Name: Foster Falls
Rating: 5

Hikes Map Explore

Foster Falls Foster Falls Recreation Area, TN

LENGTH 0.6 MILES

DIFFICULTY 1.7 Easy

DURATION 30 minutes

ELEVATION GAIN

150

feet

TRAIL TYPE

There And
Back Again

Foster Falls

Take a short steep hike into the beginning of a gorge to enjoy Foster Falls. Falling 60 feet into a large pool just begging you to take a dip, Foster Falls is quite impressive. Bring the dog and a swim suit.

Although the parking lot is large, it fills up fast on weekends. Most people will be here for the falls but this is a popular rock climbing destination as well. Begin the hike on the paved path next to the info sign. The trail quickly comes to a signed intersection below some power lines. You'll be turning left but straight is an overlook platform. You get a minor view of the falls, at least in summer.

Continue down the trail following the power lines until a sign points to the right, beginning a steep descent to the base of the falls. This section is very rocky. Look for the white blazes to help guide the way. Cross over the suspension bridge and the falls are just to the right.

A large pool surrounded by rocky terrain gives you the options to sit and enjoy the view or take a dip. This is such a popular place to swim there are multiple signs alerting you not to bring pool noodles and the like in the water. Whatever your plans are, the 60 foot Foster Falls is definitely worth this short hike. If you want to add some views on, check out Foster Falls Climber's Loop.

Foster Falls.
The large parking lot will still fill up fast on weekends.

Foster Falls.
Heading out from the trailhead.

Foster Falls.
At the intersection you'll want to go left, following the sign for the bottom of the waterfall. But first head straight to the observation deck.

Foster Falls.
View of Foster Falls from the observation deck. Better views can be had in the cooler seasons.

Foster Falls.
Head along the trail below the power lines before dropping down to the falls.

Foster Falls.
A series of wood and rock steps lead down to the falls.

Foster Falls.
Heading down the steep rocky trail to the base of the falls.

Foster Falls.
Looking down Little Gizzard Creek away from the falls.

Foster Falls.
Suspension bridge just before the falls.

Foster Falls.
Dropping 60 feet into a large pool, Foster Falls is a great place for swimming.

Elevation Map Length (miles) by Elevation (feet)

Slope Breakdown

Elevation Gain

Elevation Range

Grade Range

Length

Elevation Gain

0 - 250 ft/mi

~ 0 - 5 %

0.2 mi

14 ft

250 - 500 ft/mi

~ 5 - 10 %

278 ft

17 ft

500 - 750 ft/mi

~ 10 - 15 %

54 ft

6 ft

750 - 1000 ft/mi

~ 15 - 20 %

41 ft

6 ft

1000+ ft/mi

~ 20+ %

483 ft

122 ft

For out-and-back hikes, elevation loss is the same as the gain.

Terrain Map Click to control map

Navigation

Details

length0.6 miles

difficulty1.7 Easy

duration30 minutes

features Canyon/Gorge Dog Friendly River/Stream Waterfall

trail typeThere And Back Again

blazeWhite

elevation gain150 ft.

state Tennessee

park/forestFoster Falls Recreation Area
South Cumberland State Park

parking feeNone

trailhead coordinates 35.182252, -85.673932 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 35°10.94, W 85°40.44 (Degree Minutes, MinDec)
N 35°10'56'', N 35°10'56'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)

Trailhead Directions

N 35°10.94, W 85°40.44

Google Map It

The gates are open 6am-10pm.

Parking Capacity

60-70 vehicles between the paved lot and gravel overflow.

Notes

Restrooms are available at the trailhead.

The trail is rocky and has several steep drop offs. Watch children and pets.

Nearby Hikes

Foster Falls Climber's Loop

2.5 mi

4.3

Little Cedar Mountain

Snooper's Rock via Indian Rockhouse

Similar Hikes

Foster Falls Climber's Loop

2.5 mi

4.3

Fall Creek Falls via Base of Falls Trail

0.8 mi

2.8

Cloudland Canyon Waterfalls Trail

1.5 mi

5.5

Fall Creek Falls via Gorge Overlook Trail

2.7 mi

6.6

High Falls Double Loop

1.2 mi

1.8

Reviews / Comments

Average Review Rating

5 (1)

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hikethesouth-5 years ago

Perfect Short Hike

Getting down to the base of the falls will be steep and getting back up may be a challenge, this short hike is definitely worth the effort for the impressive falls. A great place to bring the family for a swim in the large pool beneath the falls.

Easy | Hiked Summer 2019

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Disclaimer: Hiking can be dangerous. The information on this site is meant as a guide and represents trail conditions at a given time. Always let someone know where you are going. A basic knowledge of first aid, backcountry navigation, and some common sense are highly encouraged. The difficulty and duration ratings are subjective and will not be representative of everyone's experience.

Disclaimer Disclaimer: Falling off a cliff, drowning in a river, or being eaten by a bear is still a better way to go than dying of a heart attack while sitting in traffic on the way to the office.