Machine Falls is located in Short Springs State Natural Area in Tullahoma, Tennessee. It's a 1.6 mile 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. read more

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One of the few places distance wise that is kid friendly. Hiking 1 mile Approximate walk to the falls. 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. read more

Machine Falls Loop Trail - Hiking Near Me

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Great hike! Clearly marked trails but wear shoes that can get wet so you can get close to the falls!

Oh my!!! So beautiful there! Perfect "hike" for the physical condition of our group that day. read more

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Wow, what beauty this world created. We are from Texas, so we don't get to see things like this but so glad we stopped by for a quick hike. The trail was at time impassable with fallen trees but we ventured off into the woods off the pathways. Man was the end worth it. We weren't able to go all the way down because right at the overlook, there was a huge tree. My fiancé and sister got adventurous and scaled themselves down the side of the hill from the overlook. They got some great pictures and even though my son and I only saw the fall from the side, it was still breathtaking. We visited right after a few days of lots of rain, the water was really moving. read more

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Absolutely stunning falls! Worth the hike and there are other trails that take you to several different falls. Adams Falls Busby Falls Bubbly Falls and a couple more that I can't remember the names. There is a connecter way to avoid the slippery rocks to the falls that I highly suggest you take. read more

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. read more

Machine Falls Loop Trail - Machine Falls - Hiking Near Me

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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.) read more

Machine Falls Loop Trail - Hiking Near Me

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). read more

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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. read more

Machine Falls Loop Trail - Important information to have before heading out! - Hiking Near Me

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! read more

Machine Falls Loop Trail - So beautiful!! - Hiking Near Me

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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! read more

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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. read more

Machine Falls Loop Trail - Adams Falls - Hiking Near Me

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Nice loop, pretty flat with some short uphill sections. Lots of water crossings, a bit muddy in some areas but no snow on the trail. Snow around the trail though when I went in mid-Jan. Lots of water at Machine Falls, no signs for the other two waterfalls so didn't really see it. Not too many people, good loop! read more

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! read more

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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! read more

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Just spectacular. Incredible. Minus one star because it is a difficult walk to get to. Trail is very well marked but it is difficult. Your feet will get wet. There is many, many places to fall, turn or even break an ankle. With that said I am overweight and well north of 55 and I made and three other waterfalls today, so there is thy. read more

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