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    Foster Falls Small Wild Area

    4.8 (13 reviews)

    Foster Falls Small Wild Area Photos

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    Hanna L.

    Beautiful trail with swimming area and a waterfall. The trail seemed very well-kept with bridges and markers so you know where you're going. It wasn't too strenuous and we had a great day swimming and exploring. Make sure you bring a towel! Get out and enjoy some fresh air on a beautiful day :)

    Annah N.

    Really nice waterfall! It's certainly nothing fancy but it's something nice to do if you're around the Chattanooga area and are looking for something to do. The hike down to the waterfall is only .4 miles but it's very steep! I didn't have any issues but my parents were definitely taking their time. The waterfall is gorgeous! It was still cold when we went but I hear in the summertime it's a prime place for swimming. They also have restrooms by the parking lot but they were locked when we went, but there were a few port-a-potties outside. They also have a camp ground if you're interested in camping.

    Samantha D.

    Best part of our trip! Amazing waterfall experience. A steep climb down on rocks/path but well worth it to be able to swim in a waterfall. It was raining so it was not crowded (1 other family). Amazing experience!

    Mary Kate E.

    I really liked visiting Foster Falls. It was a last minute decision while I was visiting Chattanooga. I decided to head there to visit right before leaving to head back to Nashville. It is a steep but easy trail to manage if you're in moderately good shape. I would not recommend this for someone who has bad knees or back problems. If you're handicapped, you are able to go to the overlook without much issue, but to descend to the bottom really isn't an option for someone who might be physically impaired. The waterfall is absolutely beautiful and this is a supreme spot to go swimming. There were only a handful of people when I visited which I was thankful for since I didn't want to deal with a crowd. Covid-19 is still a thing, and a crowd was not my desire to encounter. I was in luck. The trail is relatively well taken care of. There are some spots that are a bit slick so you have to be careful. Take a walking stick with you or something to help you hold your balance if you think that you are going to struggle going up and down the large inclined hill. What you need to take on this voyage: water shoes, towel, swimsuit, hiking shoes for going down and up the trail, drinks, and if you feel inclined - take food. It is a good place to enjoy and relax. Bathrooms are at the top along with some picnic areas, paved parking, and a RV site. I am not sure if they having camping grounds, but I assume they do. The RV site was next to the main parking lot that you park at before going to the fall. The path going down to the fall is not paved. It is dirt with some wood stairs in place along with a swinging bridge you have to cross. It was safe and stable plus nothing elaborate. The hike is a fourth of a mile down one way. Enjoy the scenery and embrace the view! Cell phone is a bit spotty at the top, but don't expect cell service at all once down at the waterfall itself.

    Laura G.

    Short hike, but strenuous enough. Beautiful falls. Perfect for swimming! Excellent views from the top or the bottom, but the view from the bottom is a must! Breath taking!

    Took an afternoon day trip here while visiting Nashville. The drive wasn't bad, about an hour and thirty minutes or so and is easy to find. The hike down to the falls isn't bad, but it's pretty steep. If you have bad knees they'll be sore by the time you get down. The swimming hole and waterfall are beautiful and it's deep enough to really swim. Pretty rocky getting in, so I'd recommend water shoes. There are some rocks to lounge on, but not many. When we went, it was pretty quiet. For the most part we had the area to ourselves with a few groups just popping in quickly. Because of the rocky shore and steep climb, I don't know if I'd recommend a full day trip here. Carrying a cooler and snacks plus a chair (in case it's crowded and you don't get a rock to sit on) might be tricky. Plus you have to bring everything back up. And it's a steep climb up. Pros: Beautiful, swimmable, easy to find, quiet Cons: Short but steep climb, rocky shore line, no bathrooms at falls, only at the parking lot.

    View from the easy to walk to overlook.

