Must-See Waterfalls near Nashville
Published on April 22, 2021 - Updated on April 22, 2021
The top eight waterfalls in close proximity to Nashville. Download the happyly app for all the details and our famous TIPS for making the most of your waterfall wanderings!
Who knew Tennessee had endless waterfalls? Can we change our state motto from the “Agriculture and Commerce State” to the “Waterfalls and Traffic State!” - I also have to keep us humble. While many Tennessee falls are a couple hours away, Nashville is fortunate to have quite a few within 70 miles. Some of these require a modest amount of hiking, but most are family-friendly and can be accomplished by even the smallest of walkers.
Go adventure to these beautiful waterfalls and be sure to tag us @gethappyly and @happyly_nash in your adventures for a chance to be featured!
Fall Hollow Falls
Distance from Nashville: 70 miles
Hiking Required: Minimal: The trail to the waterfall is very short (~0.3 miles each way), but the trail does get a bit slippery if it is wet.
Size of the Falls: Small
Special Notes: The parking lot is small and only holds about 8-10 cars. There are no bathrooms on site.
Jackson Falls
Distance from Nashville: 60 miles
Hiking Required: Minimal: The trail to the waterfall is very short (~0.2 miles each way). The rocks can be slippery near the falls.
Size of the Falls: Small
Special Notes: This waterfall is 15 minutes further north than Fall Hollow Falls so they would make for a great pair on an adventurous day.
Machine Falls
Distance from Nashville: 70 miles
Hiking Required: Moderate: The trail to the waterfall is mostly flat except for the climb down towards the falls. Young kids will need assistance climbing down the steps/ rocky descent. The trail to the falls and back is ~1.6 miles, and if you are feeling extra ambitious, you can connect to additional trails.
Size of the Falls: Midsize. This waterfall is quite tall and after a good rain, is very full.
Special Notes: There are no bathrooms on site. Parking lot is small.
Narrows of the Harpeth “Tunnel”
Distance from Nashville: 30 miles
Hiking Required: Minimal: The trail to the tunnel/waterfall is very short (~0.2 miles each way) and is flat.
Size of the Falls: Small. I’m not sure everyone would qualify this as a waterfall, but since there is water falling out of a tunnel, I’ll include it.
Special Notes: There are no bathrooms on site. During dry spells, there will be little to no water flowing out of the tunnel.
Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park
Distance from Nashville: 60 miles
Hiking Required: Moderate: There is a 1.4 mile fairly flat loop that takes you around the duck river and three waterfalls. However, if you just want to swim, you can start the trail counterclockwise and walk straight to Step Falls, which is ~.25 miles from the parking lot. To access Step Falls, you climb down a steep bluff, but it is quite manageable with kids.
Size of the Falls: Small to Midsize
Special Notes: There are plenty of parking, bathrooms, and other amenities onsite as it is a state park. This is also my personal favorite to visit with small children.
Rutledge Falls
Distance from Nashville: 60 miles
Hiking Required: Minimal: The trail to the waterfall is very short (~0.2 miles each way), but it is rocky and steep. There is a slightly longer, but less rocky path that takes you further away from the base of the falls.
Size of the Falls: Midsize
Special Notes: The water is freezing!
West Meade Waterfall
Distance from Nashville: 15 miles
Hiking Required: None! There is a very small area to park and you can see the waterfall from your car. You can also explore the area.
Size of the Falls: Small
Special Notes: This waterfall only flows after a heavy rain.
Stillhouse Hollow Falls
Distance from Nashville: 15 miles
Hiking Required: Moderate: The trail to the falls is ~.7 miles and can be steep at points.
Size of the Falls: Small
Special Notes: There are no restrooms on site.
Please check out the blog for more inspiration from a list of Tips for Hiking with Kids, Our top Five Nashville Outdoor Adventures, or declutter your home with 100 Things: A Rewarding And Fun Family Activity. As always, we welcome your family's highlights! Tag us on Instagram @gethappyly!
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