Greeter Falls Reviews

Short hike but with some steep parts. Metal spiral staircase at the end. The water was barely a trickle, so we didn't go to the other falls along the same trail. The falls empty into a pool with some big rocks to climb on that can be a little treacherous. It was pretty, but I'm glad it wasn't a difficult hike because it wasn't spectacular.

Due to time constraints, we only did the 0.5-mile (one-way) hike to lower Greeter Falls. The trail is moderate as the path is rocky and we found it somewhat slippery after a recent rainstorm. When the trail split between upper and lower Greeter Falls, we headed left to the lower falls trail. Soon, a spiral staircase took us down to a lower level. From the staircase, we got our first view of the falls. This is followed by more wooden steps leading to a rocky area near the base of the falls.

Far off the path from Fall Creek Falls lies this perfectly picturesque waterfall that lands in Savage Gulf. While a bit apart from the rest of the popular trials it's well worth a visit - especially if you want a lot of bang for your buck. The only minor distraction is the occasional squalor you drive by on the way there that makes me worry about break-ins at the trail head. Looks awesome for swimming and jumping!
Bring camera, rainwear for spray / drips off the wall on a cold day, good shoes for the wet / rooty / steep trail and steps. Plan on at least an hour to hike enjoy but you'll get to the top of falls in 15 minutes if you hustle and are sure - footed.

It may be difficult to find, but it is well worth the search. Greeter lower falls is the best with a large, wide falls that lands in a wonderful pool for swimming. I have never seen more than 12 people there at any time. The hike is also a nice walk, with a few strenuous areas.

We visited Greeter Falls last spring and fell in love. We wanted to come back to try to swim near the falls when it got warmer. We also adopted a dog since last spring. So, we decided to try it out again this hot June weekend with dog in tow. The only part I was concerned about was the spiral staircase to get down to the falls. I was worried that my dog would go too fast down them and tumble down, but that was not the case. He wouldn't even step foot on them. The stairs are made of a metal grate so you can see all the way to the bottom. They are very narrow as well, so be mindful with kids. Trying to coax my dog on to the steps proved more dangerous. He slipped out of his harness trying to back away. On either side of the stairs is a cliff edge. Luckily, he didn't lose his footing and my husband was able to get the leash back on to his collar before he started to run. This could have been disastrous. Since we couldn't get down to the falls, we went back up to the beginning of the trail where the "Blue Hole" trail splits off and followed it. To our surprise, this was a really nice large swimming hole and easily accessible for our dog. So, if you're bringing the dog, the falls are worth it if pup will go down the stairs (you'll probably have to go down backwards to make sure pup takes it slow as they are very narrow), but please don't spend much time trying to coax your dog or make him nervous....this is not a safe place for him to be frightened.

Although a long decent, that included a spiral staircase, this was the best of the eight falls we toured. Breathtaking. Laurel falls and the Stone Door are in the same park, if you have the energy. There a beautiful blue pool at Greeter Falls you won't be able to resist jumping into on a hot day. Magnificent! (I wouldn't take kids younger than 5 down to Greeter Falls)

Going to start this out with a cautionary note. Please wear good solid hiking boots; trails can be quite muddy and slippery. There are no rails, if you fall - it’s a long way down. I wouldn’t recommend this for people with small children or for elderly who may have problems with balance. The trail to the upper falls is okay, but to the lower falls I would say not to make this your first rodeo with hiking.
This is a beautiful place to go and see the rock walls along the trails and if the rainfall has been just right, the falls are impressive. I was surprised to see a spiral staircase attached to a cliff side, I can’t say I’ve seen that anywhere else. There is a great deal of beauty and serenity in this park.
Make sure to stop somewhere before you head there, for a restroom. Or find a tree if you’ve got to, but there are no bathrooms.

Honestly Greeter Falls is a gem. Its a short hike that includes a spiral staircase and a short shimmy down a makeshift ladder down to the most breathtaking waterfall/waterhole!