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    Ask the Community - Foster Falls Small Wild Area

    Review Highlights - Foster Falls Small Wild Area

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    Machine Falls Loop Trail - Adams Falls

    Machine Falls Loop Trail

    4.8(17 reviews)
    32.8 mi

    Machine Falls is located in Short Springs State Natural Area in Tullahoma, Tennessee. It's a 1.6…read moremile round trip loop to and from the falls. You start out by hiking through the forest on a defined dirt pathway with barely any elevation until the final descent into a narrow valley bottom. Along the way, just follow the stamped white markings posted on the trees as all trails are conveniently color coordinated. There is an overlook platform but it offers minimal visibility from the side of the falls. The last part of the hike is down a set of staircases. Once reaching the base, there'll be a sign for Machine Falls 100 yards straight ahead. You can reach the falls by walking through the creek which will probably require water shoes, or...you can follow the last little section of the trail along the cliffside as a quicker, alternative entrance. Either way... Machine Falls is a 60-foot waterfall cascading over a jagged rock wall into a secluded gorge below. Visitors can stand right in front of the falls for impressive views. It's a totally immersive natural experience set among peaceful surroundings. Taking a few steps back offers a panoramic backdrop and captures the symmetrical precision of Machine Falls. No wonder this waterfall has a reputation for being one of the best in Tennessee. Unfortunately, the pool the falls splashes down into isn't deep enough for full on swimming, but at the very least you can bring water shoes and get your feet wet. When finished, the trail continues over a footbridge to then climb your way out of the gorge. Overall, the easy 1.6 mile roundtrip loop can be completed within an hour or two. In the end, coming to Machine Falls makes for a worthwhile way to spend time in nature. I am always fascinated by dramatic waterfall appearances, and Machine Falls lives up to its billing. And...Tennessee has a host of them all over the state, making it widely recognized as a place for adventurers to go waterfall chasing.

    One of the few places distance wise that is kid friendly. Hiking 1 mile Approximate walk to the…read morefalls. For sure bring your water shoes. You would want to get up close to the falls for the beautiful picture capture. Trail is pretty easy to navigate. Parking lot is limited parking. No restroom on the trail or along the way. So make sure you do stop by a gas station before coming.

    Photos
    Machine Falls Loop Trail - Overlook is just out of camera view  at the top of the cliffs on the right!

    Overlook is just out of camera view at the top of the cliffs on the right!

    Machine Falls Loop Trail - Beauty. Mother Nature at its finest.

    Beauty. Mother Nature at its finest.

    Machine Falls Loop Trail - This staircase leads down to the bottom of the forest floor to reach Machine Falls.

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    This staircase leads down to the bottom of the forest floor to reach Machine Falls.

    Red Clay State Historic Park

    Red Clay State Historic Park

    4.9(18 reviews)
    43.1 mi

    I occasionally afford myself the luxury of visiting places without really knowing what to expect…read more This park just wasn't that clear to me in its purpose, but it became more so after arrival, with a visitor center focused on Native American history and identifying this as a Cherokee Nation headquarters. A spread of recreated buildings outside offers opportunities for perusal. The most aesthetically distinctive site is a large spring of the sort that seem more common in Kentucky than Tennessee, which evinces a robust blue color and empties into a clear stream. The spring itself is off-limits, but the stream is open for wading. All of these sites are within sight of the initial entrance, but a trek uphill reveals picnic areas, an amphitheater, and a couple of mile trail through the woods. Between the different elements of the park, it was easy to spend a couple of hours there, and best of all, it's free, though the gift shop warrants examination.

    Red Clay is not the type of state park that I would normally seek out. Why? It's not in the…read moremountains and the trails are tame. Nonetheless, something about it lured me in for a visit and I'm glad I ventured out here (on Indigenous People's Day coincidentally). Historically, it's really interesting that this was the last meeting site for the Cherokee tribe's council. The signs claim it is "where the Trail of Tears really began." I was really intrigued by the natural Spring called "the Blue Hole." I've never seen a spring that appears bright blue in a forest setting. Seeing this cool natural sight was pretty awesome. Also, I could just imagine the Cherokee using this spring water and being here hundreds of years before. Trail wise: Pretty flat and easy trails. It's not very challenging. But, it makes up for it because it's a calm place with beautiful forest. I loved walking around. Also, since this is small and off the beaten path, it's not crowded at all. Overall: highly recommended. Worth a visit!

    Photos
    Red Clay State Historic Park - Blue hole

    Blue hole

    Red Clay State Historic Park - Very blue water from natural spring

    Very blue water from natural spring

    Red Clay State Historic Park - Blue hole spring

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    Blue hole spring

    Foster Falls Small Wild Area - hiking - Updated September 2026

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