Upper Piney Falls — Local services in Spring City

Piney Falls is a 818-acre natural area located in Rhea County where Little Piney and Soak Creek have carved deep gorges into the Cumberland Plateau. It is a pristine forest that features creeks, deep gorges, waterfalls and old growth forest. Piney Falls is also recognized by the United States Department of Interior as a National Natural Landmark. It is one of only fourteen National Natural Landmarks in Tennessee. These landmarks recognize the country’s best remaining examples of major biotic communities and geologic features. Piney Falls is especially significant because of its old growth forest. The tallest and most magnificent trees are the white pines and eastern hemlocks that are found on lower slopes in the gorge below Lower Piney Falls. Many of these trees exceed 40 inches in diameter and are more than 100 feet in height. Large tulip poplar, hemlock, buckeye, and basswood also grow below Upper Piney Falls. The upland rim above the falls is composed of a typical plateau oak-pine forest. Little Piney Creek drains the majority of the area plunging some 80 feet over the picturesque Upper Piney Falls into the pool below, and then drops another 40 feet over Lower Piney Falls. At Upper Piney Falls, a concave ledge circles behind and around the falls where visitors can follow a trail for an awe-inspiring view of the gorge below. Lower Piney Falls, which is smaller in stature, and not accessible by trail, plunges into a much narrower gorge. From here, the Little Piney Creek continues, and joins with Soak Creek State Scenic River before emptying into the Piney River. Springtime visitors to the Soak Creek section of the natural area will see an abundance of wildflowers that include bloodroot, hepatica, crested iris, yellow wake robin, perfoliate bellwort, and spotted geranium. The old growth forest structure, diversity in species composition, and picturesque waterfalls provide scenic value and ecological significance. Great short hike with 2 beautiful waterfalls. Consider liking my review and pictures. Follow me on social for all my travels. Get...

Our hike on this trail was a fantastic adventure, but here are a few tips for fellow explorers! When you reach the split, note the following:

Left: easy Right: challenging

We unknowingly took the right path and found ourselves in for a tough, yet rewarding trek. It involved some unexpected climbs and a few moments where the trail was easy to lose, but completing the full loop was well worth the effort.

Even though the falls were mostly dried up due to the lack of rain, the surrounding area’s beautiful rock formations and classic Tennessee views more than compensated. We can’t wait to return when the falls are in full flow, as it looks like there are at least 3-4 to enjoy.

I’m giving this trail 4 stars because it could benefit from better trail markings, and a hint at the fork about the difficulty levels would be great. For an easier walk, take the left path at the fork and consider returning the way you came after reaching the falls.

This trail is a hidden gem in Tennessee's natural beauty, and it's a joy to see that the stunning rock structures remain untouched by graffiti. Highly recommended for all nature lovers – we’ll...

Honest review of Piney Falls… 1st - it was hard to find and Google was not our friend. It first led us to private property into someone’s yard. The trail head to the falls is on Firetower Road. The hike to the falls is mildly strenuous but not bad at all. We took a left at the fork when we got to it. There are many veer off paths that others have created. So if you haven’t been to the falls before stay rock side and don’t go down…. The trail is a loop so stay against the rocks and you will find the falls. In my opinion the waterfall is one of my least favorite I’ve ever been too. But the scenery and hike was gorgeous! Definitely recommend going after some rainfall or it will just be a trickle like it was for us. There is a swimming hole at the bottom, we were told it is usually clear waters but during our visit the water was gross so we opted out of a dip...