Waterfall Hikes Near Cleveland, TN
within 50 miles
Forty-eight waterfalls sit inside Cleveland's fifty-mile circle, split between the Cherokee National Forest to the east and the Cumberland Plateau to the west. The closest is Benton Falls, about 14 miles east in the Ocoee district, a 65 foot drop reached by an easy trail of 1.5 miles each way from the Chilhowee day use area, which charges $3 a day. Falling Water Falls, about 18 miles west near Walden, is the quickest payoff, a short state natural area trail to a 110 foot fall with room for only three cars at the trailhead. Rockstack and Flatrock Falls are tucked within a mile of it. Fuel up in town first, because the forest roads will eat your afternoon.
Map of Waterfalls Near Cleveland
Today's Conditions
Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service
Water Flow
9 of 43 waterfalls near Cleveland are flowing strongly today
Updated about 2 hours ago via USGS
Best Day to Hike
Tuesday
Sunny · 67°F
Flowing best right now near Cleveland
Updated about 1 hour agoRanked by live stream-gauge flow versus each waterfall's seasonal normal.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Cleveland hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Find waterfalls to hike near Cleveland
Have your own travel site? Embed these waterfalls for free.
🚗 Easy Waterfall Hikes Near Cleveland (14 waterfalls)
Easy access waterfalls are drive-up or short-walk friendly. Perfect for families, casual visitors, or anyone who loves waterfalls but is "so-so" about hiking.
All 47 Waterfalls Near Cleveland
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near Cleveland
Are there free waterfalls near Cleveland?
There are 27 free waterfalls near Cleveland, including Bald River Falls.
Are there easy waterfall hikes near Cleveland?
There are 14 easy waterfall hikes near Cleveland, including Bald River Falls.
Are there dog friendly waterfalls in Cleveland?
There are 27 dog-friendly waterfalls near Cleveland, including Bald River Falls.
Are there kid-friendly waterfalls near Cleveland?
There are 29 kid-friendly waterfalls near Cleveland, including Bald River Falls.
Can you swim in any waterfalls near Cleveland?
There are 3 waterfalls that allow swimming near Cleveland, including Foster Falls.
What is the shortest waterfall hike near Cleveland?
The shortest waterfall hike near Cleveland is Bald River Falls at 0.1 miles round trip.
How tall are the waterfalls near Cleveland?
The tallest waterfall near Cleveland is Fall Creek Falls at 256 feet.
Do any waterfalls near Cleveland require permits?
Yes, 1 waterfall near Cleveland requires a permit. Check individual trail pages for current permit details.
Can I camp near the waterfalls around Cleveland?
Yes, 28 waterfalls near Cleveland have nearby campgrounds.
What is the closest waterfall to Cleveland?
The closest waterfall to Cleveland is Benton Falls, approximately 13.6 miles away.
Pin This Guide
Save this Cleveland waterfall guide to your Pinterest board for your next adventure.
Pin It🏙️ Other Cities Near Cleveland With Waterfalls
Where to Stay
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.