Short Springs Natural Area — Attraction in Tullahoma

This place is awesome!! I live close, so, I visit this park often. There's a wonderful trail network with so much to see.

Machine Falls. The main attraction is fantastic!There can be a lot of people down there sometimes, though. I suggest wearing wet shoes and getting those feet in the water, but... Somebody must've gotten hurt near the base of the fall recently, because there's recently been a sign posted, stating the limit of how close you can go. Oh, yeah, and... getting down the hill to the base of the fall is, umm... Shall we say, I don't know, fun? It is definitely not handicapped accessible , but, you can probably get down and back up. Be careful.

Adams Falls. I've heard from people I know that it can be amazing. I've never seen it really pumping water, though. You'll need to go at the right time after a rain, I guess. It's a great trail. Very unique in spots.

Busby Falls. Now, this is the place! I kind of don't even want to tell you, because it's generally pretty quiet over there, and I like that. But this is one of my favorite little spots in Middle Tennessee. You'll want to bring some hiking sandals or water shoes, and maybe a bathing suit. Go over the bridge and head to the right. If you're an adept hiker, you can just keep on going down that way until you feel unsafe. Great views of the bigger, lower falls are there - if you're adventurous. Don't be a fool. Know your limits and always bring a hiking buddy if you plan to go very far in that direction.

Laurel Bluff Loop. So, you just keep going forward after you cross the bridge at Busby Falls. I generally prefer to go counter clockwise when the trail splits, but, I don't think it really matters too much. This is a beautiful trail. Especially the pine forest part. Keep an eye out for deer and other critters, they are there in abundance, but, well hidden. If you're quiet and patient, this might be one of your favorite, most magical places in the whole world... Ahem coughs ** ummm, it's a super boring trail and I need you all to stay busy at the waterfalls. So I can have it stay quiet and serene back there - all for myself.

Wildflower Loop. It's near Machine Falls. It's short, there's mosquitos. Flowers are cool and all, but, there's better things for me to see. Personally, I skip it almost every time.

You can hike the whole place in a couple hours, or take your time and spend the whole day at any one of the attractions. This park is great. Parking is difficult. If you can't park where you're allowed, then it's too busy. You should drive on down the road to visit Rutledge Falls. It's just a minute or two down the road. It's on private land, but, they're very open to respectful visitors, and there's...

Short Springs Natural Area is a wonderful place for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. Located in Tullahoma, Tennessee, this natural area offers a variety of attractions and activities that are sure to captivate visitors.

One of the highlights of Short Springs Natural Area is the beautiful Machine Falls, a picturesque waterfall that is a sight to behold. The trail leading up to the falls is well-maintained and offers a moderate level of difficulty, making it accessible for hikers of various skill levels. The lush greenery and serene atmosphere along the trail make for a truly immersive and refreshing experience.

Another notable feature of Short Springs Natural Area is the diverse range of flora and fauna. The area is home to various species of wildflowers, ferns, and mosses, providing a colorful and vibrant backdrop for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Birdwatchers will also be delighted by the numerous bird species that can be spotted throughout the natural area.

What sets Short Springs Natural Area apart is its peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. It's a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature. Whether you're looking for a peaceful hike, a scenic picnic spot, or a place to simply relax and unwind, Short Springs Natural Area has something to offer.

It's worth noting that visitors should come prepared with appropriate hiking gear, water, and insect repellent, especially during the warmer months when mosquitoes can be quite active. Additionally, it's important to follow any posted rules or regulations to help preserve the natural beauty of the area.

Overall, I highly recommend visiting Short Springs Natural Area. It's a hidden gem that allows you to immerse yourself in nature, explore scenic trails, and enjoy the beauty of waterfalls. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or simply someone who appreciates the great outdoors, this natural area is sure to leave you with...

This place is a hidden gem! Such a cool hike. Definitely not a good choice for super small children or ederly due to the difficulty of getting to all of the falls and the large drop offs near the edges of the trails. We went on a weekday and there was around 7 cars in the parking lot by the water tower. Entrance to the hikes is across the street from the parking lot. The trails aren’t very large but that makes for a nice hike feeling more included in nature rather than having a wide path. To get to upper and lower busby falls you have to be adventurous. The terrain is definitely for those who are comfortable using their full body to climb and maneuver over and around rocks and trees. It’s not really a trail that leads you to the upper and lower busby falls. It was really cool to see the falls though up close. You can see busby falls from the trail up top but the drop off is pretty sketchy so we stayed away from the edge so you don’t get a very good view from up top. Machine falls is about a mile hike in and the last 2 minutes are down a really steep makeshift stairway. Machine falls was incredible though. The falls are around 60’ tall. Picture don’t do it justice. Seeing it In person was incredible and unreal. I didn’t expect it to be so impressive. Overall this place is a great hike if you’re in okay shape and looking for a slight challenge. You won’t be disappointed. This is some of the clearest water I’ve ever seen on a hike. It was honestly just as mesmerizing...