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
Wildlife & Nature
Piney Falls SNA — on the Cumberland Plateau — features Piney Falls (80 feet) plunging into a deep gorge. The hike passes through virgin hemlock and hardwood forest. Timber rattlesnakes, barred owls, and woodland salamanders inhabit the gorge. Rare plants cling to the cliff faces.
Nearby Attractions
Spring City — nearby. South Cumberland SP — 30 miles south. Watts Bar Lake — nearby. Rhea County — surrounding.
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
