Greeter Falls Waterfall — Attraction in McMinnville

3 beautiful trails with large waterfalls as a reward at the end of each are 1/2 mile down the road! If you are looking for an easy climb down to a waterfall this is not the place for you.The pathways down to each waterfall once you get to them, were pretty treacherous/steep/ mostly without rails, and if it's raining could be very dangerous. If you are young, spry, or pretty active, no problems. Boarderfalls trail is the easiest/fastest of the 3, it still has incline, roots, rocks, man-made 8x8 steps in some steep areas. Some soil has recessed from many of them and it was easier to take the area around them down or up each hill. Most could do this, some like me slowly, once there you have a great suspension bridge that allows 2 at a time to walk over the large creek. Side paths on both sides will lead you to some great photo ops but are steep and not for the novice hiker. The right one (irregular path and area at the end is all tree roots with a 45 degree incline to decend/climb back up) will take you down to the base of the waterfall. You can walk around in the up to 1 feet water reach out and touch the waterfall. It's beautiful. We saw a rainbow here as well. The Upper and Lower Greeter Falls are both pretty tough hikes. You will need to be an active person or you'll be out of breath. Pretty rocky, rooty, steep (1/2 the time). The Upper Falls /blue water hole is wide and powerful with an area to the right that someone active could climb/ step down on the rocky cliff area (as our 18 year younger 26 year old friend did) where you can stand at the base and touch the waterfall. There is an area to the left that you can go to swim or have your dogs swim with a flat rock ledge (25ft long and 10 feet out into water) that jettisons out into the water for dogs, getting out, or jumping off ofThe Lower Falls after the trail has a crazy long pathway that includes a tall metal spiral staircase, steeep, partially railed pathway with 8x8s for steps about 4 feet long that are completely sticking up as if someone just layed them on the steep hill. The earth has receded. They are secure but most are not a comfortable step space apart so your stretching for those steps. Then you walk down a slippery well constructed metal/wood staircase to a HUGE slanted rock you could slide down. There is no landing space that is flat there. We hugged the banister and went to the right of the staircase while holding onto it to gain some better footing on the flat ground. Once you do that you will find yourself a short treeroot/ rocky path downhill to move from large Boulder to large Boulder and in-between with watery pathways moving through. Then you will arrive at a few fantastic rocks to sit or stand on or a tree to sit in with the waterfall in the background! I would not recommend this area unless you are active able to do moderate/ strenuous cardio. All the water is blue and beautiful! Gorgeous waterfalls...

By far, the most MAGICAL place I have ever been! It’s like a mermaid lagoon out of a fairytale. I went to the lower falls. Almost continued to the blue hole, but once you go down there, you won’t want to leave! Lots of huge rocks to lounge on and enjoy the view. I did this as a solo hike, wouldn’t recommend it unless you are confident in your abilities. Go with friends if you can! Here’s what I learned: Quality hiking boots, water shoes, and trekking poles are a MUST. If you are out of shape or not surefooted, be very cautious. There are a crazy amount of stairs. Not a long hike, but strenuous in my opinion. Give yourself plenty of time! I wouldn’t go if it recently rained, it can get muddy. Come as prepared as possible. I saw NO restrooms in the park. Go swimming AT YOUR OWN RISK! I am a strong swimmer, but even in May, the water was very cold. I underestimated how much more difficult it is to swim in chilly water. Now I’m sick as I am typing this (but I think it was worth it). The trail is very difficult at times, and there are spots where you could easily fall off a cliff. Lots of rough terrain. The hike in is all downhill, and the staircases are very slippery and anxiety-inducing. Once you get to the falls, the path down the rocks is tricky. There’s a large flat rock that you must slide down to get to the bottom. The rocks can be very slippery with algae. It is tricky getting back up! Give yourself plenty of time to make it back to your destination. Because of the position of the cove, it can be difficult to judge what time it is. Surprisingly, there is cell service! The hike back up is 10x more difficult, so save your energy for all those stairs! Don’t push yourself too hard. Drink lots of water and take care of yourself! You...

Greeter falls is one of my all time favorite waterfalls in Tennesse. Located near the savage gulf state park in Altamont. Can be accessed by car with a convienant parking lot and half mile hike or from Alum gap camp site if you are hiking the park via a 3 mile connector loop. Either hike is beautiful and has plenty of natural beauty with unique rock formations and scenic views. On the hike in you the decent will take you down a cool spiral staircase. Once at the bottom of the falls you will be surrounded by rock walls with an amazing swimming hole. Note the water is always refreshing but quite chilly. You can swim in the crystal clear water and even get behind or under the water fall. The area is pet friendly but not ideal for little kids. At the bottom there are plenty of rocks to jump off into the water. You can even hole to the top of the falls for amazing views. Note, some people are brave enough to jump from the top of the falls. NOT ADVISED unless you are extremely experienced or professional trained. I have been coming here all my life and have literally had to save people's lives that have made the leap unsuccessfully. While beautiful and a must see when in the area please be careful when enjoying the falls! Take your time prior if you are hiking around the park as there are many other locations worth exploring. A short drive and mile hike away is stone door with amazing views of the valley. Make it an overnight camp and hit up saw mill or Hobbs cabin. Most all hikes in the park can be done in street clothes but make sure you have a good pair of shoes. Not the place to slip and fall ;) If going to Greeter make sure to bring water shoes, a towel, and bug spray (if bugs bother you). Have fun adventuring...