Fall Creek Falls State Park
PARK WEATHER
Notification Alert

Trail Closures

Fall Creek Falls State Park

In August 2023, Fall Creek Falls State Park was impacted by a tornado. Please see the updates below regarding the current status of park availability due to past storm damage.

The following areas remain closed:

  • Piney Falls Trail (FCF parking lot to Piney Falls parking lot)
  • Millikan's Overlook Trail (overlook is open, trail is closed)
  • Fall Creek Falls waterfall drops over a rock ledge into a small pool surrounded by green trees
    Ian Cresswell
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    Fall Creek Falls State Park is one of Tennessee’s largest and most visited state parks, encompassing approximately 29,800 acres across the Cumberland Plateau. The park is known for its stunning waterfalls, including its namesake, Fall Creek Falls — one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern United States. Visitors can explore the park's diverse landscape through hiking, camping, and a variety of outdoor activities, making it a premier destination for nature enthusiasts.
    More About the Park

    Explore the Park

    Safety and Accessibility

    • Safety

      With activities like rock climbing, boating, hiking and biking, maintaining a safety-first mindset helps prevent accidents and injuries. Be aware of your surroundings and follow safety guidance, especially around waterfalls and cliff edges. Check the forecast and prepare for potential hazards.   

    • Accessibility

      Fall Creek Falls State Park offers accessible parking, restrooms, and trails as well as all-terrain wheelchairs, adult changing tables, and other features to improve accessibility for all individuals. The Betty Dunn Nature Center and some overlooks are designed to provide increased access to enjoy the park's natural beauty.

      More Accessibility Details

    • Responsible Recreation

      Tennessee State Parks are dedicated to promoting responsible recreation by encouraging visitors to enjoy the parks’ natural beauty while minimizing their own impact. By practicing Leave No Trace principles and respecting park rules, visitors can help preserve these precious resources for future generations.  

      Find Out How

    Want to Stay Overnight? 

    Golf at Fall Creek Falls

    Try your golfing acumen on our championship 18-hole golf course set against the Cumberland Plateau's natural beauty. 

    Learn More

    Featured Park Attractions

      • A majestic waterfall cascades down a rocky cliff surrounded by tall trees. Sunlight beams through the mist, creating a serene, ethereal atmosphere.

      Waterfalls   

      Fall Creek Falls State Park is home to Tennessee's highest waterfall, the 256-foot Fall Creek Falls, plus five other spectacular falls ranging from 8 to 256 feet in height. We have seven signature waterfalls on trails, plus dozens in the backcountry.

      • Museum exhibit featuring a taxidermy bear in a lush, artificial forest scene. Green vines and grasses create a naturalistic backdrop. Wooden railing and signs included.

      Nature Center 

      The Betty Dunn Nature Center serves as an educational hub, featuring exhibits, programs, and access to the park's iconic suspension bridge.   

    Downloadable Resources

    Park Activities

    Park Amenities

    • Bike Trails
    • Birding
    • Boat Ramp
    • Boat Rentals
    • Boat Access
    • Cabins
    • Camp Store
    • Campground
    • Canoe Access
    • Fishing
    • Gift Shop
    • Golf Course
    • Group Lodges
    • Trails
    • Hotel
    • Laundromat
    • Museum
    • Playground
    • Swimming Pool
    • Rock Climbing
    • Restaurant
    • Snack Bar
    • Swimming
    • Visitor Center
    • Waterfalls
    • Adult-Sized Changing Table
    • All-Terrain Wheelchair
    • Colorblind Viewfinder
    • Wheelchair-Friendly Overlooks

    Planning a Group Gathering?

    Tennessee State Parks make planning your next group event easy. Reach out to our team for help with overnight stays, venue bookings, catering, and more, so you can focus on making memories, not logistics.

    Plan Your Group Stay

    Park Venues

      • view of lodge at night with lights turned on

      The Lodge at Fall Creek Falls

      Located an hour from Chattanooga and less than two hours from Nashville and Knoxville, this brand-new Lodge will satisfy your longing for adventure. 
      Book Now
      Learn More
      • Elegant wedding reception setup in a rustic hall with wooden floors. Tables are arranged in rows and adorned with candles and greenery, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

      Fall Creek Falls Recreation Hall

      Average rates: $650
      Capacity: 175 guests

      This versatile, multi-room building near Taft Village has several rooms of various sizes for all your wedding, event, and conference needs. There is ample parking near this venue.

      Nearby: Swimming pool, snack bar and Fall Creek Falls Outfitters 
       

      • Semi-circle of benches overlooking a forested valley from a stone platform.

      Fall Creek Falls Secret Overlook

      Average rates: $455
      Capacity: 50 guests

      Shhhh. This is our best-kept secret at Fall Creek Falls State Park. The perfect spot for an intimate ceremony, this secluded area offers an unforgettable setting for small, private events. It is accessible via a short walk through the stunning natural surroundings. With seating for up to 50 guests and additional standing room, this picturesque location provides an unparalleled backdrop for your special day. Limited parking is available just a short distance away, with space for up to three cars. The majority of the area is a grassy open space that is a perfect venue for any private event. 