I absolutely love Greeter Falls. Have been going there for years. The hike is pretty short and not too strenuous, but you still feel like you have really been somewhere. You can also branch off and take one of the other trails to make a longer hike if you want. My favorite part is the lower falls. You have to take a spiral staircase down to it and also cross some boards over the rocks. When you get down there, you can sit on the rocks, or swim in the pool beneath the falls during warmer weather. Gorgeous!

Going down was optional, coming back up was mandatory. Lol.. Unless you’re “well hiked” this is NOT an easy hike. Several areas could use some kind of barrier to keep people from slipping off the trail; if it ever gets muddy. Pretty cool that it has a spiral staircase. Part of the handrail on the wooden steps going down are far away for people to grab ahold of. Those get slippery. As people are coming up from swimming and creating mud. I really did enjoy seeing the falls, they’re very beautiful!

I wish we would have gone on a longer hike but we decided to put together a string of shorter hikes. We hiked stone door and Greeter falls first. Greeter falls was a fun little trip and the area by the lower falls is great for a picnic lunch.
Great place without too many people.

Had a great hike here to both waterfalls. There is a small trail that leads to where a small house used to be. Time it right(come on a weekday or during the school year) . The big waterfall lagoon where you could swim.... I counted 48 people there(big families with many noisy small children) ; which is upsetting because typically I go on hikes to avoid people. It's about an hour and 15 trip from Nashville(180 miles r/t) I would highly recommend it if you are not an experienced hiker , would like to get outdoors.

The hike down to the falls is rocky but not too bad. The spiral see through staircase to get to the falls was a surprise for me, as I am terrified of heights but it wasn't that bad after looking back and getting down to the falls was worth it. We didn't have our swimming gear but this would be a nice place to jump in! The water fall was beautiful and we watched some people jumping from the base of the fall. We went on to the other waterfall along the way. It had nice bluffs along the hike but we were more impressed with Greeter Falls.

greeter falls is beautiful but its a tough walk back up those stairs coming back out. easy hiketo and from the car

Nice water fall that is not too hard to get to. There are several other falls in the area to see too.

We went there in when it was raining at the beginning of July. This is a very tough and at times dangerous path to take to both the upper and lower falls, I wouldn’t try this without the right hiking boots on regardless if it’s wet or dry. The view of the falls is worth the effort, just be very careful.

We take many guests to greeter falls. For a short drive and a short hike you can experience 3 great falls, a spiral staircase and a swinging bridge! Pet friendly too.

This is a great secret oasis, exciting for children, teens, and adults (that can walk on their own) all ages. The Blue Hole, the trails, and then Greeter Falls is a must see, in Tennessee.

I go there every year on my birthday and plenty more times. The trail is NOT "treacherous" as I've seen reported, unless you have a fear of heights and aren't used to trails on hills. If you go to any waterfall there is always a downhill and an uphill. Stop and rest when you need to. I'm in my 60s, extremely unfit, and I would call it moderate and short to get to Greeter Falls. Go early in the day or there can be busloads of kids and people and falls and trails are always far better with fewer people.

There are even easier options in the same area:
Boardtree Falls is super easy to get to, and Blue Hole and Upper Greeter Falls are very easy to get to if you don't want to go on a spiral staircase.

I had a great time on this hike. I went by myself and took a lot of pictures. There is an AMAZING view just off from the falls that looks over all the trees.......absolutely breath taking.

Great natural area to visit. In addition to the falls, there are other trails that take you to some gorge-ous views of the gorge (ha! sorry for the pun). The trail to Greeter falls has some areas that are quite rocky and filled with roots. There are also some parts of the trail that are very close to steep fall-offs/cliffs with no safety rails, etc. This could be dangerous when wet and slippery. Caution is advised. All of that said, it is well worth the rocky trail. A lot of water comes off of this fall and it is beautiful. The upper area of the falls is wide and shallow and well suited for some relaxing wading, laying out on the flat rocks. The short walk to Blue Hole is a much better trail. No big waterfalls, but an excellent/big swimming hole and places to sit along the water.

