Regardless of what’s going on in the outside world, or what season it is, visitors can view and enjoy Fall Creek Falls, one of the unique natural treasures of Tennessee, any time of year.

While Hawaii and Yosemite have some waterfalls that dwarf the height of Fall Creek Falls, the 256-foot-tall Fall Creek Falls is in fact the tallest U.S. waterfall east of the Mississippi River.

Coming from Murfreesboro, those wanting to check out Fall Creek Falls, and scenery at the surrounding Fall Creek Falls State Park, can travel about an hour and a half through the towns of Woodbury and McMinnville to reach the park.

After ascending the ridge of the Cumberland Plateau, take Highway 111 to the north, and signs will soon take campers, hikers and waterfall enthusiasts towards the state park.

A roadway leads through a few miles of thick trees right into the park. This road winds by a golf course and then a beautiful lake; view a lodge overlooking the lake on the far side. A visitor’s center sits near the lake where sightseers can get more information on the state park and its ample campsites and cabins.

Here, a fork in the road allows visitors to choose their adventure. Going to the right leads through the camping area, to the nature center, and on to Cane Creek Cascades and Cane Creek Falls and the popular shaky bridge high over this creek.

From this nature center and bridge point, an approximately one-mile hiking trail leads to the top of the majestic Fall Creek Falls.

Or, driving to the left at the earlier fork in the road allows motorists to drive right up to an overlook of the crown jewel of the park, with lots of places to stop and sightsee along the way, such as where this road crosses over the dam holding back the Fall Creek Falls Lake.

It’s noteworthy that cars can pull into a parking lot just next to the overlook to Fall Creek Falls. Even those in wheelchairs or strollers can roll right up to the overlook and behold the view of the falls from above.

A trail leading down the hillside takes those who want to descend to the base of this unique natural spectacle.

It’s not an incredibly long trail, less than half a mile. It obviously travels a significant change in elevation over this brief distance but, while steep at points, has helpful handrails for much of the way, and even stairs part of the way (though this descent is in no way stroller- or wheelchair-friendly).

Go to the bottom, sit on the rocks; listen to the waterfall and feel its cool breeze.

Those willing to get a little wet can circle the rocky bowl which catches the waterfall and let the water hit them if they wish.

Fall Creek joins Cane Creek just downstream from Fall Creek Falls, and this water continues to flow north to the Caney Fork River.

After leaving the parking lot at the Fall Creek Falls overlook, perhaps drive along the one-way Scenic Loop Road, which continues to follow the edge of the massive gorge below and offers some stunning views of faraway hillsides.

Otherwise, Fall Creek Falls State Park is loaded with other creeks, gorges, animals, trees, cascades and attractions. Explorers can travel more than 56 miles of total trail length, including two long-distance overnight trails.

For more information on Fall Creek Falls and other Tennessee state parks, visit tnstateparks.com.