If you're looking to add a little extra something to a weekend road trip or day trip, consider visiting one of these beautiful waterfalls in the Appalachian region and throughout the south. Not only do these sights let you marvel at mother nature, but they give you the chance to unwind with a nice hike and get away from it all.
These are the seven best waterfalls to visit in the lovely southern part of the United States.
1. Hickory Nut Falls in Chimney Rock State Park, North Carolina
This is the second tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi reaching 404 feet high. A must see destination if you're in the area, the beautiful setting was used as a backdrop in the movie, Last of the Mohicans. This is more of a destination to see the falls with a short hike a little over a half-mile long. Maybe stick around to watch the sunset over the gorgeous valley.
2. Falls Creek Falls in Marietta, South Carolina
This one may be for slightly experienced hikers. Following a strenuous 1.7 mile hike 600 ft up, you're rewarded with the beautiful Falls Creek Falls. The 125-foot high waterfall has stunning dark rock formations and is one of the best of the falls you can visit in Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area.
3. Little River Falls, near Fort Payne, Alabama
Located in the Little River Canyon National Preserve, this is a popular swimming hole located at the bottom of the falls in the warm summer months. The nearly 50-foot waterfall is also a lovely sight year round when visiting the Preserve, with a bridge near the visitor center where you can stop and admire the sights.
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4. Burgess Falls in Sparta, Tennessee
The Burgess Falls are set in a Tennessee State Natural Area, plunging down over 250 feet along the Falling Water River. The area was initially populated by Native Americans of the Cherokee, Creek and Chickasaw tribes who used the land as hunting grounds until the late 1800s.
5. Cumberland Falls in McCreary County / Whitley County, Kentucky
Sometimes referred to as Little Niagara or the Niagara of the South, Cumberland Falls are the main attraction at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. The nearly 70-foot waterfall is 125 feet wide and the second largest in the Smoky Mountains. It's also the only location in the Western Hemisphere with a visible moonbow (rainbow produced by moonlight).
6. Anna Ruby Falls Helen, Georgia
Located only a few hours from Atlanta, Anna Ruby Falls are located in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. A paved hiking trail will lead you to the falls from the parking area. Definitely worth the stop if you're in the area.
7. Clark Creek Natural Area in Woodville, Mississippi
Seven hundred acres of state parkland along the Louisiana state line is full of 50 waterfalls, some of them as high as 30 feet.
Other great waterfalls in the south include Amicalola Falls in Georgia, Rainbow Falls in Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Raven Cliff Falls near Atlanta.
This post was originally published on February 6, 2019.
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