Falls. This jaw dropping waterfall plunges 256 feet into a shaded rock-strewn pool, making it the highest waterfall in America east of the Rockies. The view of the falls from across the gorge is easily accessed via a short paved path. However, those who want to go to the base of the falls will need to hike. The .40 mile trail is short, but very steep with a 300' climb down over boulders, stairs, a rough footway - and back up again. One should be in reasonably good physical condition to hike the Base of Falls Trail.

When you reach the bottom of the falls you will swear that you have hiked more than .40 mile, and the hard climb back up is still ahead of you. But when you feel the cool spray of the falls against your face and look up at the magnificent sight you will feel well rewarded. A sign warns against venturing onto the rocks at the base of the falls, but when we were last there many folks were ignoring the sign, a few even taking a refreshing dip. One can walk around behind the falls for a very interesting view, looking out through the column of falling water.

Directions: Stop #2 along the Gorge Scenic Drive Motor Nature Trail.

Phone: 1-423-881-3297

Website: http://www.tnstateparks.com