When it comes to selling a hike to your reluctant children, few things have more pay-off than waterfalls. Their energy is hypnotic, and, in the hot and humid days of summer, the cool rush water is an immediate salve after a long, sweaty hike (“long,” at least, to little legs).
The Middle Tennessee region is awash with waterfall trails that provide fantastic outdoor experiences without too many obstacles for young hikers. Here is a list of six within 2 hours of Nashville that offer a wondrous adventure any time of year. Most of these trails are located in state parks, which I feature because of their high level of trail maintenance and care, as well as their dedication to public education and safety; I trust that any change or update to the environment will be well communicated. Further, I like to feature locations that I have experienced myself, so that I share from a place of expertise. Read on to the final spot, though, for a bonus waterfall that’s a little more off-the-beaten-path!
As with any encounter into our natural world, ensure you LEAVE NO TRACE!
1. Base of Falls Trail @ Fall Creek Falls State Park
Location: Spencer, TN (near Sparta & McMinnville)
Distance: .7-mile out and back
You can get a great view of Fall Creek Falls from an accessible overlook that gives you an unobstructed aerial view of this 256 foot wonder that clocks in as the highest falls east of the Mississippi River. But if you want to really hear its thunder and feel its mist, you can take the Base of Falls Trail that is located right around the corner from the overlook platform. (A parking lot and restroom facilities are both located at this overlook and trailhead location.)
There is a sign at the top of the trail warning the path is “strenuous,” but it’s the return climb that demands that notice. The way down is an easy descent along a well-worn path before it “switches back” and hugs a massive rock wall (the ridge you were just standing on a few minutes ago!). The trail continues to scramble over large boulders, the sound getting louder and the air getting heavier, until it ends with with the falls pouring into a pool right in front of you. The steep climb back up is, naturally, more challenging, but we had no problems with our five-year-old.
2. Blackburn Fork River Trail @ Cummins Falls State Park
Location: Cookeville, TN
Distance: at least 1-mile (multiple routes available)
Full disclosure: I haven’t actually hiked this trail. Cummins Falls is an astounding waterfall, and it’s one of the few with which you can really get up close and personal. The Gorge Trail is a strenuous but oh-so-satisfying trek that provides the only route to the base of the falls. I’ve done it with a five- and two-year-old in tow, but it took work. If you have older kids or are up to the challenge, I can’t recommend enough! (Just make sure you reserve a permit ahead of time.)
But if you have any doubts, you will get a great view of the falls with the much easier Blackburn Fork River Trail, AND you don’t need a permit for it. This route runs about half a mile along a bluff next to the river, ending at an accessible platform that overlooks the falls. Once you reach the overlook, you can circle back via the same path to keep the water in view, but there are also several other paths of similar distance that can get you back to the starting point.
3. River Trail @ Burgess Falls State Park
Location: Baxter, TN (near Sparta)
Distance: approx. 1.5-mile (multiple routes available)
Burgess Falls State Park is one of the smallest parks in the system, but it packs a lot of punch into its area. The 0.75-mile River Trail hugs the shore of the Falling Water River along a path that my 2-year-old had no trouble navigating. It passes three separate waterfalls – Falling Water Cascades, Pipeline Falls, and Hemlock Falls – with plenty of opportunities to veer to the edge for a rest or look at the scenery. The trail ends at the penultimate viewpoint and the park’s namesake, with an observation deck that overlooks the 100+ feet of Burgess Falls. You could continue on with a short and steep 0.15-mile trail segment that gets closer to the falls, but at the time, my kids were, so typically, whining for snacks.
If the trail’s natural surface poses a problem, Burgess Falls does have a more accessible option; the half-mile Access Trail is a paved path that leads directly from the parking lot to the Burgess Falls overlook. It does bypass the other three waterfalls, but it’s a quicker route back to the playground for tired little legs. As of June 2026, the upper parking lot is closed for construction of a new Visitor’s Center, so parking is very limited.
