#waterfallsoftennessee

[wanderlustt-101tn]

Stillhouse Hollow Falls State Natural Area

Located 21 miles southwest of Columbia Tennessee just three miles northeast of Maury County. This unique 90 acre natural area is known for it’s significant 75 foot waterfall. Stillhouse Hollow Falls can be reached by hiking the 0.7 mile trail. The views of the falls isn’t the only benefit of this hike all the wildflowers are too. I can only imagine what the views are like when the trillium, spidererwort, phlox are bloomed.

This hike can be classified as moderate due to the elevation gain of 357ft, lots of tree roots, and little uneven terrain at times.

With it being right off Highway US 43 I was expecting to hear the noises of the vehicles passing by, but the more I walked all I could hear was nature and the water flowing.

Things to know

Since it’s off the highway there’s only a small parking lot. Please do not make your own parking spot. If it’s filled try again.

Dogs are welcome just needs to be on leash

Trail is short with no benches, just at the bottom of the falls. I’d suggest to take a break if you need to.

Comfortable shoes or hiking boots would be best to wear.

Remember to leave no trace and always hike back with what you hiked with.

[doodlebags]

I did this commission a few years ago as a graduation gift it was nice to paint one of my favorite places #greeterfalls . . . . . #watercolor #waterfall #waterfallsoftennessee #hikingintennessee #getyourfeetwet #nashvilleartist #getoutdoors #stealingtime https://www.instagram.com/p/CcWCSKZODRy/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[hikertrashcasual]

The newly documented Emerald Chute Falls on Trail Fork of Big Creek #waterfalls #waterfallsoftennessee #blueridge #blueridgemountains #blueridgemoments #cherokeenationalforest #cockecounty #blueridgeout #teamwaterfall #maxpatch #smokymountainliving @honeybadgerimages (at Del Rio, Tennessee)

[jdb3]

#ilovewaterfalls gotta go back to #pisgahnationalforest soon! Gotta get a tripod very soon. #spontaneoustrip #waterfallsoftennessee #tennisee #lookingglassfalls #tennesseeinstagram #roadtrippin #ipoft #explorelife

[wanderlustt-101tn]

Short Springs State Natural Area

Visited 12/27/23

This 420-acre natural area located in Tullahoma TN, provides beautiful scenic views while hiking and incredible cascades to not only see but can get up close and personal to them. Machine Falls is the most popular waterfall located at Short Springs. It drops more than 60 feet and is equal in length across. The upper and lower parts of Busby Falls cascade waterfalls that can be seen from the overlook on the Bobo Creek trail.

Machine Falls

Busby Falls

What I loved about visiting here is the simple fact that there are multiple different trails to explore. This would be the perfect place for a day trip, trails might be short but can’t beat the peaceful vibes while visiting.

The Short Springs area in Tennessee is known for its wildflowers, making it a popular attraction in addition to the waterfalls.

I really enjoyed my visit here because despite the busy atmosphere, the various trails prevent it from becoming too crowded. The trails are clearly marked to ensure that you don't get lost. Although the trails are mostly flat, it's best to stay alert because there are occasional tree roots and uneven steps.

After you have finished your hike here and still looking for more? Leave out of the parking lot here and a short drive to visit Rutledge Falls, it’s a quick hike down to the waterfall but oh so worth it at any time.

Things to know before visiting Short Springs:

Summer hours 8a-7p

Winter hours 8a-5p

If you are planning to walk to the waterfalls be sure to have nonslip shoes or boots, and keep your belongings in a safe waterproof bag. Dogs are welcome but please throw away poop bags afterward & always remember to hike back whatever you hiked with. Some of the steps have a small railing to hold onto and other ones don’t so it’s best to keep your hands free in case you might slip. It is suggested that if parking lot is filled to try and visit another time. (Small parking lot.) These hikes are well fit for kids but I would advise they have eyes on them when at the waterfalls.

