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    Machine Falls Loop Trail

    4.7 (14 reviews)

    Machine Falls Loop Trail Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Machine Falls Loop Trail

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    Machine Falls
    Erin D.

    We took the trail past Busby Falls (which you can't see very well from the lookout spots we found), then on to the trail to see Machine Falls, which was bigger and more picturesque. I would say this trail is fine for kids ages 5-75, but some areas require a little slow-down and caution due to drop-offs (at lookout spots) and slippery rocks (at the bottom of Machine Falls). When we went in July 2023, there were quite a few recently downed trees that you had to climb over in order to follow the trails. (The leaves were still green, so I imagine it must've happened recently.) This was our first time here, but we are looking forward to coming again! Maybe next time we'll hit Adams Falls.

    Alexis B.

    The hiking trail is within Short Springs State Natural Area, a 420-acre area that is pretty popular for hiking due to the hike that takes you to the natural area's major waterfall (Machine Falls). Machine Falls is quite impressive, and the Machine Falls Loop Trail is a fun and scenic while quite easy hike (AllTrails has the hike listed as a 4.1-mile moderate loop trail, but we didn't think that it felt anywhere near as long as 4.1 miles or that it was moderate - there is a little bit of elevation change but not much!) It's a great area to hike if you like a hike with a waterfall (who doesn't?). It's not hard to find (very close to Tullahoma), and it has a reasonably large parking lot. Very nice area to hike. (Note: According to a note on the natural area's website, it is currently closed - at least through April 10, 2020 - due to the coronavirus.)

    Rob S.

    This place is amazing! Short version of the review is really all you need, but if you'd like to keep reading, here is a little more info. Relatively easy to find, but not the largest parking area. Probably space for about 20 cars. Signs request that if parking is full you come back and enjoy the area another time when it's less crowded - also requested as a way to preserve the trails and not have too much foot traffic. The trail is well marked. At no time do you wonder if you are on the right path. There are a few other trails that branch off, but all are marked very well. The path to machine falls is called out as a mile loop. It may be a little more, but when we started, we went to the left, and per the advice of others on the path (returning) we came back the same way we went in. Approx 20 minutes in there are makeshift steps that lead down approx 150 feet into the bottom area where you will find the falls. Once you get to the bottom, you will need to get a little creative to not get wet trecking back to get a full view of the falls. During the spring and summer months it really wouldn't be a big deal to get wet - but it was in the 50's and we didn't want to hike out and be wet. The falls themselves are quite breathtaking. They are about 25 feet tall and probably about 30 or so feet wide. This is one of the best waterfalls we have seen. There are several others that are taller, flow faster, wider, etc, but something about the location and how it falls across the rocks is just really cool. Note: The trip out is steep. There are makeshift steps and some hand rails, but it will take a little longer to come out than it took to make your way in to where the falls are located. If you like to hike and find yourself near Shebyville, TN .... this place is well worth the hour and a half (that should give you a good 20 - 30 minutes at the falls).

    Important information to have before heading out!
    Kathy M.

    There will be a small parking lot under the water tower and a map that you should probably take a picture of before you cross the street and start hiking!! As you can guess, we did not and I felt a little concerned at one point wondering if were going to find our way out before dark....that being said, this is a great area to explore. We wanted to see the waterfall and we realized on our way back from the falls that if you take the connector trail it will lead you to an overlook of the waterfalls vs staying on the Machine Falls Trail Loop which takes you to the bottom of the falls. Some parts of the trail we were on would not be easy for small children or less than agile folks, so be prepared for different hiking levels.

    So beautiful!!
    Asia A.

    The Machine Falls trail is absolutely positively beautiful!! If you start your hike to the left, you'll be able to ascend down the stairs, otherwise you can hike to the right, and ascend up the stairs (for a more challenging walk), after seeing the waterfall. The water is ice cold, and feels amazing on a hot summer day! This is a moderately easy hike, but there is poison ivy along some of the narrow pathways, so be careful! There are lots of inclines and declines, so get ready to break a sweat, and have a good time! Things to take with you: water shoes if you want to get in the water at the waterfall, water bottles (to stay hydrated!), and bug spray! We went around 9 a.m. and there were no bugs out at all, but as the sun came up, the bugs came out. Be prepared!

    Heidy M.

    This is a great hike through a heavily wooded area with such a pretty waterfall at the end. You can easily climb up or stay below and wade in the pools. It wasn't busy when we went and only a few dogs splashing around. This is definitely a family friendly hike and it does involve going down some steep stairs to the river below. No clear path once you get to the bottom but you can use logs and rocks to cross and find your way up to the waterfall. Parking is located across the street next to a large water tower and finding the trailhead can be tricky if you don't know where it is.. Enjoy!

    Adams Falls

    trails are very well marked and easy to follow. we did machine falls and Adams falls in about 90 minutes with a break at both falls and some fun in other spots. the trails are both beginner/easy with the only hard part is climbing down and up to/from the Machine Falls. Adams Falls is quite a bit smaller and we only saw a few people on the trail. we wore regular sneakers only got a little bit wet and had no troubles. There are a few more falls in the area we will try to visit before we leave. Highly recommend this hike.

    Ivy P.

    Went here two days ago and it was a good hike to falls. Not too long but a bit slippery. Make sure to have good hiking shoes! Beautiful scenery!

    Cindy C.

    Beautiful and breath taking! Can be rough trails though! Bring extra water for your hike and find ya walking stick! Falls not too far in! Will visit soon again!

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    Ask the Community - Machine Falls Loop Trail

    Review Highlights - Machine Falls Loop Trail

    Adams Falls is quite a bit smaller and we only saw a few people on the trail.

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    Sunset Rock Climbing

    Sunset Rock Climbing

    4.7(28 reviews)
    87.9 km

    LOL --- this is my first "non-food" review, but this place is so beautiful --- it needs to be…read moreshared! I was looking for somewhere beautiful to get a panorama of Chattanooga (+ more) from an awesome vantage point, and I found this spot on Google. It's a bit of a winding drive to eventually arrive to the site, and when you do, parking is extremely limited. It's either you got luck or God on your side, to park right where the "rock" is, but I was very fortunate. The steps are very large and irregular getting to the actual "site", and if you are not fit --- just go slow. However, once you arrive --- it's like heaven. A view from the heavens overseeing the Tennessee River Gorge, Prentice Cooper State Forest, and valleys. Spending 20-30 minutes after getting up their will clear your mind. A view that you should not pass up!

    This trail was a bit more challenging than others we've done. For context, I enjoy long hikes on…read morerelatively flat, well-defined paths--l'm not a hardcore hiker. So, from my perspective, I'd rate this as a moderately difficult hike. The trail is about 3.5 miles round trip and took us around 2 hours, not including the time we spent enjoying the view at the top. The summit is absolutely worth the effort-the view is breathtaking. Be sure to bring plenty of water. Thankfully, the trail has lots of shade, which helped keep us cool and protected from the sun.

    Photos
    Sunset Rock Climbing - Pathway down to cliffs

    Pathway down to cliffs

    Sunset Rock Climbing
    Sunset Rock Climbing

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    Machine Falls Loop Trail - hiking - Updated June 2026

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