Fall Creek Falls State Park: Overview
Home to the tallest waterfall in the eastern United States (256 feet FCF), this Tennessee state park is a perfect destination for nature lovers. The park has more than 22,000 acres of land to explore. The park is located on the eastern edge of the Cumberland Plateau along the Upper Cane Creek Watershed. For nature lovers, there are numerous trails for hiking and biking, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, and camping opportunities, and for those who are not so adventurous, there is an Olympic-size swimming pool, a nature center, restaurant, playgrounds. and picnic pavilions.
Waterfalls
The six most impressive waterfalls in the park can be seen in one afternoon. 256 ‘Fall Creek Falls has a nice viewing area. Adjacent to the great falls is Coon Creek Falls which is best viewed after a heavy rain otherwise it is usually an unimpressive trickle to the right of the larger falls.
From the Nature Center, you can easily view the 45 ‘Cane Creek waterfalls. Walk over the suspension bridge and follow the trail straight to see the 85 ‘Cane Creek Falls and the 125’ Rockhouse Falls.
If time permits, head to the Piney Creek Falls Observation Area. This 80 ‘waterfall is on the other side of the gorge and is mostly obscured by trees. Walk across the suspension bridge for a slightly better view or, better yet, wait to visit this one in late fall or winter for optimal views.
Moonbows
Cane Creek Falls displays an impressive lunar arc during certain lunar phases and during particularly high flow volume. A lunar arc is a lunar rainbow produced by light that reflects off the surface of the moon. Lunar arcs will always appear in the opposite part of the sky to the moon.
The Biodiversity
Known for its views and waterfalls, Fall Creek Falls also has a tremendous diversity of plant and animal life. This is mainly due to the great variety of topography and the presence of microclimates. During the summer months, the Nature Center offers daily programs, many of which explore this biodiversity in depth.
Tennessee history
Acquired in 1935, construction of the park began in 1936 by the National Park Service using the efforts of the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) and the WPA (Works Progress Administration). In 1944 the ownership of the park was transferred to the state. The park is located in the middle of Tennessee, between Spencer and Pikeville, on the border with Van Buren and Bledsoe counties.
Fall Creek Falls is a Tennessee state park that should be on your list of places to visit. It has many activities for nature lovers and is sure to please adults and children alike. It is a reasonable trip from Nashville and Chattanooga. Make plans to visit this unique Tennessee treasure on your next vacation!