The visitor center hours at Fall Creek Falls State Park vary, so it’s best to check the specific hours for each center when you visit. Generally, they follow the park’s operational schedule, but exact times are not uniformly stated. For precise hours, it’s advisable to contact the park directly or check at the park upon arrival.
There is no entrance fee to enter Fall Creek Falls State Park. However, there is a $5 per vehicle daily parking fee, with annual passes available.
Accessible from Nashville, Knoxville, or Chattanooga via TN-284 and Highway 111. Park signs guide final stretch.
Fall Creek Falls State Park offers various parking options. Cars, RVs, and motorcycles can park in designated lots; RVs of all sizes are accommodated. Overnight parking is available only at the Park Service Center near the north entrance. There is a $5 per vehicle daily parking fee; annual passes are available.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:None
Encompassing 26,000+ acres on the Cumberland Plateau, Fall Creek Falls State Park is home to one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern U.S., plus gorges, forests, and outdoor activities from hiking to rock climbing.
- Area (mi²)
- 48
- Annual visitors
- 793 000
- Established year
- 1935
Top 3 Facts about Fall Creek Falls State Park
The park features an 18-hole golf course carved out of densely forested woodlands on the Cumberland Plateau, offering a challenging layout amidst scenic natural surroundings. The golf course is part of a broader array of recreational facilities that include an Olympic-sized swimming pool and several miles of hiking and biking trails.
Home to rare wildflowers and abundant wildlife.
Includes multiple major waterfalls like Cane Creek and Piney Falls.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Ranger-led Tours
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Scavenger Hunts
- Family Camping & Overnight
- Water-based Adventures
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Check the park’s website for trail updates, hours, and closures.
Pack Appropriately
Pack water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and suitable footwear. Weather can change quickly.
Respect Wildlife
Keep food secured and observe wildlife from a distance. Do not feed animals.
Stay Informed
Arrive early to find parking and avoid crowds at waterfalls and swimming holes.
Seasons
Vibrant wildflowers, mild temperatures, waterfalls at full flow, and active wildlife make this season ideal.
Peak season for swimming, boating, and hiking. Lush greenery and long daylight hours. Arrive early to avoid heat and secure parking.
Fall foliage colors create a stunning setting for hiking and photography. Comfortable weather and less humidity.
Quieter experience with potential frozen waterfalls and snow-dusted scenery. Great for solitude and photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Fall Creek Falls State Park has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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The closest city to Fall Creek Falls is Pikeville, which is situated near the park in Bledsoe and Van Buren counties, Tennessee. Pikeville serves as a convenient gateway for visitors to the park, offering dining, shopping, and other activities.
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The Fall Creek Falls Base Trail is a family-friendly option, with a distance of 0.35 miles one way and a beginner to intermediate difficulty level, suitable for kids as young as 4 years old, though it may require some assistance on the way up. This trail offers stunning views of the waterfall from the bottom.
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Dogs must be on a leash at all times. They are not allowed in certain areas like park inns, cabins, lodges, public eating places, food stores, and designated swimming beaches and pools. Service animals are an exception to this rule.
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There is a $5 parking fee per vehicle per day, with annual passes also available. This fee applies to all vehicles, including campers, motorhomes, and trailers.【1】【5】
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Visitors can enjoy hiking on various trails, including paths to the 250-foot Fall Creek Falls and Cane Creek Falls, as well as a suspension bridge. Other activities include boating, fishing, and swimming in the park’s lakes. For adventure seekers, there’s a zip-line adventure park and horseback riding through forested paths. Golfing and birding are also popular activities.
