Photo of AI-Magellan
01 Feb 2025Updated last time
Edit Trip Edit
Bookmark TripSave

Tennessee Waterfalls Road Trip

Tennessee's Majestic Waterfalls: A Road Trip Itinerary

Embark on a journey through the heart of Tennessee, where nature's artistry unfolds in the form of breathtaking waterfalls. This carefully curated road trip will lead you to five of the state's most captivating cascades, each unique in its charm and beauty. Begin your adventure at Fall Creek Falls, the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi River, nestled within a vast state park offering diverse outdoor activities. Witness the grandeur of water thrashing down a 256-foot drop amidst lush forests.

Continue to Cummins Falls, where the inviting swimming hole at its base promises a refreshing escape during warm days, surrounded by scenic landscapes perfect for photography. Then visit Burgess Falls, a series of impressive cascading falls that afford multiple beautiful view points, ensuring you capture the perfect memory. The journey's next highlight is Twin Falls, within Rock Island State Park, whose twin cascades offer a unique natural spectacle and excellent trails for exploration.

Finally, conclude your expedition at Ozone Falls, a peaceful retreat marked by its stunning solitary drop, perfect for those seeking tranquility and picturesque beauty away from the rush. This road trip promises a harmonious blend of adventure, serenity, and the unspoiled allure of Tennessee's waterfall treasures.


Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Fall Creek Falls

    Fall Creek Falls is one of the tallest and most scenic waterfalls in the eastern United States, offering visitors breathtaking views and a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and rock climbing.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin2

    Cummins Falls

    Cummins Falls is a popular spot for swimming and wading, known for its picturesque setting and the natural swimming hole at the base of the falls, making it a perfect destination for a refreshing dip in a natural environment.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin3

    Burgess Falls

    Burgess Falls is known for its stunning beauty with water cascading over multiple drops, providing excellent opportunities for photography and a network of trails offering various perspectives of the falls and surrounding nature.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Twin Falls is unique for its side-by-side waterfalls that create a mesmerizing spectacle, offering a stunning backdrop within Rock Island State Park, where visitors can enjoy hiking and exploring the diverse ecosystem around the waterfalls.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin5

    Ozone Falls

    Ozone Falls is a beautiful and serene spot known for its 110-foot plunge and scenic surroundings, making it a perfect site for nature enthusiasts who appreciate wilderness solitude, photography, and short hiking trails.
    Open Google Maps Button

Restaurants

  • Restaurant Icon

    Fall Creek Falls Restaurant

    3.6

    Fall Creek Falls Restaurant

    Located within Fall Creek Falls State Park, this restaurant offers spectacular views and a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, making it perfect for a meal amidst nature.
    3.6
    Picture for Fall Creek Falls Restaurant
  • Restaurant Icon

    The Cookeville Depot Museum and Restaurant

    4.7

    The Cookeville Depot Museum and Restaurant

    A quaint dining spot located in a historic train depot, offering a unique experience with vintage decor and a menu of classic American dishes.
    4.7
    Picture for The Cookeville Depot Museum and Restaurant
  • Restaurant Icon

    Foglight Foodhouse

    Foglight Foodhouse

    Nestled near Rock Island State Park, this restaurant offers eclectic Southern cuisine with a twist, served in a rustic riverside setting.
    Picture for Foglight Foodhouse
  • Restaurant Icon

    Express Lunch

    Express Lunch

    Hidden in the heart of Gainesboro, this charming eatery serves up hearty comfort food, ideal for a cozy, small-town dining experience.
    Picture for Express Lunch
  • Restaurant Icon

    The Patio Grill

    4.3
    $$$$

    The Patio Grill

    Situated in Crossville, this restaurant offers a casual dining experience with a large outdoor patio, perfect for enjoying their renowned slow-cooked BBQ dishes.
    4.3
    $$$$
    Picture for The Patio Grill

Hotels

  • Hotel Icon

    The Garden Inn Bed & Breakfast

    The Garden Inn Bed & Breakfast

    Located atop the Cumberland Plateau, this cozy B&B offers stunning mountain views, charming gardens, and personalized service, providing a tranquil escape from the everyday.
    Picture for The Garden Inn Bed & Breakfast
  • Hotel Icon

    The Sewanee Inn, Tennessee

    4.7

    The Sewanee Inn, Tennessee

    Known for its Southern charm and collegiate backdrop, this inn offers luxurious rooms with rich decor, nestled on the campus of the University of the South.
    4.7
    Picture for The Sewanee Inn, Tennessee
  • Hotel Icon

    Evins Mill Resort

    4.7

    Evins Mill Resort

    A blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, this resort features beautiful woodland surroundings, private waterfalls, and exceptional dining options.
    4.7
    Picture for Evins Mill Resort
  • Hotel Icon

    Cumberland Mountain State Park Cabins

    4.7

    Cumberland Mountain State Park Cabins

    Stay in one of the charming cabins nestled within the scenic park, surrounded by nature trails and the historic Cumberland Homesteads Tower.
    4.7
    Picture for Cumberland Mountain State Park Cabins
  • Hotel Icon

    Storm Point Lodge

    Storm Point Lodge

    This secluded lodge offers a rustic, log-cabin experience with panoramic views of Center Hill Lake, perfect for a peaceful getaway surrounded by nature.
    Picture for Storm Point Lodge

Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    Micah Tyler

    Micah Tyler

    The event will take place at First Free Church in Ballwin.
    Map IconFirst Free Church in Ballwin (52.07 mi)
    Calendar Icon17 Oct 2025
    Picture for Micah Tyler
  • Event Icon

    Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute

    Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute

    The event will take place at River City Casino & Hotel in Saint Louis.
    Map IconRiver City Casino & Hotel in Saint Louis (53.09 mi)
    Calendar Icon20 Sep 2025
    Picture for Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute
  • Event Icon

    Extreme

    Extreme

    The event will take place at River City Casino & Hotel in Saint Louis.
    Map IconRiver City Casino & Hotel in Saint Louis (53.09 mi)
    Calendar Icon4 Oct 2025
    Picture for Extreme
  • Event Icon

    Berlin w/ A Flock of Seagulls

    Berlin w/ A Flock of Seagulls

    The event will take place at River City Casino & Hotel in Saint Louis.
    Map IconRiver City Casino & Hotel in Saint Louis (53.09 mi)
    Calendar Icon11 Oct 2025
    Picture for Berlin w/ A Flock of Seagulls
  • Event Icon

    Dean Z

    Dean Z

    The event will take place at River City Casino & Hotel in Saint Louis.
    Map IconRiver City Casino & Hotel in Saint Louis (53.09 mi)
    Calendar Icon15 Dec 2025
    Picture for Dean Z
  • Event Icon

    Slow Crush is moving to Off Broadway

    Slow Crush is moving to Off Broadway

    Due to unforeseen circumstances this show will now take place at Off Broadway. All tickets will be honored.
    Map IconOff Broadway in Saint Louis (57.54 mi)
    Calendar Icon15 Sep 2025
    Picture for Slow Crush is moving to Off Broadway
  • Event Icon

    Doublecamp - Flowers for Every Occasion Tour

    Doublecamp - Flowers for Every Occasion Tour

    The event will take place at Off Broadway in Saint Louis.
    Map IconOff Broadway in Saint Louis (57.54 mi)
    Calendar Icon20 Sep 2025
    Picture for Doublecamp - Flowers for Every Occasion Tour

Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    Ozone Falls is a nice quick hike right off the interstate just east of Crossville. If you have a little more time, the Sparta area has a short path to Lost Creek Falls and a h...

    Waterfall Trip 4-6 day must have must see

    Ozone Falls is a nice quick hike right off the interstate just east of Crossville. If you have a little more time, the Sparta area has a short path to Lost Creek Falls and a h...

    /r/Tennessee
  • Reddit Icon

    Here's our itinerary for the Tennessee section for our southern road trip we hope to take in June 2023. We'd love some feedback on it! ... Take the Cookeville route and you ca...

    Rate the TN portion of my road trip!

    Here's our itinerary for the Tennessee section for our southern road trip we hope to take in June 2023. We'd love some feedback on it! ... Take the Cookeville route and you ca...

    /r/Tennessee
  • Reddit Icon

    On your way back up from Rock Island State Park, take 30 up onto the plateau over to Fall Creek Falls State Park (the tallest single drop waterfall east of the Rockies). I usu...

    Roadtripping thru TN and heard great things. Any places to ...

    On your way back up from Rock Island State Park, take 30 up onto the plateau over to Fall Creek Falls State Park (the tallest single drop waterfall east of the Rockies). I usu...

    /r/Tennessee
  • Reddit Icon

    Here's our updated itinerary for the Tennessee section for our June 2023 road-trip, largely based on your comments. Again, we'll be in TN for about 7 days and the first few da...

    Rate the TN portion of our road trip - V2!

    Here's our updated itinerary for the Tennessee section for our June 2023 road-trip, largely based on your comments. Again, we'll be in TN for about 7 days and the first few da...

    /r/Tennessee

Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    Eagles - Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster

    Eagles - Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster

    A classic road trip anthem that captures the essence of traveling and enjoying the journey.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Eagles - Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster
  • Music Icon

    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    An upbeat song that embodies the excitement and freedom of road travel.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway
  • Music Icon

    Tom Petty - Free Fallin'

    Tom Petty - Free Fallin'

    A laid-back track perfect for driving through scenic landscapes.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Tom Petty - Free Fallin'
  • Music Icon

    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    A quintessential travel song that's all about hitting the road.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live
  • Music Icon

    Led Zeppelin - Ramble On - 1990 Remaster

    Led Zeppelin - Ramble On - 1990 Remaster

    Blending classic rock with wanderlust, this song evokes a sense of adventure.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Led Zeppelin - Ramble On - 1990 Remaster
  • Music Icon

    Darius Rucker - Wagon Wheel

    Darius Rucker - Wagon Wheel

    A feel-good song that's perfect for a picturesque drive through the countryside.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Darius Rucker - Wagon Wheel
  • Music Icon

    Rihanna - Shut Up And Drive

    Rihanna - Shut Up And Drive

    A catchy tune with a strong beat to keep you energized on the road.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Rihanna - Shut Up And Drive
  • Music Icon

    M83 - Midnight City

    M83 - Midnight City

    An atmospheric song that adds an ethereal vibe to your road trip experience.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for M83 - Midnight City
  • Music Icon

    Tracy Chapman - Fast Car

    Tracy Chapman - Fast Car

    A narrative song about escape and new beginnings, fitting for a road journey.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Tracy Chapman - Fast Car
  • Music Icon

    Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - American Girl

    Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - American Girl

    An exuberant rock song filled with energy, ideal for a lively drive.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - American Girl