The summer heat can be miserable, and what better way to cool down than by taking a dip in Mother Nature’s showers? So pack your swimsuit and those water shoes (we cannot emphasize this enough, the rocks are slippery!), and head out of town for a good old-fashioned waterfall adventure.
💧 Foster Falls in Sequatchie
(94 miles from Nashville)
Close to Monteagle, this place is pure heaven. With plenty of nearby camping spots, you can recharge in nature and then head to the Mountain Goat Market to enjoy creature comforts like their turtle cheesecake brownie bars.
☀️ Cummins Falls in Cookeville
(67 miles from Nashville)
Okay, fair warning: you need to sign/purchase a Gorge Access Permit to visit the base of this waterfall, because the gorge is subject to flash flooding. Be sure to check the weather forecast before visiting — this is serious stuff, but worth it on a sunny day.
🚿 Fall Creek Falls in Spencer
(126 miles from Nashville)
A slightly more difficult hike that can be completed in about an hour and a half, this is a great place to go with a group of friends or family. Consider booking your stay at the Lodge at Fall Creek Falls, where you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the comfort of Gatlinburg hotels and the tranquility of nature.
🌲 Greeter Falls in Altamont
(91.7 miles from Nashville)
There are a variety of falls in the area, so you might as well check out several of them while you’re here. Be sure to get there early, as a busload of kids could show up at a moment’s notice, and it’s best enjoyed with fewer people.
🌊 Waterloo Falls in Cookeville
(About 73 miles from Nashville)
While all the other suggestions above are at Tennessee state parks, this one is on private property and offers amenities like Wi-Fi, restrooms, and picnic areas. There’s camping available too, as well as an event/wedding venue that is luxuriously rustic in the best sense of the word.
