Fall Creek Falls State Park – Overview
Home to the tallest waterfall in the eastern United States (256 feet FCF), this Tennessee state park is a perfect destination for nature lovers. The park has more than 22,000 acres of land to explore. The park is located on the eastern edge of the Cumberland Plateau along the Upper Cane Creek watershed. For nature lovers, there are numerous trails for hiking and biking, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, and camping, and for the less adventurous, there is an Olympic-size swimming pool, nature center, restaurant, playgrounds and picnic pavilions.
waterfalls
The six most impressive waterfalls in the park can be seen in one afternoon. The 256′ Fall Creek Falls have a nice viewing area. Adjacent to the Big Falls are Coon Creek Falls, best seen after a heavy rain; otherwise it’s usually an unimpressive trickle to the right of the larger falls.
From the Nature Center you can easily see the 45 foot Cane Creek waterfalls. Walk across the suspension bridge and follow the trail to see the 85-foot Cane Creek Falls and the 125-foot Rockhouse Falls.
If time permits, drive to the Piney Creek Falls viewing area. This 80′ waterfall is on the other side of the gorge and is mostly obscured by trees. Walk across the suspension bridge for a slightly better view, or better yet, wait to visit this one in late fall or winter for optimal views.
moon bows
Cane Creek Falls displays an impressive rainbow during certain phases of the moon and during particularly high flow volume. A lunar rainbow is a lunar rainbow produced by light reflecting off the surface of the moon. Moonbows will always appear on the opposite side of the sky from the moon.
Biodiversity
Known for its views and waterfalls, Fall Creek Falls also has a huge diversity of plant and animal life. This is mainly due to the wide variety of topography and the presence of microclimates. During the summer months, the Nature Center offers daily programs, many of which explore this biodiversity in depth.
Tennessee history
Acquired in 1935, construction of the park began in 1936 by the National Park Service using the efforts of the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) and the WPA (Works Progress Administration). In 1944, ownership of the park was transferred to the state. The park is located in central Tennessee, between Spencer and Pikeville, bordering Van Buren and Bledsoe counties.
Fall Creek Falls is a Tennessee state park that should be on your list of places to visit. It has plenty of activities for nature lovers and is sure to please adults and children alike. It’s a reasonable drive from Nashville and Chattanooga. Make plans to visit this unique Tennessee treasure on your next vacation!