Day Trips from Knoxville
← All Knoxville day tripsDay Trips from Knoxville: Waterfalls & Swimming Holes
The best waterfalls and swimming holes within driving distance of Knoxville, TN. Dramatic cascades, hidden gorges, and swimmable falls that reward the drive. Trail info, drive times, and ratings included.
12 waterfalls near Knoxville
Turtleback Falls
Lake Toxaway, NC 28747
Just 2 hrs 58 min from Knoxville, rated 4.9 stars by 397 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Rainbow Falls
Grassy Ridge Rd, Lake Toxaway
Just 2 hrs 58 min from Knoxville, rated 4.9 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Cummins Falls
USA
Just 1 hr 53 min from Knoxville, rated 4.8 stars by 741 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Foster Falls Recreation Area
Sequatchie, TN 37374
Just 2 hrs 19 min from Knoxville, rated 4.8 stars by 1,451 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Amicalola Falls State Park
Dawsonville, GA 30534
Just 2 hrs 56 min from Knoxville, rated 4.8 stars by 14,203 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Rock Island State Park
Rock Island, TN 38581
Just 2 hrs 3 min from Knoxville, rated 4.8 stars by 5,445 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Spencer, TN 38585
Just 1 hr 50 min from Knoxville, rated 4.8 stars by 8,623 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Blue Hole
TN 37643, USA
Just 2 hrs 9 min from Knoxville, rated 4.8 stars by 495 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Looking Glass Falls
Brevard, NC 28712
Just 2 hrs 31 min from Knoxville, rated 4.8 stars by 4,090 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Gorges State Park
Sapphire, NC 28774
Just 2 hrs 59 min from Knoxville, rated 4.8 stars by 1,455 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Burgess Falls State Park
Sparta, TN 38583
Just 1 hr 47 min from Knoxville, rated 4.8 stars by 4,532 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Ozone Falls State Natural Area
Ozone, TN 37854
Just 59 min from Knoxville, rated 4.8 stars by 2,454 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Day Trips from Knoxville
What are the best waterfalls near Knoxville, TN?
The best waterfalls near Knoxville range from roadside cascades to backcountry falls requiring a hike. Check the cards above for top-rated options with drive times and real visitor ratings.
Are there swimmable waterfalls near Knoxville?
Some waterfalls near Knoxville have designated swimming areas at their base. Always check current conditions and posted rules before swimming. State park waterfalls with established trails are generally the safest options.
How hard are the hikes to waterfalls near Knoxville?
Difficulty varies widely. Some waterfalls near Knoxville are visible from parking areas or short boardwalks. Others require moderate to strenuous hikes of 2-6 miles round trip. Check individual trail descriptions before heading out.
When is the best time to see waterfalls near Knoxville?
Spring (March-May) typically offers the highest water flow after snowmelt and rain. Waterfalls are beautiful year-round though. Winter ice formations are dramatic, and fall foliage framing a waterfall is hard to beat.
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