4. Enclosure Trail @ Old Stone Fort State Park
Location: Manchester, TN
Distance: 1.4-mile loop
There is way more to discover on the Enclosure Trail than just waterfalls; this state park is an archaeological one that preserves a prehistoric Native American earthwork. The trail follows the perimeter of a 2,000-year-old stone “fort” built during the Middle Woodland period, most likely used to enclose a ceremonial space. More recently, the land housed a 19th-century mill, remnants of which can also be found along the trail.
Begin at the Visitor’s Center and take a right at the fork to follow the trail in a counter-clockwise direction. This direction begins by hugging a bluff above the Duck River and quickly leads to its two waterfalls. First, Blue River Falls will be on your right, and in another quarter of a mile, the more impressive Big Falls. The trail along here is rather confusing and poorly marked but allows for some exploratory wandering. Make your way down to the river bank by whichever path necessary for close-up views of the falls; once you climb back to the highest ground, you’re most likely back on the official trail route.
If the waterfalls are your end-goal, you can turn around and head back along the path from whence you came; otherwise, continue for the full Enclosure Trail experience that leads past remnants of the old mill and through the flat grassland of the ancient enclosure.
5. Downstream Trail @ Rock Island State Park
Location: Rock Island, TN (near McMinnville)
Distance: 1.7-mile out and back
There are several waterfalls to explore at Rock Island State Park, all of them accessible with small children. If your adventure begins at the Visitor Center, you’ll first reach Great Falls just past the TVA Hydro Plant. Park here for a beautiful overlook and learn the history of the 19th-century cotton mill and spring house, still present on site. The most astounding waterfall, though, is the massive Twin Falls, best viewed via the Downstream Trail.
From Great Falls, you’ll have to drive another 15 minutes east through the town of Rock Island, north across the Caney Fork River, and double back west on Power House Road. Once parked, the Downstream Trail begins with a descent down a set of stairs next to the TVA Powerhouse. The falls are visible immediately, and the trail continues to hug the gorge, offering some pretty breathtaking views. There are many rocks and boulders off the trail’s path that provide an even-closer viewpoint. You can continue along the flat and shaded trail for the rest of its loop, though Twin Falls will no longer be in view. Don’t turn around, though, before reaching the steep staircase that leads to Little Falls, a small waterfall that runs off the roof of a cave. It’s a short but satisfying side trip.
Important note: As the TVA spills water from the dam, the downstream flow can increase drastically in a short amount of time. Sirens alert people in the area that water levels may rapidly rise, and if this happens, the Downstream Trail is closed. If you’re on the trail, you should head back to the parking lot immediately. (This happened during our hike.) To try and avoid, plan ahead and check the park’s Facebook page and/or TVA’s website for Great Falls Dam and Powerhouse for the most current water discharge schedule.
6. Rutledge Falls Trail
Location: between Manchester and Tullahoma, TN
Distance: 0.25-mile out and back
This is a unique one for this list, because it’s not located in a state park or on another piece of public land; therefore, it has no official, maintained trail. Rutledge Falls is technically located on private property, but its owners graciously keep it open to the public during daylight hours, and they work with local officials to provide public access. (At least according to AllTrails.) It’s a well-known and well-trafficked location that we have actually visited on our own, so I feel okay sharing it since we have first-hand experience. And it’s an absolutely amazing waterfall!
First off, there’s no official parking lot; you’ll park across the road at Rutledge Falls Baptist Church. (For this reason, maybe avoid a Sunday morning hike.) From here, it’s a very short hike to the falls. There are parts of a semi-steep descent with climbs over rocks, but our daughter was about 19 months old at the time, and we were able to easily conquer it. A large swimming hole is perfect for warm months, and you can reach the falls themselves by walking along the flat rocks that surround the swimming hole. Keep in mind, though, it can be very slippery!
