Welcome to Tennessee Glamping, your base camp for chasing waterfalls near Center Hill Lake. We’re excited to share nine impressive waterfalls near Center Hill Lake with you. These waterfalls showcase the natural beauty of the Volunteer State and are a testament to its diverse landscape. Join us on a journey through misty trails and lush green landscapes as we unveil these timeless wonders in the heart of Tennessee. Whether you’re seeking adventure or a peaceful retreat, these breathtaking waterfalls promise an unforgettable experience for our guests at Tennessee Glamping. So, what are you waiting for? Come on over, and let us show you the beauty of Tennessee!
Fancher Falls
9.2 miles (13 min) From Center Hill Lake
Fancher Falls is a stunning 80-foot cascade that dominates the shores of Center Hill Lake. Surrounded by steep bluffs, it is a sight to behold. Although it is only accessible from the lake’s shoreline, visitors are still drawn to its incredible views. They come by kayaks, boats, or paddle boards, determined to reach the falls.
There are many ways to begin your adventure to the falls, but the most popular route is from the Cookeville boat dock. This route offers a 2.5-mile journey by water that takes about 1 hour to reach the base of the falls. Make sure to allow ample time for the trip out and the time you will spend taking in its beauty.
Burgess Falls
13.3 miles (19 min) From Center Hill Lake
Burgess Falls State Park is an ideal starting point for your waterfall-hunting excursion. At the heart of the park lies four distinct waterfalls. The first waterfall, the 20-foot cascade, sets the stage for what’s to come. As visitors continue along the trail, the height of the waterfalls increases. The second waterfall, at 30 feet, provides a mesmerizing display before leading to the dramatic drop of the 80-foot upper falls. The best part is the 136-foot lower falls, which is a breathtaking end to the waterfall.
There are three ways to access this group of waterfalls. You can take the moderately strenuous 1.5-mile River Trail loop, which leads you to an overlook with a view of the falls. Alternatively, you can take the moderate 1-mile Ridge Top Trail, which leads you directly to the viewpoint of Burgess Falls. You can also kayak, boat, or jet ski to the base of the falls, where you can fully experience its beauty.
Great Falls: Rock Island
22 miles (27 min) From Center Hill Lake
Rock Island State Park’s Great Falls is a must-see destination for those visiting Savage Gulf. The 30-foot horseshoe cascade perfectly blends natural beauty and excitement, inviting adventurers to explore the riverbed and even take a plunge off the falls.
There are multiple viewpoints of Great Falls throughout the park, including trails along the cliffside and boats below. An overlook near the parking lot provides visitors a convenient and easy way to view the unique cascades. However, be aware of the scheduled dam releases that can flood these paths, making them inaccessible to visitors. Lower viewpoints are accessible only during certain times of the year, so plan accordingly.
Twin Falls
30.2 miles (43 min) From Center Hill Lake
Twin Falls can be found further down the river at Rock Island State Park. This unique sight was created due to the accidental reshaping of the Caney Fork River during the damming process. Unlike most waterfalls, Twin Falls does not cascade over a cliffside. Instead, you can find them spilling out of the limestone walls of the River gorge. They fall 80 feet over the Caney Fork River.
Visitors can easily access the falls from the parking area located directly across from it. If you take the short flight of stairs in the parking area, you’ll find yourself at the level of Caney Fork. From there, you can witness the dual streams of water that rightfully earned the name Twin Falls.
Virgin Falls
33.2 miles (45 min) From Center Hill Lake
Virgin Falls is a magnificent waterfall within an hour’s drive from Center Hill Lake. What makes this cascade unique is that it flows out of a cave and then disappears into a pit in the ground that leads to an underground cave system.
The Virgin Falls Trail is an 8-mile out-and-back hike that begins at the trailhead on Scott Gulf Road and leads to this breathtaking waterfall. Along the trail, hikers will also come across two smaller waterfalls and a scenic overlook of Scotts Gulf. Although the hike is moderately challenging and lengthy, the stunning views of this incredible waterfall make the journey well worth it.
Cummins Falls
36.5 (46 min) From Center Hill Lake
Cummins Falls, which is a part of the Cordell Hull Watershed, is a waterfall that has been beloved by locals for over a century. The waterfall cascades 75 feet into a shallow pool, creating a beautiful scene for visitors. The water descends over layers of sheetrock, forming a breathtaking sight.
Above the falls are parking lots, picnic areas, trailheads, and restrooms, all conveniently located near an overlook where you can enjoy the waterfall’s views. For those seeking a more challenging adventure, a Gorge Access Permit can be purchased, granting access to the base of the falls through a steep and rocky natural trail. However, this trail is recommended only for experienced hikers and not recommended for inexperienced hikers.
Cane Creek Falls
40.8 miles (53 min) From Center Hill Lake
Fall Creek Falls State Park is a massive park just under an hour from Center Hill Lake. One of the park’s main attractions is Cane Creek Falls, which cascades 85 feet, making it one of the tallest waterfalls near Center Hill Lake. There are two overlooks from where you can easily observe the falls, but the best view is from the base of the falls. You can access the base of the falls through a moderately challenging descent down the cable trail. The trail is lined with cables to assist you on the rocky and steep terrain during the descent and ascent from the falls.
To get the best views of Rock House Falls and Cane Creek Falls, you can venture past the overlook in the visitor’s center parking lot and cross the swinging bridge. The gorge, carved out from the continuous flow of Cane Creek, provides a dramatic backdrop for the waterfall near Center Hill Lake.
Fall Creek Falls
45.8 miles (54 min) From Center Hill Lake
Fall Creek Falls is a towering 256-foot waterfall in Fall Creek Falls State Park, located near Center Hill Lake. It cascades into a serene pool surrounded by boulders, creating a breathtaking sight. To catch a glimpse of the waterfall, you can visit the Fall Creek Falls Overlook, which is the easiest way to access it. However, there are other ways to view the falls as well.
If you want to experience the waterfall up close, you can start on the short yet steep trail near the parking lot off of Scenic Loop Road. The trail will take you down to the base of the falls, where you can witness its magnificence. Handrails along the path provide support as you descend the 260-foot elevation drop. Be prepared for a steep climb on your way back up. During the warmer months, visitors can also take a dip in the refreshing pools.
That was quite the journey, discovering some of the best waterfalls near Center Hill Lake. We hope you are as inspired as we are to get out there and experience these unique beauties. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a day tripper, you can find the waterfall that caters to your adventure needs. Which one will you explore first?
