Did you know there are some incredible waterfalls near Nashville? If you’re craving a quick escape into nature, these easy waterfall hikes near Nashville offer the perfect mix of beauty and accessibility. We visited in June—yes, it was a little muggy—but the lush forest trails, cool mist from the falls, and peaceful sounds of flowing water made it totally worth it.
The best part? You can visit Fall Hollow Falls, Jackson Falls, and Stillhouse Hollow Falls all in one day. Each hike is short, scenic, and totally photo-worthy.
👉 Planning this hike? These are the hiking essentials I personally pack for adventures like this.
Hike Fall Hollow Falls
The first of the three waterfalls near Nashville we visited was Fall Hollow Falls. It’s more of a stroll than a hike, but the reward is big for such a short walk. Right off the Natchez Trace Parkway, a wooden path leads you to a small cascade, then continues downhill to a larger set of falls tucked into the forest. The trail gets a bit steep and slick after the first overlook, but it’s worth continuing down to see the full drop. Moss-covered rocks, ferns, and the sound of water all around—it’s the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and just listen.
- AllTrails: Fall Hollow Falls Trail
- Address: Natchez Trace Parkway Milepost 391.9, Hohenwald, TN
- Parking: Small lot right off the parkway
- Entrance Fee: Free
Hike Jackson Falls
The second of the three waterfalls near Nashville we hiked is called Jackson Falls. This one feels the most dramatic. The trail zigzags steeply down into a rocky gorge, and you’ll start to hear the waterfall before you see it. Once you reach the bottom, there’s a wide rock slab where water fans out across the surface, creating a picture-perfect scene. It’s a great place to cool off, snap some photos, or just sit and take it all in. This one’s short but has a little bit of a workout built in thanks to the climb back up.
- AllTrails: Jackson Falls
- Address: Natchez Trace Parkway Milepost 404.7, near Duck River
- Parking: Designated lot with restroom facilities
- Entrance Fee: Free
Hike Stillhouse Hollow Falls
Stillhouse Hollow Falls was the final stop on our mini waterfall tour—and easily our favorite. The trail is about 1.2 miles round trip, winding gently through a peaceful forest where the only sounds are birds chirping and leaves rustling in the breeze. It’s the kind of path that invites you to slow down and soak it all in.
The payoff is a stunning 75-foot waterfall cascading into a secluded ravine. Mist hangs softly in the air, and the cool spray offers a welcome break from the summer heat. Framed by moss-covered rocks and dense greenery, this spot feels untouched—like a hidden gem tucked away just beyond the city’s reach.
- AllTrails: Stillhouse Hollow Falls Trail
- Address: Stillhouse Hollow Falls Trailhead, Summertown, TN
- Parking: Small gravel lot with a trail sign
- Entrance Fee: Free
All three of these trails are perfect if you want a nature fix without a major time commitment.
What to Pack for These Waterfall Hikes
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking sandals
- Bug spray (especially in summer)
- Water and snacks
- Towel or water shoes (if you plan to dip in)
- Camera or phone for photos
Here’s a Full List of My Amazon Hiking Favorites
Want to see what I always pack for hikes like this one? I’ve rounded up all my go-to gear—from trail shoes to bug spray—on one easy Amazon list.
👉 Check out my Amazon Hiking Favorites here
These are items I actually use and love, perfect for day hikes, waterfall adventures, and everything in between.
Ready to lace up your boots and hit the trail? These three waterfalls near Nashville are proof you don’t need to go far for adventure.
🌿 Have a favorite waterfall hike in Tennessee? Drop it in the comments—I’m always looking for new places to explore!
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