      • Amphitheater with rows of empty metal benches facing the stage

      Fall Creek Falls Amphitheater

      Average rates: $121
      Capacity: 350 guests

      The Fall Creek Falls Amphitheater is an open-air venue that holds up to 350 people. It features a stage area and bench seating. There is ample parking and it is ADA-compliant. The amphitheater is located near the Recreation Hall and swimming pool.

      Please note: Due to the Amphitheater being located near the Fall Creek Falls Swimming Pool, there may be loud noise on certain days from swimming pool patrons from Memorial Day to Labor Day. 

    Go to the Venues Page
    • Long pavilion with a brown roof and wooden picnic tables underneath, surrounded by autumn trees. A gravel path runs in front. Bright, serene setting.

    Pavilions

    Fall Creek Falls State Park has a total of seven picnic pavilions that may be reserved for your next event or gathering.  

    Capacity: 50 
    Amenities: Picnic tables, grill, and access to restrooms 
    Nearby: Depending upon the shelter, access to a playground, swimming area or pool, or a ball field is nearby
    Rates: $66 

    Full-day shelter reservations may be made online or by calling the park. 

    Picnic shelters or pavilions may be reserved online up to one year in advance with a paid reservation fee.  

    There is a $5 cancellation fee for picnic shelter or pavilion reservations cancelled eight days or more in advance of the reserved date. Reservations cancelled seven days or less in advance of the reserved date forfeit all paid fees. 

    Reserve Now

    The Restaurant at Fall Creek Falls

    Experience the Restaurant at Fall Creek Falls. Our restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining with breathtaking views of the lake. Consider our catering options for your next group event.

    See Hours and Menus

    For Schools

    Engage your students in a hands-on learning experience with Ranger-led or teacher-led programs at Tennessee State Parks. 

    Request a Program

    PLATINUM

    More Sustainability Information

  • Energy Efficiency

    Utilize geothermal heating and cooling in the fisherman’s cabins. The Betty Dunn Nature Center has recently been remodeled with new roofing, insulation, and windows, in addition to increased accessibility.

  • EV Charging Stations

    Installed EV charging stations at the Lodge and Nature Center. 

     

  • Protect Habitats

    Prohibit gas motors to protect water quality and reduce noise. Partner with Americorps for historic preservation, invasive species removal and trail building. 

  • Eco-Friendly Practices

    Perform golf maintenance with electric mowers, targeted watering program, and digital irrigation. Promote eco-friendly practices in campgrounds.

    • Gift Shops and Stores

    • Visitor Center Gift Shop 

      2009 Village Camp Road
      Spencer, TN 38585
      United States

      1-423-881-5298
      Hours

      8:00 AM - 4:30 PM CST 

    • Nature Center Gift Shop  

      10821 Park Road
      Spencer, TN 38585
      United States

      1-423-881-5708
      Hours

      9:00 AM - 4:30 PM CST 

    • Boat Dock Gift Shop 

      1996 Village Camp Road
      Spencer, TN 38585
      United States

      1-423-881-5500
      Hours

      Seasonal. Please call for more information.

    • The Lodge Gift Shop  

      2536 Lakeside Drive
      Spencer, TN 38585
      United States

      1-423-881-5241
      Hours

      Open daily, 24 hours a day

    • Golf Course Pro Shop  

      626 Golf Course Road
      Spencer, TN 38585
      United States

      1-423-881-5706
      Hours

      8:00 AM - 8:00 PM CST 

    Contact Information

    • Park Office and Visitor Center

      2009 Village Camp Road
      Spencer, TN 38585
      United States

      1-423-881-5298
      Hours

      The Park is open 24 hours a day. The road leading to the falls is locked at dark. All day use areas close at sunset.

      Additional Information

      Lodge, Camping, and Cabin Reservations & Information 
      1-888-TN-PARKS 
      1-888-867-2757

      Group Sales Information & Reservations
      1-423-881-2003

    • Golf Course Clubhouse

      626 Golf Course Road
      Spencer, TN 38585
      United States

      1-423-881-5706
      Hours

      Open 7 days a week. Closed on Christmas Day.

    • The Lodge at Fall Creek Falls

      2536 Lakeside Drive
      Spencer, TN 38585
      United States

      1-423-881-5241
      Hours

      Generally open 24 hours for guests.

      Additional Information

      Group Lodge / Group Camping Reservations & Information
      1-800-250-8611

    • The Restaurant at Fall Creek Falls 

      2536 Lakeside Drive
      Spencer, TN 38585
      United States

      1-423-881-2020
      Hours
    • Nature Center Trails, Cave, and Environmental Education

      Betty Dunn Nature Center
      10821 Park Rd
      Spencer, TN 38585
      United States

      1-423-881-5708