[wanderlustt-101tn]

Montgomery Bell State Park

Visited 11-12-23

This park is unlike any other and is located just 40 minutes away from downtown Nashville. The vast 3,850 acre area is home to three beautifully serene lakes, making it the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can indulge in a plethora of activities such as hiking, mountain biking, camping, fishing, kayaking, swimming, golfing, and much more. Additionally, the park has a rich historical significance as it was once the center of iron in Middle Tennessee, providing visitors an opportunity to learn about its past.

When you arrive at the park, I suggest stopping by the visitor center. You can also check out the little gift shop there and grab a print-out map of the park. As you exit the visitor center, you'll get a glimpse of what made me fall in love with this place the first time I visited. Montgomery Bell holds a class two raptor education license, and they keep non-releasable raptors that wouldn't survive on their own.

After visiting the feathered friends there is a short trail nearby that I enjoyed because it runs alongside a creek. However, since it's the first hiking trail as you enter the park, you can still hear traffic noise. I think it would be a great starting trail for little ones as it's not too difficult. Additionally, instead of information signs, they have activity signs posted along the way. These signs encourage children to read, count, or point at things they see.

One of the best things about this park is that it offers eight different hiking trails, which cover nearly 19 miles throughout the park. One of the trails runs along the perimeter of the park for a scenic hike. If you enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boating, this park is perfect for you. There are three lakes surrounding the park, and you can rent equipment for these activities. I spent a good few hours here and really enjoyed my time just walking around and driving to different locations of the park. One of my favorite thing about visiting this park was that , they had a replica of the first Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the old log cabin home. Once walking up the old log home you get a scent of the logs and although you can't go inside you can peek through the fence and see what it looked like with furniture and what made this a lovely home back then. While you can't enter the log home you are able to walk inside the church. I had goosebumps when opening the door and was memorized by the beauty and the way the sun hit the glass windows. It's a small church but I'm sure has many stories and wonderful memories that was shared here.

truly breathtaking

The old log home

After visiting the church and old log home I then went and explored Lake WoodHaven Spillway this would be a nice area for a picnic, hiking and fishing. I saw a few people getting pictures taken here as well by the overlook of the lake. Sadly there hasn't been much of rain lately so the waterfall wasn't flowing in full effect. While being here I found a secluded spot and was alone by the water so that was really nice.

Lake Wood Haven

After spending time at Lake Wood Haven I then finished off the visit at Lake Acorn which is close to the lodge. I had the biggest smile on my face while walking the bridge and saw the geese waddling along. There was a few small docks, and saw a few people fishing here as well. It was nice being by the water and taking in the peak colors on the trees.

I would suggest this park to all other outdoors lovers, people wanting to camp, you can also reserve the shelters around the park for birthday parties, family reunions, etc. I look forward to camping here one day and spending the weekend taking in all the beautiful views this park has to offer.

https://tnstateparks.com/parks/info/montgomery-bell

[wanderlustt-101tn]

Natchez Trace Parkway

This beautiful drive is a 444 mile recreational road and it serves as a wonderful way to remember what it used to be "Old Natchez Parkway." With a lovely scenic drive. It follows through the old trace which was first driven on by American Indians, "Kaintucks" , European settlers, soldiers and future presidents at that time. This parkway is popular today still for scenic drive,hiking, biking, and camping along the way as well. Looking for the best place for fall foliage this is it.

While driving these 444 miles it will take you on a drive and crosses over three sates and learning the history 10,000 years of North American history. The beautiful states it crosses through are as follows, Mississippi, Alabama, and good ole Tennessee. This Parkway has been listed as one of the top 10 best biking roads in America , it is opened year round for motorist, hikers and bikers. Keep in mind people are walking, running and or riding on a bike. The speed limit is between 40-50 mph (remember to share the road with others. This road isn't meant for speeding but for a scenic drive!) Are you an Elvis Presley fan? Because if you are I would suggest making a day out of it and drive the Natchez Trace Parkway. It'll take you to the City of Tupelo Mississippi where he was born and grew up at. The city paid respects by displaying numerous statues around the city. His childhood home still stands and displays the 1930's furniture. One of the things I loved were the many pull off sections where you can rest before getting back on the road to further the dive.While stopping there is always things to do such as taking in the incredible views, Hiking at the parks that are located, offering more lovely views. There is a few historical markings/stopping I also suggest you stop and look at those. I believe this would be a nice place to get pictures done as well. Regardless of your hobbies or interests, this parkway offers plenty of opportunities to get out of your car.

