With access to some of the country’s best venues for rock climbing, road and mountain biking, hiking, white-water rafting, paddling, and more, Chattanooga is the place to be this summer. Whether you’re looking for action packed adventure or a quiet, relaxing escape into nature, there’s definitely something for you here.  A perennial favorite summer activity in Chattanooga is cooling off in the water.  Whether you’re in it, on it, or just admiring it, the waterways in and around Chattanooga are an integral part to an enjoyable summer vacation. Come explore the waterfalls around Chattanooga, and you’ll probably find your new favorite summer swimming hole while you’re at it. Book your room at our luxurious Chattanooga Bed and Breakfast today.

Waterfalls Near Chattanooga

It’s no secret that Tennessee is home to some of the best waterfalls and swimming holes in the country.  Some are easily accessible, but some are off the beaten path and require a bit of effort.  Though there are more waterfalls in the Chattanooga area than we can name, you can’t go wrong with a visit to any one of these ten great falls.

1. Falling Water Falls is a 110 foot waterfall that spills over the Cumberland Plateau.  The mist from the falls keeps the gorge moist most of the year, but it’s easily accessible from the trailhead in the parking lot, making it an easy waterfall to check off your list.
2. Greeter Falls is located in the South Cumberland State Park, and is one of the best waterfall hikes in the area.  Actually, if you follow the Greeter Falls Loop Trail at Savage Gulf, you’ll be rewarded with three incredible waterfalls: Upper Greeter Falls, Lower Greeter Falls, and Boardtree Falls.  The picturesque pool at the base of Lower Greeter Falls is one of the best swimming holes around.
3. Laurel Falls, located in the Laurel Snow State Natural Area, is found at the end of one of the most scenic sections of the Cumberland Trail. It’s a bit of a rugged trail at times, but a trailside pool offers a great spot to take a break.
4. Foster Falls, also located in the South Cumberland State Park, is considered one of the top 25 hikes in the country.  Here, you can enjoy seasonal camping, and trail access to the bottom of the falls as well as multiple overlooks.  Foster Falls also happens to be a major sport climbing destination in the Southeast, with nearly 200 sport climbing routes to explore.
5. DeSoto Falls, located in DeSoto State Park, is worth the longer drive.  The waterfall starts at a concrete dam at the very top, before meandering down further and cascading 80 feet into a huge plunge pool.  You may even see cavers on hot summer days rappelling right into the lake (a special permit is required for this).
6. Fall Creek Falls is an incredible 256 feet high, making it the highest free-falling waterfall in the eastern U.S.  Even in mid-summer, a steady flow of water makes this a picturesque spot to spend a day.
7. Ozone Falls is the furthest from Chattanooga, but worth it to see the water plummeting 110 feet off a sandstone shelf into yet another beautiful swimming pool.
8. Hemlock/Cherokee Falls aren’t two far away, and are the two major waterfalls located in Cloudland Canyon state park.  Both are accessed by a short hike, with Cherokee Falls being quite picturesque, with a lovely grove of trees at the edge of its plunge pool.
9. Ruby Falls, just across the street from our Bed and Breakfast, is one of the most popular Lookout Mountain Attractions.  It’s different from all the rest, because the waterfall itself is located over 1,120 feet below the surface.

Enjoy a day in Chattanooga’s great outdoors, while seeking some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state of Tennessee.  All of this and more is at your fingertips, when you stay at our Lookout Mountain Bed and Breakfast.