Piney Falls Trailhead — Attraction in Tennessee

Highly Recommended! Especially after rain when the water is higher. I'm going to leave a longer explanation here for those who are hiking it for the first time - like we were.

Yes, there are sections that are physically demanding but you can avoid the worst one if you know how. The trail starts with a wide .6 mile section that is more like a small road. You come to a T which is the beginning of the loop section. If you turn right you'll quickly arrive at the top of the upper falls and a bolder/rock crossing over the river. It's a little nerve racking as the falls are about 15 feet downstream from the crossing. However, if you turn left at the T, you'll head down toward the lower falls. This is what I would recommend.

So here's the loop if you turn left (counterclockwise). The trail narrows to single track and works its way down toward the river. After climbing down some large rocks you have the option to turn left again onto a side trail - this trail will take you to the top of the lower falls (which we didn't actually try). If you keep going on the main loop past this turn-off, stay on the trail that hugs the large wall of rock - this is a special part of the trail. The rock formations are picture worthy. After a bit you'll see the upper falls in the distance and the huge rock bowl that the water falls into. The trail continues around the back of the falls, which is totally epic! At this point you've crossed over the river (under the falls) and the trail continues. This is the hard part. You have to climb out of the bowl to get to the top of the falls and you'll find some large cables to help you do so. As you know, climbing up is WAY easier than climbing down. We loved the challenge of going up, but I wouldn't want to try it in the opposite direction. After climbing up you''ll reach the river crossing at the top of the upper falls (mentioned above) and you're on your way back to the T in the trail.

If you want the shortest, easiest possible hike, just go to the top of the upper falls and you'll get to peak down into the bowl. You'll miss a lot of the epic parts of the trail, but you'll stay...

If you want to make it to the bottom of the waterfall that has the swimming hole read my review so you don't get lost like I did. When you get to the first sign that has an arrow pointing left & right, go left. Follow that trail until you pass the "this is not a trail sign". You can either go left and view the top of one waterfall or go right and stay right to end up at the swimming hole and that you see in all the photos. After you get to the swimming hole and enjoy the beautiful views, you can continue to follow that trail (the one that goes under the fall) and it will lead you to a steeper climb that includes holding on to cables to make a loop around to the top of that waterfall and back out on the trail you came from. I highly recommend this hike for all people. Many older people had trekking poles. If you go with small kids or dogs just skip the cable climb and turn around and exit the...

To get there you have to drive on Firetower Rd which is very narrow and barely paved. It's in the boonies and if you meet a car coming towards you there is no where to go to pass each other.

The trail to the falls is not too bad until you actually get to the falls. At the upper falls, you'll have to climb down a short way using roots for footholds. It is very steep and seemed dangerous. Then, you will have to cross a large stream by stepping on large rocks with water flowing over on places (just above the falls) in order to continue on the trail. Then it's a steep climb up, using tree roots for footing. You better be in good shape, limber, and stable if you want to do this.

The other direction was just as bad....maybe worse. Very steep and dangerous. An experienced hiker/climber might not have a problem, but unless you're in really good shape, I...