There’s nothing quite like a walk in the woods. Communing with nature can reduce stress and anxiety, fight depression, and can even improve memory. If you love the activity already, then you know the feeling when the trail takes you to an idyllic spot. You can see it when you close your eyes, that breathtaking waterfall cascading down the side of a cliff into a pool of clear water. Grassy slopes, wildflowers, and moss-covered rocks are fixtures in the picturesque landscape before you. Chirping birds and scampering squirrels bring the surrounding forest to life.
It’s time to stop picturing it in your mind’s eye and see it for yourself. Here’s a list of three waterfalls near Morrison, Tennessee that will take your breath away and leave you with a beautiful memory on those days you aren’t able to return.
1. Fall Creek Falls State Park
Located just 45 minutes east of Morrison, Fall Creek Falls State Park is home to the highest waterfall in Tennessee. Fall Creek Falls cascades a remarkable 256 feet down a cliff face into a spectacular tree-lined gorge. The park itself is located on the top of the Cumberland Plateau in Bledsoe and Van Buren counties. This rugged region is filled with gorges, cascades, waterfalls, streams, and hardwood and encompasses nearly 30,000 acres of land.
There are over 56 miles of trail to explore, most of which are accessible to the recreational hiker. More advanced hikers can enjoy two long-distance overnight trails. Fall Creek Falls State Park has 30 cabins and 222 campsites for rent, plus a backcountry camping option that is available by permit only. There are other waterfalls within the park you can enjoy like Piney Falls, Cane Creek Falls, and Cane Creek Cascades.
2. Foster Falls Recreation Area
Sequatchie, Tennessee, is home to the fabulous Foster Falls Recreation Area. It is part of the larger Cumberland Plateau region and is an hour south of Morrison. Foster Falls is a spectacular 60-foot plunge fall into a deep pool.
It’s an easy walk along the trail to the top of the falls where you can enjoy the view from atop the gorge. Laurel, hemlocks, and azaleas grow on the sandstone overlook above the falls. From there you can take the trail to a suspension bridge that passes over the creek and brings you to the base of the falls. The park includes 26 campsites, each with its own picnic table and fire pit, as well as access to heated showers and bathrooms.
3. Old Stone Fort State Park
Old Stone Fort State Park is one of Tennessee’s archeological treasures and is located 20 minutes west of Morrison. It is estimated that the fort was built by Native Americans in the Middle Woodland Period some 1,500 to 2,000 years ago. The park covers over 400 acres and is home to 10 waterfalls located along the Duck River. Big Falls and Blue Hole Falls are the largest with a 30-foot plunge. Both are easy to get to.
The next time you want to explore nature, check out one of these great parks. You’ll enjoy some of the most picturesque views of waterfalls in the entire state of Tennessee.
Image via pixabay.com
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