Ozone Falls State Natural Area
💧 Tennessee’s 110-Foot Plunge — A sheer sandstone drop into a rock-strewn gorge, a scramble to the swimming hole below, and one of the most dramatic roadside waterfalls in the Southeast
Pull off Interstate 40 at the Crab Orchard exit in East Tennessee, drive four miles down Highway 70, park in a gravel lot, and walk 200 feet to the edge of a cliff. Below you, Fall Creek drops 110 feet over a sandstone ledge into a deep, dark plunge pool at the bottom of a forested gorge. Ozone Falls is one of the tallest and most dramatic waterfalls in Tennessee — and one of the most accessible, sitting just minutes off a major interstate with no entrance fee, no reservation, and no crowds (most days).
The upper viewing area is easy — a flat, short walk from the parking lot to the cliff edge. But the real experience is below. A steep, rugged trail descends into the gorge, scrambling over boulders and roots to reach the base of the falls and its swimming hole. The pool is cold, deep, and surrounded by massive boulders and vertical rock walls that amplify the sound of the falling water into something primordial. Ozone Falls State Natural Area protects this small but spectacular site as a natural area — meaning minimal development, no facilities beyond a parking lot, and maximum raw beauty.
What to Do at Ozone Falls
1. View the Falls from the Overlook
From the parking lot, a short, flat path (about 200 feet) leads to the top of the falls. The overlook provides a dramatic perspective — looking directly down 110 feet to the plunge pool below. This is the easy access point suitable for all fitness levels. Caution: the cliff edge is unfenced and can be slippery. Keep children close and stay well back from the edge.
2. Hike Down to the Base
The trail to the base of the falls is approximately 0.4 miles (0.8 miles round trip) and descends steeply into the gorge. This is not a groomed staircase — expect large boulders, exposed roots, steep drops, and potentially slippery surfaces, especially after rain. Sturdy hiking shoes with ankle support are essential; flip-flops and sneakers are genuinely dangerous here. The descent takes 15–25 minutes; the return climb is harder and slower. The reward is standing at the base of a 110-foot waterfall in a natural amphitheater of rock and forest.
| Route | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Overlook | ~200 ft from lot | Easy | Top-down view of 110-ft falls |
| Base Trail | ~0.8 mi RT | Strenuous | Plunge pool, swimming, falls spray |
3. Swim in the Plunge Pool
Swimming in the plunge pool at the base of the falls is one of the most popular activities, especially in summer. The pool is deep, cold, and surrounded by massive boulders. It is unofficial but widely practiced — there are no “swimming prohibited” signs, but there are also no lifeguards, no handrails, and no rescue infrastructure. Swim at your own risk. The rocks are slippery, the water is cold even in August, and the gorge has no cell service. Bring water shoes and exercise caution entering the water.
4. Photograph the Falls
Ozone Falls is highly photogenic from both the top and the base. From above, the sheer vertical drop creates a dramatic composition. From below, the falls fill the frame with the gorge walls rising on either side. Early morning or overcast days provide the most even light for photography — direct midday sun creates harsh contrast in the gorge. Bring a polarizer for cutting water glare and a tripod for long exposures if you want the silky-water effect.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Falls Height | 110 feet (34 m) |
| Hours | Sunrise to sunset |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Facilities | Gravel parking lot only — no restrooms, no water |
| Pets | Allowed (leashed); difficult terrain for dogs |
| Rappelling | Prohibited |
| Location | Off US-70, ~4 mi east of Crab Orchard, TN |
| From I-40 | Exit 329 (Crab Orchard), right on US-70 E, ~4 miles |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Water Flow | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | 55–75°F | High (rain) | Best water volume, wildflowers |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 75–90°F | Moderate | Swimming, warm weather, long days |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | 50–75°F | Low-Moderate | Fall foliage, comfortable hiking |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 30–50°F | Moderate | Ice formations (trail may be icy) |
Spring brings the heaviest water flow — after rain, the falls are thunderous. Summer is the swimming season, though water volume may decrease in dry periods. Fall foliage frames the gorge beautifully. Winter can produce ice formations on the falls, but the gorge trail becomes treacherous with ice and should only be attempted with proper gear.
💰 Trip Cost Estimator
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Admission | FREE | No fee, no pass required |
| Gas (from Crossville) | $5–8 | ~15 miles |
| Food | $10–20 | Nearest restaurants in Crossville or Crab Orchard |
| Total (Day Trip) | $15–30 | Family of 4 |
Nearby Attractions
Cumberland Mountain State Park (15 min west in Crossville) offers a full-service park experience with camping, a lodge, trails, and a lake — a natural pairing with Ozone Falls for a full day. Catoosa Wildlife Management Area (30 min north) provides remote hiking and hunting opportunities in the Cumberland Plateau. Fall Creek Falls State Park (1 hour south) — Tennessee’s most famous waterfall park with a 256-foot falls — creates a powerful waterfall-hopping day trip when combined with Ozone Falls. Crossville (15 min) offers lodging, dining, and the unique Cumberland County Playhouse for evening entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is swimming allowed?
Swimming is not officially prohibited, and it is widely practiced in the plunge pool at the base. However, there are no lifeguards, no safety infrastructure, and the rocks are very slippery. Swim at your own risk and exercise extreme caution.
How hard is the hike to the bottom?
The descent is steep, rocky, and requires scrambling over large boulders. It is approximately 0.4 miles one way but feels longer due to the terrain. Sturdy shoes are essential. Not recommended for young children, elderly visitors, or anyone with mobility limitations.
Is there a fee?
No — Ozone Falls State Natural Area is completely free. No entrance fee, no parking fee, no pass required.
Are there restrooms?
No — the site has a gravel parking lot and nothing else. No restrooms, no water, no trash cans. Practice Leave No Trace and pack out everything you bring in.
How close is it to I-40?
Very close — about 4 miles from Exit 329 (Crab Orchard), making it one of the most accessible major waterfalls from an interstate highway in Tennessee.
💧 Ready for a 110-Foot Plunge?
Just minutes off I-40, Ozone Falls drops 110 feet into a hidden gorge with a cold swimming hole and zero entrance fee. One of Tennessee’s most dramatic roadside waterfalls — no reservation needed.