Once you cross over the famous Natchez Trace Bridge at Milepost 438. I would recommended stopping at the pull of section Birdsong Hollow and listen to the lovely birds and get a beautiful view of Franklin.

Baker buff overlook(1st picture) view of Franklin being on the bridge Points Of Interest map at Jackson's falls. (very popular swim hole but also be advise that it can dry up if it hasn't rained much.

It was heartbreaking to know that it took 40 deaths to get a fence installed on the bridge. Mental Health is never a joked and if you have or struggle with Mental illness I want you to know one thing, It's not your fault!! and if you need help ask for it don't let it sink you in. Also just because you have this illness doesn't mean you can't still have a beautiful life! Take it one day at a time loves! Never give up! I love everything about this parkway and since it’s close I find myself there a lot. The one and only thing I dislike about it is that some of the overlooks are taken over by trees and makes it hard to actually see the view.

[wanderlustt-101tn]

RUTLEDGE FALLS

VISITED : JUNE 8TH 2023

Do you remember the waterfall Miley Cyrus filmed at for the Hannah Montana Movie? This is that exact waterfall although you can’t rope jump it stil is a great place to check out ,especially in the summer time and be refreshed as the cold water hits you. It is located in Tullahoma Tennessee. Not only is the waterfall gorgeous but so is the town itself in Coffee County. The trail to get to waterfall is only 0.3 miles out and back, easy route and takes an average of seven minutes to complete. While it’s located on private property the owners let you visit from dawn to dusk. There is parking on side of the road or there’s a church across I noticed that some people were parking there and walking over. (Please be respectful if you are visiting on a Sunday and try not to take over the parking lot. They don’t have to offer parking there but they do! So just be kind,I shouldn’t have to say this but since it is a private property and the owners are incredibly nice to let us enjoy this please remember that whatever you take with you, you take back. Also while walking to the falls you do see the gazebo and old barn that was also filmed in the movie. If you remember the video for Butterfly fly away by Miley Cyrus and Billy Cyrus you’ll instantly remember it. It was so hard for me not to get close to these objects.With it being a private property I just suggest you take pictures of them while walking and not exactly next to it. If you walk from the parking lot or church parking lot you’ll come across an opening in the fence go through here and stay on the path! It’s a easily accessible trail and once you get to the waterfalls it’s breathtaking. I noticed a lot of people were either sitting on the rocks, swimming or just playing around in the little creek and some even ventured up on top of the waterfall. What I loved about it is that you can actually walk up to it and sit under the falls

There’s nothing I didn’t like about this little trip here. Not only was the waterfall amazingly beautiful but so was the drive there. And if you are anything like me you’ll fan girl the whole time there. I would recommend this to anyone really, the walk to the falls was manageable, and you don’t have to stay at one specific location I saw people down further and seemed to be enjoying themselves. It would be a perfect destination to visit on a hot summer day and I would suggest packing a lunch with you. Remember to bring what you hike with back. All in all worth the trip and I can’t wait to go back.

[wanderlustt-101tn]

Burgess Falls State Park

This beautiful park is located on the Falling Water River. Once I lost service after finding a parking spot I knew this would be a perfect day well spent. The best adventures to me are the ones completely off grid and just connecting with life and nature and what’s around me. What’s so spectacular about Burgess Falls is that there is four different types of waterfalls all in one park. You are basically walking around it and I really enjoyed that and just listening to the sounds. This trail/hike is so peaceful and breathtaking views. I recommend coming here in the Fall to see the colors peak and would be a perfect spot for fall pictures. The waterfalls equal out to 250 feet in elevation leading up the last one plunging more than 130 feet into the gorge.While walking you’ll learn a bit about the park and it’s history. The location of this park was first discovered by Native Americans of the Cherokee,Creek and also Chickasaw tribes. That was until Tom Burgess a Revolutionary War Veteran came into picture. He actually settled along this section of the Falling Water River in the 1810’s. The Burgess family used the River rapids to power a grist mill leading up to also powering a saw mill. By doing so they helped settlers have access in getting supplies of corn meals and also lumber. In 1971 the park became a State Park and it is well known especially on the torture hot summer days. There wasn’t anything I didn’t like about this park. It was beautiful well kept up and just incredible. While walking I really couldn’t believe it how memorizing it is. Everyone should go while here it’s well worth it. I do know that if it gets packed and they will shut down for a few hrs to try and lower crowd capacity. They will re open you’ll just have to keep up with their fb pages or can check on the Tn state parks app.

Things to know before visiting are as follows;

Summer Hours (March 1st - October 31st): 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM; gate closes at 4:00 PM.

Winter Hours (November 1st - February 28th/29th): 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM; gate closes at 2:00 PM.

If a flood happens the park may be closed for the day. I’d suggest downloading the TN State Parks app before visiting. It’s free and it’ll show alerts at the top of screen if the park is closed or part of trail is closed etc.

The less you take on the hike, the better. It is best to limit belongings to item.

There is a 2.7 miles trail open for hiking. Please allow at least two and a half hours to three hours to complete the 5.4-mile roundtrip. Start your return hike one and a half hours before sunset. This trail is considered difficult to strenuous. ( wish I would of known this before going myself

No camping is allowed; however, cabins and camping are offered at Standing Stone State Park, Rock Island State Park, and Edgar Evins State Parks. Nearby Cookeville offers a variety of lodging options.

Don’t take anything you don’t want to lose or may get wet

Also if you go down the falls and have little ones keep a eye on them do NOT let them out of your sight.

Burgess Falls is operated by Tennessee State Parks. The park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. central until 30 minutes before sunset.

Parking: Yes

Admission:FREE

Trail: Yes

Dogs on Leash: Yes

Hunting: No

Fishing: Yes

If you ever get the opportunity to make a trip here you won’t be disappointed.

[wanderlustt-101tn]

My time at Cummins Falls State Park.

As you venture out on a 2.4 mile out and back hike. This trail/hike is considered to be a moderate challenging route. It takes an average of 1 hr an 4 minutes to complete. It’s a very popular area for hiking.Dogs are welcome just on a leash. This beautiful State Park is located nine miles north of Cookeville on the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River on the Eastern Highland Rim.

I can’t stress enough how important safety is on this hike. Use good judgment and common sense when deciding whether you should hike down to the waterfall. If you have hesitations about your safety or ability, please plan to enjoy the view of the waterfall from the overlook. If you decide to hike to the bottom of the waterfall, please use caution!!! Visiting the waterfall will require using all of your strength and muscle you didn’t even know you had to complete this hike. Once arriving to the destination it’s well worth the hike.I would suggest to only record when taking a resting break. Always keep your hands free from things in case you slip. This will be a strenuous hike, climbing, waddling through water. I recommend that children not go to the gorge or base of waterfall alone. Life jackets are available. The less you take to the bottom of the waterfall the better. It is best to limit belongings to items that will fit in a small backpack.

Park Hours are 8:00AM until 6:00PM in-season and 4:30 off-season.

The gorge area closes at 5:00 PM in-season.

They like to try and have everyone out of waterfall by 5:00pm and out of parking lot by 6:00pm. This is also another well known area and very popular swim hole in the summer. If you’re ever in Tennessee and wanting something to do add this wonderful State Park on your list.

Also while hiking this don’t feel the need to rush to get there go at your pace take resting breaks if you need. I’d also recommend hanging out for a while before you have to venture back the hike.

Ps: If I can do this hike and Burgess Falls in one day anyone can do this hike! I would suggest doing this hike with a group of friends or even fun to do alone like I did. All in all great park, an awesome hiking experience and really enjoyable park. The water is cool and refreshing after a hike like this.