Sparta, Tennessee
Top Spots in and near Sparta
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Sparta, Tennessee
Hike to Lost Creek Falls
5.00.16 mi / 62 ft gainGPS Coordinates: 35.84102,-85.36123 Why We Love It: NO CROWDS- We only came across a few other people so, it’s a little more low key than some other popular Tennessee waterfalls. DISNEY LOVED IT- This was a filming location for Disney’s 1994 The Jungle Book!CAVE- Across the path there is a lar...Read more -
Sparta, Tennessee
Burgess Falls
4.51.56 mi / 95 ft gainIf you like waterfalls, this hike is for you. Along the way you'll pass by Falling Water Cascades (20 ft), Little Falls ( 30 ft), Middle Falls (80 ft) and finally the main event, Burgess Falls (136 ft). There are a few spots for swimming so bring your suit if it's a warm day. It's an easy hike s...Read more -
Mooneyham, Tennessee
Welch's Point
5.00.3 mi / 79 ft gainThis location was recently opened back to the public by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the Tennessee Department of Conservation and Environment in the fall of 2014 after being closed for over a decade! It is one of the most spectacular spots to watch the sunset in east Tennessee. This o...Read more -
Sparta, Tennessee
Virgin Falls State Natural Area Loop
5.04.46 mi / 400 ft gainBeginning at the Virgin Falls SNA parking area, the Virgin Falls trail is approximately a 9 mile round trip (excluding any side trails) which will allow you to experience three waterfalls: Big Branch Falls, Big Laurel Falls, and the namesake Virgin Falls. There is a fourth, Sheep Cave Falls, that...Read more -
Rock Island, Tennessee
Twin Falls, Rock Island State Park
4.40.3 mi / 125 ft gainUpon entering Rock Island State Park from the east, the parking area for this trail is located right after the old cotton mill (my friend and I actually ended up getting lost because it is tucked away there quite nicely). The trail that leads to Twin Falls actually starts at the westernmost part ...Read more -
Rock Island, Tennessee
Camp at Rock Island State Park
4.8This little campground is nestled in Rock Island State Park. There are two campgrounds, this one is specifically tents only. Each campsite is pull in and provides you with enough room to set up two tents. In addition each campsite has a four sided picnic bench, fire pit, trash can, charcoal grill...Read more -
Smithville, Tennessee
Hike to Carmac Falls
5.01 mi / 90 ft gainIt is important to note that Carmac Falls is located on the private property of Evins Mill, a resort and special event venue that hosts weddings, conferences and other contractually exclusive events. As such, one must be a guest of the resort in order to access its property and enjoy its trails, ...Read more -
Pikeville, Tennessee
Photograph Buzzard's Roost Overlook
5.00.04 mi / 10 ft gainLocated in the beautiful state park of Fall Creek Falls, you'll find this overlook along with Millikan's Overlook. Both overlooks showcase the views shown in my photos, however, Buzzard's Roost is a short walk down the side trail that gives a more solitude experience that you may be looking for. ...Read more -
Scenic Loop Road, Tennessee
Base of Fall Creek Falls
5.00.86 mi / 194 ft gainFall Creek Falls State Park hosts a variety of large waterfalls which can easily become confusing. The park's main attraction is the 256 foot waterfall dubbed "Fall Creek Falls." Fall Creek Falls is observable from a viewing platform less than a five minute walk from the Scenic Loop Road parking ...Read more -
Pikeville, Tennessee
Hike to Rockhouse and Cane Creek Falls
5.01 mi / 500 ft gainFall Creek Falls State Park is home to multiple waterfalls. The main attraction and biggest waterfall, Fall Creek Falls, is often tourists' main destination, but I encourage you to visit the base of Rockhouse Falls and Cane Creek Falls to enjoy some quiet solitude and get away from the usual week...Read more -
Pikeville, Tennessee
Fall Creek Falls
4.72.76 mi / 781 ft gainFall Creek Falls State Park is sprawled across the eastern top of the rugged Cumberland Plateau. The 20,000-acre park is one of the most scenic parks in the country and is the largest recreation area in the state of Tennessee. It is home to a 256-foot waterfall, cascades, gorges, 5 other waterfal...Read more -
Pikeville, Tennessee
Hike to Fall Creek Falls Fire Tower
4.51 mi / 100 ft gainThe tower is located in the far northeast corner of Fall Creek Falls state park. The road to get there can be rough especially if it has rained recently but any 2 wheel drive vehicle should be able to make it. When you get to the trailhead it is a small gravel pull off with a gate. From the gate ...Read more -
Cookeville, Tennessee
Cummins Falls
4.72.79 mi / 518 ft gainCatch the trailhead down to the falls at the parking lot. The trail quickly approaches the rim of the river gorge to provide hikers with a great bird's eye view of the falls. After snapping a few photos of the falls from above, follow the clearly marked trail down to the river's edge. From there,...Read more -
Spring City, Tennessee
Hike to Stinging Fork Falls
3.53 mi / 400 ft gainThe trail begins on the right side of the parking lot. The first part is flat with no elevation change and easy walking. About half a mile in you will reach a trail split. The right trail will take you to the falls and the left trail will take you to an overlook of the gorge below. I was not able...Read more -
Palmer, Tennessee
Hike the North Plateau-North Rim Loop at Savage Gulf
4.014.7 mi / 2483 ft gainFrom the Savage Ranger Station, take the Savage Day Loop for roughly 2.2 miles until you reach the junction. From there take the North Plateau trail and return on the North Rim trail. The elevation gain on this trail is rather gradual and and subtle, but it is a long trek that requires endurance ...Read more -
Palmer, Tennessee
Savage Falls Trail
5.02.98 mi / 495 ft gainSavage Gulf Natural Area has more than 50 miles of trails, so be sure to start this adventure from the Savage Gulf Ranger Station entrance. To the right of the building, you'll find the trailhead for the Savage Day Loop. There, you can begin the 1.8-mile journey to the park's more-secluded waterf...Read more
Top Activities
Camping and Lodging in Sparta
Sparta, Tennessee
Ragland Bottom
Overview
Ragland Bottom Campground is located on the shores of the scenic Center Hill Lake on central Tennessee's Highland Rim. The lake ...
Silver Point, Tennessee
Hurricane Bridge
Overview
Hurricane Bridge Recreation Area is located on the shores of the scenic Center Hill Lake on central Tennessee's Highland Rim. Th...
Smithville, Tennessee
Floating Mill Park
Overview
Floating Mill Park is located on the shores of the scenic Center Hill Lake on central Tennessee's Highland Rim. The lake stretch...
Silver Point, Tennessee
Long Branch
Overview
Long Branch Campground is located below Center Hill Dam on the scenic Caney Fork River in central Tennessee's Highland Rim. Abov...
/united-states
Crossville / I-40 KOA Holiday
Sweeping mountain views and wildlife will intrigue you at the only KOA on beautiful Cumberland Plateau. Most sites overlook four fishing ...
Gainesboro, Tennessee
Roaring River Park
Overview
Roaring River Park is located on Cordell Hull Lake on the Cumberland River System, near Gainesboro, TN. The lake itself was name...