Your Local Guide to Exploring Local

Survey Chattanooga’s residents and we bet 6 out of 10 will say they moved here for the outdoors. One of our personal favorite outdoor adventures is a hike with a stunning waterfall at the end. We have done the research for you, and here is a list of our favorites! 

Greeter Falls 

Overlook, Altamont, TN 37301

In just a short hike, this trail visits two stunning waterfalls, the charming 15-foot Upper Falls and the impressive 50-foot Lower Falls. It’s a great family-friendly hike, and one of the locals’ favorite adventures near Chattanooga. There’s almost always ample parking available, even on the most crowded summer days. A map of the park’s nearby trail system lies around 100 yards into the trail. 

Falling Water Falls 

995 Falling Water Trail, Walden, TN 37377

Enjoy this 0.3-mile out-and-back trail near Signal Mountain, Tennessee. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 11 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. 

Laurel Falls 

Laurel Falls, Dayton, TN37321

This trail is generally considered a moderately challenging route. This is a very popular area for hiking, rock climbing, and snowshoeing, so you'lllikely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. 

 Fall Creek Falls 

2009 Village Camp Rd, Spencer, TN 38585

Don’t let the short hike fool you, Fall Creek Falls, at 256 feet, is one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States. Be sure to check out their website for camping options too! 

 Foster Falls

 498 Foster Falls Rd, Sequatchie, TN 37374

 Hike to the stunning cascades of Foster Falls in South Cumberland State Park near Chattanooga, exploring the dramatic, 80-foot plunge of this enormous waterfall. Spilling in an ultra-scenic, single-drop cascade over a towering, curved cliff, Foster Falls is quite simply one of the most impressive waterfalls in the entire Southeast. 

 Hemlock Falls

 741 Canyon Park Dr. Trenton, GA 30752

This trail is an out-and-back trail that takes roughly 48 minutes to complete. At the trail’s end, Hemlock Falls cascades over a sheer cliff, tumbling in tendrils of whitewater into a clear, cool pool below. To reach the waterfall, this adventure follows Daniel Creek upstream from Sitton's Gulch Trailhead, catching beautiful views throughout its  4.4 mile length. 

Rainbow Falls 

Rainbow Falls, Signal Mountain, TN 37377 

Explore this 80-foot high, hidden waterfall that produces a mist rainbow visible on sunny afternoons. The hike to Rainbow Falls is located less than 10 miles from downtown Chattanooga and can provide easy access to Signal Point for sweeping views of the Tennessee River gorge. 

Desoto Falls

 7104 Desoto Pkwy NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967

Desoto Falls is a 104-ft waterfall on the Little River's West Fork near Mentone, Alabama. They are named after Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto.