During the summer, and especially the summer of coronavirus, hiking to a waterfall is the perfect activity when you visit Whitestone Inn. Going to a waterfall is refreshing, an ideal photo-op, and perfect for social distancing. There are a ton of waterfalls in the surrounding area of Whitestone Inn so that you can enjoy a peaceful stay, but then find some adventure. Here are a few waterfalls we recommend to our guests.

Bald River Falls

This waterfall is the most accessible; you can view the waterfall from your car window. The waterfall is reported to be 90 to 100 feet high. The waterfall is a part of the Tellico River Road, built on an old logging road, with large boulders, beautiful rock formations, fast-flowing whitewater, and abundant green forest. The route to this waterfall is scenic, so this might be a good option on an extra hot day when you want air conditioning from your car.

Grotto Falls

This waterfall is set in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is the only waterfall that you can safely walk behind in the Smokies. The hike to this waterfall is 3 miles roundtrip and is considered a moderate hike. If you aren’t an experienced hiker but want a bit of a challenge, this is a great place to start.

Cane Creek Cascades

Although these cascades aren’t the highest or most impressive falls, they’re beautiful and abundant, and you can even go behind the waterfall to relax and breathe in the fresh air of nature. The falls are located near Spencer, Tennessee in Fall Creek Falls State Park. This waterfall is easy to access, so if you do not want as much of a hike and more time in the water, you should check out Cane Creek.

Cummins Falls

This is Tennessee’s eighth largest waterfall and also plays a role as a swimming hole for locals. The trail to the waterfall is a 2.1-mile loop that is rated moderate. Although the area is gorgeous, it is also very rugged, and there are hazards, so caution is advised if you visit. This is a two-drop waterfall, the first is a 50-foot drop into a pool, and the second is a 25-foot drop into another pool. The swimming hole is ranked as one of the best in the U.S.

Ozone Falls

Just off Interstate 40, this 43-acre natural area in Cumberland County is the most accessible waterfall. Ozone Falls plunges 110 feet over a sandstone cap rock into a pool. The waterfall disappears underground and reappears several yards downstream. The movie “Jungle Book” was even filmed here! This waterfall is sure to make a perfect photo op and who knew this hidden gem is located just off I-40?

Visiting the magical setting of East Tennessee in the summer would not be complete without swimming at a waterfall. Make sure to pack your swimsuits during your stay at Whitestone Inn and check out our website for more information on how to reserve your trip.