Piney Falls State Natural Area
Tennessee’s Walk-Behind Waterfall — Upper Piney Falls (80 Ft), Lower Piney Falls (40 Ft), Old-Growth Forest, Moderate Loop Trail Near Spring City
Piney Falls State Natural Area is a state natural area in Rhea County, Tennessee, near Grandview, between Spring City and Crossville on the Cumberland Plateau. The area features two waterfalls — 80-foot Upper Piney Falls (walk-behind) and 40-foot Lower Piney Falls — a moderate 1.7-to-2.5-mile loop trail through old-growth forest, dramatic rock formations, and cable-assisted descents to the falls.
Piney Falls is a Cumberland Plateau gem with two stunning waterfalls tucked into a deep gorge lined with old-growth hemlocks, tulip poplars, and hardwoods. The star is Upper Piney Falls — an 80-foot freefall cascade where you can walk behind the waterfall on a rock ledge, feeling the mist and seeing daylight through the curtain of water. Lower Piney Falls drops approximately 40 feet into a scenic pool below. The loop trail (1.7–2.5 miles depending on route) is rated moderate but includes steep sections with cable-assisted descents, exposed roots, natural stone steps, and slippery rock near the falls. The area is part of the broader Cumberland Trail corridor, preserving critical gorge and cliff-edge habitat on the plateau’s escarpment.
Things to Do
Waterfalls
- Upper Piney Falls: 80 feet — walk-behind waterfall
- Lower Piney Falls: ~40 feet
- Cable-assisted descent to falls
Hiking
- Loop trail: 1.7–2.5 miles (moderate)
- Old-growth forest
- Rock formations + gorge views
- Cumberland Trail corridor
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Grandview, Rhea County, TN — between Spring City and Crossville |
| Waterfalls | Upper Piney Falls (80 ft, walk-behind) + Lower Piney Falls (~40 ft) |
| Trail | 1.7–2.5 mile loop — moderate with cable-assisted sections |
| Forest | Old-growth hemlock, tulip poplar, hardwood |
| Region | Cumberland Plateau escarpment |
| Parking | Small lot on Fire Tower Road — fills quickly |
| Facilities | NONE — no restrooms, no water |
| Camping | NOT permitted |
| Pets | Allowed on leash |
| Fees | FREE |
| Coordinates | 35.7288° N, 84.8655° W |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | ⭐ BEST: Peak waterfall flow; wildflowers; lush green; birdsong; walk-behind experience at its finest | Slippery rocks; muddy trails; parking fills fast on weekends |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Good waterfall flow; possible ice formations; solitude; bare-tree gorge views | Cold; icy cables/rocks; slippery; short days |
| Fall (Oct–Nov) | Fall foliage in gorge; photography; cool air; mushrooms | Reduced waterfall flow; shorter days; leaves on trail hide roots |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Full canopy shade; mist refreshing; long days | Waterfalls may be reduced; humid; ticks; slippery rocks |
Visitor Tips
- Walk behind the falls: At Upper Piney Falls, you can walk behind the 80-foot cascade on a rock ledge — one of Tennessee’s most unique waterfall experiences.
- Cable descent: The trail includes cable-assisted steep sections — wear sturdy hiking boots with good traction.
- Slippery rocks: Rocks near both waterfalls are extremely slippery, especially after rain — exercise extreme caution.
- Parking: The trailhead lot is small and fills quickly — arrive early, especially on spring weekends.
- Directions: From State Route 68 (between Spring City and Crossville), turn onto Fire Tower Road at the crest of the Cumberland escarpment in Grandview. The trailhead is ~1 mile in on the right.
- Not the same: Do NOT confuse with “Piney Creek Falls” at Fall Creek Falls SP — that is a different location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you walk behind Piney Falls in Tennessee?
Yes — at Upper Piney Falls (80 feet) in Piney Falls State Natural Area, you can walk behind the waterfall on a rock ledge. The natural area near Grandview in Rhea County also features Lower Piney Falls (~40 feet). A moderate 1.7-to-2.5-mile loop trail with cable-assisted descents leads through old-growth forest to both falls. The trailhead parking is small and fills quickly. There are no facilities — no restrooms or water. The area is free to visit. Use extreme caution on slippery rocks near the falls.
Last updated: May 2026
