Fall Creek Falls State Park
Spencer, TN
Tennessee’s largest state park, whose namesake falls drop 256 feet into a wooded gorge. A scenic drive links several overlooks; the trail to the base is steep.
Fall Creek Falls State Park covers about 121 km² (30,000 acres) of the Cumberland Plateau in Van Buren and Bledsoe Counties. The park's namesake waterfall plunges 78 m (256 ft) into the gorge and is considered the highest free-fall waterfall east of the Mississippi. Other falls include Cane Creek Falls (26 m/85 ft), Rockhouse Falls (38 m/125 ft), and Piney Creek Falls (29 m/95 ft). The park was created in the 1930s on eroded land, which the WPA and the Civilian Conservation Corps restored.
Overlooks such as Cane Creek Overlook, Rocky Point Overlook, and Millikan's Overlook show the gorge from different angles. There are hiking trails, a golf course, and a swimming pool; the park has 222 campsites in five camping areas as well as 30 cabins. Allow half a day for the main viewpoints and a full day for several falls and hikes. The descent to the base of the falls is strenuous; early mornings are usually quieter.
- Nearest town
- Spencer, TN
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 35.6640, -85.3520
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. Hot in July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- CAMPGROUND CCampsite0 mi from Fall Creek Falls State Park
- Fall Creek Falls State Park CampgroundCampsite0 mi from Fall Creek Falls State ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking water
- CAMPGROUND BCampsite0 mi from Fall Creek Falls State Park
- CAMPGROUND DCampsite1 mi from Fall Creek Falls State Park
- Pleasure LakeMotorhome stopover21 mi from Fall Creek Falls State ParkMotorhomes
- Meadow Park Lake CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Fall Creek Falls State ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking water
All campsites in Tennessee · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Fall Creek Falls State Park?
Fall Creek Falls State Park is in Spencer, TN, at GPS 35.6640, -85.3520. It is about 35 mi from Cookeville.
Can you camp near Fall Creek Falls State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is CAMPGROUND C, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 16 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Fall Creek Falls State Park?
Fall Creek Falls State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Cumberland Plateau waterfalls.
What is there to see near Fall Creek Falls State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Rock Island State Park (19 mi), Stone Door, Savage Gulf (19 mi), Burgess Falls State Park (30 mi) and Foster Falls (38 mi).
When is the best time to visit Fall Creek Falls State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)