Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - What's 256 feet tall & keeps on falling?  Fall Creek Falls waterfall
Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - What's 256 feet tall & keeps on falling?  Fall Creek Falls waterfall

Pikeville, Tennessee Travel - What's 256 Feet Tall & Keeps on Falling?

East of the Rockies, there's none taller than the 256 foot tall Fall Creek Falls.  Adventures range from easy breathing to heart pumping at this State Park.  Hiking, biking, waterfalls, boating, tennis, horseback riding, and golfing. And, if adrenaline is your happy jam, go aerial in the treetop challenge courses.

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Fall Creek Falls

Location = Fall Creek Falls. 1664 Scenic Loop Rd, Pikeville. Fall Creek Falls State Park = 2009 Village Camp Rd, Spencer.

East of the Rockies, the tallest waterfall plunges 256 feet to the bottom into a wading pool. From the parking lot, Fall Creek Falls has 2 stunning viewing areas. For info on Fall Creek Falls State Park, click here: State Park. Interesting tidbits about Fall Creek Falls State Park - several hit movies were filmed here: Jungle Book 1994, Turbo: Power Rangers, and King Kong 1986, etc.

FYI: The Park is located 1,800 feet up on the Cumberland Plateau mountain - so expect the snow to hang around longer, possibly even the end of May.

Plan on spending 2-5 days. Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville. Fall Creek Falls State Park is one of the biggest parks in Pikeville/Spencer, TN.

A great add-on trip: Majestic Waterfalls of Rock Island.

Photo right: from the first viewing area, we glanced across the massive gorge and happened to spot some people on a large boulder. Had to use my phone's camera zoom.

We could see 3 people, and the guy (potentially of the looney tunes variety, LOL) was sitting on the edge of an overhanging rock ledge. With not a care, he dangled his legs into the abyss of nothingness, swinging them back & forth.

Not to worry, if he fell there's lots to slow his fall - mostly jagged boulders & pointy treetops. Yow-zah.

Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - People hiking across the gorge  from the waterfall viewpoints
Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - People hiking across the gorge  from the waterfall viewpoints

Pikeville, Tennessee

Let's get this party started. Just past the second viewing area, there's a sign that says "Base of Fall Creek Falls Trail, .4 miles one way. Very Strenuous". The strenuous rating is because of the steep incline in places, with some climbing over rocks/boulders, and some wet/slippery conditions.

Trust me - it's totally worth a little extra effort. The beauty of creation and raw nature is for sure on display.

About 2/3 of the way down, and before the trail curves left - you'll see a huge crevice straight ahead. It looks like a ginormous boulder fell and broke in half. We scrambled up the smaller boulders, and walked back in just to see what we could find.

And, then we felt it.... Ahhh. Nature's air conditioner. Tell me that doesn't feel awesome on a hot day. Well, that was cool (yep, pun intended). Photo below left.

Climbing Back Up

If you're worried about the "strenuous" rating on the Park's sign - here's some perspective.

I asked a 10 year old boy how he was doing on the hike back up. He said he was getting tired but glad he came.

We blew past 3 girls in their late teens sitting on a boulder. They were saying that going up was hard. You could tell they don't exercise.... like at all.

Two 64-ish ladies with walking sticks said they went down about as slow as they came up.

They all made it, so enjoy - it's worth it.

Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - Massive boulders form a crevice half way down the trail
Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - Massive boulders form a crevice half way down the trail
Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - Massive rock overhang towards bottom of trail
Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - Massive rock overhang towards bottom of trail
Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - pool at bottom of Fall Creek Falls waterfall
Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - pool at bottom of Fall Creek Falls waterfall

Fall Creek Falls Trail

As you approach the Fall Creek Falls, you'll feel the temperature start to cool down, and then the first tiny droplets of spray on your face. In early summer, the pool at the bottom is deeper and makes for a wading pool.

Depending on winter rains, the pool may be pretty shallow by late summer or early fall. For even cooler temperatures, and a nice view, take a trek behind the waterfall.

In spring when there's been some rains, standing behind the falls is definitely more exhilarating - with lot's of powerful & fast moving water, the falls sill be thundering their way down 256 feet.

Try it, if it's a new experience for you. Then, find a spot on the rocks and hang for awhile. Soak up the warm sunshine or have a snack, whatever you like.

Pikeville, TN - The 256 feet tall Fall Creek Falls in Fall Creek Falls State Park
Pikeville, TN - The 256 feet tall Fall Creek Falls in Fall Creek Falls State Park

Location = Fall Creek Falls State Park. 2009 Village Camp Rd, Spencer. There's a Visitor's Center, Recreation Center, Betty Dunn Nature Center, General Store, and Restaurant. There's also a lake, an 18 hole golf course, horseback riding stables, and tennis courts. Lodging includes Inn's, cabins, RV sites, and several campgrounds. Back country camping requires a permit.

The Fall Creek Falls State Park is an outdoor playground. It's one of biggest & most popular in Tennessee with more than 29,800 acres. The terrain is often rugged across the Cumberland Plateau, and sometimes steep hiking in & out of the canyons, but the rewards are awesome.

You're in for a treat - beautiful waterfalls, lush forests, deep gorges, and sparkling creeks. Fall Creek Falls Park has over 56 miles of trails to explore, each requiring different skill levels for both hikers & bicyclists. For the serious adventurers, there's 2 longer overnight trails - the Upper and Lower Cane Creek Loops. The day-use trails will accommodate all ages & skill levels.

Photo below left - I call it "helping hand" rock. It's a natural rock formation on Lower Loop Trail that totally looks like a hand. * Win a prize = Be the 1st person to email us a clever name for this "handy" rock formation.

Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - Walk down the stones to see a big rock hand, Lower Loop Trail
Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - Walk down the stones to see a big rock hand, Lower Loop Trail
Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - The State Park has water activities Fall Creek Falls Lake
Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - The State Park has water activities Fall Creek Falls Lake

Fall Creek Falls State Park

Location = No address to Piney Creek Falls. From Fall Creek Falls overlook parking, head north on the one-way Scenic Loop Rd. When you get to a "T" intersection, go right a short way to the parking loop.

Not as dramatic as Fall Creek Falls, but it's the most remote, so not much traffic. The falls are 2 tiered, dropping about 80 ft in the beautiful upper section and about another 40 ft to the lower section.

From the trailhead, go right on the short Piney Creek Overlook Trail to catch the somewhat obstructed view of the top of Upper Piney Creek Falls. To get to the base of upper falls, go back to the trailhead & then go left this time which turns into the Lower Loop Trail. It takes you down a slightly steep 1/4 mile section over some uneven slabs that suffice as steps.

After crossing the suspension bridge, take an immediate right & go down the steps & under the bridge. Follow the creek bed to the base of the Upper Piney Creek Falls where you'll find a great pool.

Take a look behind the falls. This is actually the top of the Lower Falls. FYI: there's not a trail to the bottom. If you're a rock climber, reports say you could rappel down.

Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - Far away view of Piney Creek Falls
Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - Far away view of Piney Creek Falls
Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - View of small stream that carved it's way thru rocks
Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - View of small stream that carved it's way thru rocks
Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - Top of Piney Creek Falls before they spill over the rock ledge
Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - Top of Piney Creek Falls before they spill over the rock ledge

FYI: Accessing the base of Lower Falls from the Fall Creek Falls gorge --

Rescue crews have been sent to rescue people who under-estimated the difficulty.

Piney Creek Falls

Location = Cane Creek Falls. 10821 Park Rd, Pikeville to the Betty Dunn Nature Center for access to the trail.

From the parking lot is Woodland Trail which goes east & west behind the Betty Dunn Nature Center. Both ends of the east & west sides of the trail are short. From here, you'll be able to see both Cane Creek Falls & the Cascades. Cane Creek Falls is about 1.5 miles roundtrip.

Behind the Nature Center, but BEFORE the bridge, you have quick access to the Cascades. The trail leads down, and the last 50 feet or so are scraggly rocks that resemble steps leading down to the falls. The bridge is in the background, photo below right. Don't miss the chance to wall up to the falls and stand on the rock ledges as the cascading water flows around your body. It's AWESOME. Be careful, the currents can be strong.

To get to a great Cane Falls overlook, take the suspension bridge behind the Nature Center. Careful, the bridge likes to sway.... like a lot. Since I'm still working on my fear of heights - I've got 25% wobbles coming from the bridge and 75% wobbles from my legs. Too much wobbling!

Once across the bridge, the trail will fork 3 times - stay to the right. The last little section on Cane Creek overlook will dead end for more incredible views.

FYI: 2023 notice about Paw Paw Trail - Paw Paw heads off to the east from the parking area has shut down. As of this blog, there's no expected reopen date.

Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - View from above Cane Creek Falls & circular rock cliffs
Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - View from above Cane Creek Falls & circular rock cliffs
Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - Bridge across a small canyon at Cane Creek Falls
Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - Bridge across a small canyon at Cane Creek Falls
Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - A hidden waterfall out of the rock cliffs
Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - A hidden waterfall out of the rock cliffs
Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - Walk along a rock ledge to the base of Cane Creek Falls
Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - Walk along a rock ledge to the base of Cane Creek Falls

Cane Creek Falls

More Fun Things to Do - Fall Creek Falls Park
  • Rock climbing requires registration.

  • Camping in the back country requires a permit.

  • Mountain biking - see designated trails, (rentals available).

  • There's a bike trail at the north end of the Lodge that goes around the lake and connects to Fall Creek Falls bike trail.

  • Boating (rentals available) & other water sports at Fall Creek Falls Lake.

  • Visit the Betty Dunn Nature Center for some interesting Ranger led educational experiences.

  • Play golf - it's that's your happy place.

  • Olympic-sized pool with wading area - Memorial Day thru Labor Day.

Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - Bugs along the hiking trails
Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - Bugs along the hiking trails

Vacation Travel Tips

  • Average temps high/low = Summer 88/66 degrees F. Winter 49/28. TN ranks 7th for humidity. Expect snow in mountain regions.

  • Backpack essentials - water, bug spray, sunscreen, whistle, flashlight, cell phone, pocket knife, and a light jacket.

  • Winter Essentials - thermal blanket, waterproof boots, warm clothing.

  • Hiking conditions - trails can be wet & slippery after summer rains. Prepare for snow in higher elevations.

  • Vehicle safety – Keep a spare blanket, boots, jacket, gloves, and snacks in the car. Winter roads can be icy & snow covered - use “winter” tires. If you only have "all season" tires, take snow chains.

  • Wild animals - black bears are becoming bolder in parks/campsite areas mostly due to food. Coyotes, cougar, bobcat are also present.

  • Trash - Pack out what you pack in.

  • Rivers/lakes – river shoes really help on the rocky bottom. Heavy winter rains mean deep, ice-cold & fast moving water in spring.

  • Poison oak & ivy - always know before you touch. The common Oak has 3 leaflets per stem but can have more. Ivy always has 3 leaflets.

  • Poisonous snakes - 4 types, found on land, water, and trees. They generally prefer to avoid humans, usually biting only if threatened.

  • Wilderness areas – take a buddy & tell someone your travel plans.

Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - Small creeks within the State Park
Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville - Small creeks within the State Park