There is a lot to see and do in the state of Tennessee, but did you know that it is also home to one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States? In Bledsoe and Van Buren counties, you’ll find Fall Creek Falls State Park, which is home to one of the tallest waterfalls in this part of the county. Featuring over 26,000 acres to explore, Fall Creek Falls State Park is a very popular destination for the rookie, experienced, and every type of RV traveler in between.
While Fall Creek Falls is undoubtedly the main attraction, there are other waterfalls such as Cane Creek, Cascades, and Piney Falls that also worth checking out. The park is filled with fun and exciting activities for people of all ages and interests, so you will struggle to run out of things to do on your visit. Some of the other activities available include golfing, hiking, nature programs, swimming, and fishing. You won't want to miss a chance to tackle the adventure course, where you can cross high swinging bridges, ride zip lines, and walk balance beams.
There are a wide range of camping options to choose from when visiting Fall Creek Falls State Park. Many RV lovers choose to stay in one of the five RV-friendly loops that are found within the main camping area. However, if you are looking for something different you can also go backcountry camping at four different sites or stay in a cabin. Those traveling with a large group can also choose between group camping sites or two group lodges. Peak season at Fall Creek Falls State Park runs from April to September.
Driving to and from Fall Creek Falls State Park is relatively straightforward since it is located off TN-30. There are two entrances to the park (one from TN-30 and a lesser-used entrance from Archie Rhinehart Parkway), and RVers can use both to access the park. Although it is a very popular location, the roads in and around the park are kept in very good condition all year round, and you should have no problem with any obstacles impacting your journey.
While there is a general store within Fall Creek Falls State Park, if you don't want to pay a premium for your last minute supplies there are multiple towns that you can visit before your arrival to grab some supplies. These include Pikeville (around 12 miles away), Spencer (around 15 miles away), and McMinnville (around 34 miles away). Chattanooga is around 66 miles to the south and Nashville is around 123 miles to the northwest.
While extreme weather conditions aren't common at Fall Creek Falls State Park, if you are concerned about weather conditions before your arrival, you can contact the park office.
There are various parking areas inside the park, however it might become crowded during the peak season.
If you’re planning on bringing your RV to Fall Creek Falls State Park there will be plenty of places to stay thanks to the 222 campsites that are located in five different camping areas. No matter which one of these sites that you decide to go with, you’ll be guaranteed a picnic table, grill, water, and electric hookups. For campers looking for more amenities, there are also sewer hookups available at 92 of these sites. Some sites can even accommodate RVs up to 65 feet in length, so if your RV is fairly large, you won’t need to stress about fitting into one of the sites.
Since the campground is so large, there are six bathhouses that you can use to clean up, and there is a laundry facility that is open all year-round. If you need groceries or anything else during your stay, there is also a camp store. Other amenities within the campground include water collection points, Wi-Fi, and a playground. Reservations are recommended since this is a very popular place to stay.
If you’re looking for something a bit more luxurious than camping in an RV, you can choose to stay in a cabin instead. There are two types of cabins that you can stay at in Fall Creek Falls State Park: the fisherman and landslide cabins.
The fisherman cabins are right on Fall Creek Lake, making them perfect for those who like fishing and other lake activities. There are 20 fishermen cabins, and most of them are two-bedroom, but some are three-bedroom cabins. You’ll find the landslide cabins a bit further away on a hill overlooking the lake. There are 10 of these types of cabins, and they are all two-bedroom. No matter what cabin you choose, you’ll be guaranteed the finest of amenities and a great stay.
Fall Creek Lake has lots to offer those that enjoy fishing. Not only does the lake give you chances to catch plentiful Largemouth Bass, but you could also catch some impressive bluegill and channel catfish. In fact, they have some state record catches of these fish at this lake. The best times of the year to come fishing are in the spring and fall, but the off-season means fewer crowds and less competition.
140 - that’s the number of species of birds that are found in this park throughout the year. When you come birdwatching in the park during the off-season, you can see some migratory birds as well. Since the park will be less crowded you won't have to worry as much about people scaring them off as you try to spot and identify them all.
If you like to go mountain biking, Fall Creek Falls State Park has you covered with three trails available for you to use. The trails total 24 miles, and all three are classified as being suitable for intermediate riders. Obstacles include rocks, trees, and even creek crossings that you’ll have to take on with your bike. You should bring your own bike since there are no guarantees that any bikes will be available during your visit.
Since Fall Creek Falls State Park is super popular, it is a wise choice to visit the hiking trails and waterfalls once the crowds start to die down. There are over 56 miles of trails for you to explore that are suitable for hikers of all skill levels. Some trails are short and perfect for a leisurely stroll, while others are long, treacherous. There are even overnight trails for the more adventurous and daring.
There is always something going on in this park, and there’s no better way to learn a few things than through a hands-on learning experience. During the off-season, there will still be plenty to learn thanks to the wide variety of programs they offer year-round. You can take a painting or drawing class, learn about outdoor preparedness, or take a guided hike.
If you’ve decided that you’d rather leave the RV behind and try something a little more primitive to get in touch with nature, you can come backcountry camping inside park. There are 16 backcountry sites spread out into four different areas. In order to get to these sites, you’ll need to backpack in since there is no vehicle access. This kind of camping can be a challenge for some, and you won’t have nearly as many amenities. If you’re willing to accept the challenge, it can be a great way to experience nature more up close and personal.
Fall Creek Falls State Park is well-known for being a place that many groups visit throughout the year to make use of the group camping areas or the group lodge. There are two lodges available: Lodge One can accommodate up to 100 people and Lodge Two is suitable for up to 32 people.
Lodge One is usually used by school or youth groups and has four staff rooms, two dorms, and a commercial kitchen. Although Lodge Two is smaller it still features two buildings and contains a kitchen in each of them.
The two group camp cabin areas at Fall Creek Falls State Park are also suitable for bigger groups. The first cabin area has 19 cabins suitable for up to 55 people, while the second features 24 cabins that are also suitable for 55 people. The cabins don't have bathrooms, but there are three bathrooms in each area.
Reservations for all of the group areas must be made well in advance.
If you love to rock climb, you will be happy that you choose to visit Fall Creek Falls State Park. Rock climbing is allowed at the Copperhead Rock area of the park and features routes great for climbers of all skill levels. If you would like to go rock climbing then you will need to be registered, as the park will not allow rock climbers that aren’t. Luckily, this is free and easy to do. You can simply do it online or at the park headquarters, which is located in the Taft Village Area.
Along with exploring the lake via watercraft, you can also have some fun by jumping into the cool and refreshing water. Along with the lake being swimmer friendly, there is also an Olympic-sized pool that is open seven days a week during the summer. The pool is great for families since there is a lifeguard on duty while you swim.
One of the best ways to spend a summer's day is exploring the lake at the park. If you want to get out on the lake, you can rent an aluminum jon boat from the park. However, you’ll need to bring your own trolling motor and battery if you are wanting to do some serious boating. If those kinds of boats really aren’t your thing, then you can bring your own canoe or kayak and take that out on the water instead.
The golf course at Fall Creek Falls State Park was designed by Joe Lee, who was one of the most respected golf course designers in the world. Known for its difficulty, the Fall Creek Falls Golf Course opened in 1972 and has been pleasing golfers ever since. The course is one of the best public places to play golf in the nation, so book your tee time and get ready to challenge yourself on this fantastic course.
If you’re looking for an exciting and unforgettable adventure, then you’ve come to the right park. The Canopy Challenge Course is filled with obstacles like bridges and rope swings, ladders and cargo nets, and balance beams and zip lines that will be great fun for people of all ages. The course will take around two and a half hours to complete, but you're guaranteed to have a load of fun. The course does require a ticket so it is worth buying it before you get to the park so that you won't miss out on the fun.