Greeter falls was place to spend a day with our 10 year old and her friend. The trails were very clearly marked and well traveled. The scenery was amazing from the time we got on the trail until the end. The falls are breathtaking and getting to them was very fun with a few challenges. The whole family will enjoy this trip.

it was a bit of a treacherous hike. there were parts if you didn’t watch your footing you would easily slide off the side of the mountain. some drops look to be at least 30 feet. it is steep and the path can be a bit more dangerous due to the ground/rocks being wet. the stairs had to be the worst part for me honestly. everything was extremely wet and slippery. it is worth it though.

This is one of the most picturesque waterfalls I've been to. Very short hike but it is a pretty steep climb and it can be very slippery when wet or muddy. I was amazed at the people taking very small children on this hike and one woman we passed on our way out was carrying a newborn - not even in a carrier just holding it - there is no way she could safely carry a baby while making that climb. Please use common sense and wear appropriate footwear.

Greeter Falls is a great short hike - 2 miles round trip. The lower falls are worth the effort. Some of the hike is strenuous.

Absolutely beautiful! I will say getting down to the falls was really a challenge! It's a short hike, but not an easy one. The descent even involves a spiral staircase on the side of the mountain at one point. I will say that I have a fear of heights and I am not very athletic, but I made it down there and back out again. We didn't get in the water, but there were kids splashing around at the edge and having a great time. Even though I did a lot of grumbling on the hike, I would do it again. Simply beautiful!

Spoke to a Ranger at Greeter Falls this weekend and he told me that this was the most water coming over the falls in months (I was there the first weekend in November 2019). The hike to the falls is a half a mile, and the first tenth of a mile might lull you into thinking this is nothing. But on down the trail, it gets more rocky, and drops off sharply in spots, and also has exposed roots all over the place. I am speaking from the perspective of a 60 year old male in pretty good shape. Bottom line take a walking stick with you if you can plan this in advance, you will need it and be glad you have it. The trip back up is work, so bring some water, etc., to keep hydrated. But the reward is worth it all. The falls (apparently when full of water as I saw it) are really pretty. Also note when you get to the bottom of the last set of stairs, be extra careful with the large flat rock at the last step. It slants away from you and you can easily slip and fall on it, so again, be careful. I asked the Ranger if they have to help folks out of there very often and he said yes, people turn an ankle or fall and need help. I tell you this not to scare you off, but to urger you to go prepared, especially if you are a senior citizen like me!

Please note we are seniors but we are well hiked. Willing to do the work if the view is worth it. Did Burgess Falls that morning and Rock Island and Old Stone Archeological Park the day before. These were all easy enough hikes with plenty of reward. This trail is all about rocks, boulders and two waterfalls. One Boardtree Falls is fairly nice but neither were worth the energy. It was raining but Greeter Falls, if you like just one long cascade wasn't very full. Go to the other falls.

So here's the thing. We went on a referral from our friend. And when we got there it was an oncoming storm. As an adventurers we were ready to go on this waterfall trail. As we got close to the falls, we started hearing noises, rustling and noises that sounded at the time like cows mooing. But once we got to the Falls it was lovely! We stayed there for about half an hour before it started to rain. After about thirty minutes of huddling under the cable bridge we started back to the car. We hear the animal noises again, this time it was clear it was a bear. And it sounded MAD. So we ran through water and stayed at a decent speed to avoid the creature.

Overall, we loved the falls, but the trail was filled with fallen trees after the storm and some beforehand. And the bear was an unexpected threat. If the ranger had been there we would have asked about the territory of the animal to avoid it. This being said, we NEVER stepped off the main trail and we still had it tracking us. So maybe they should close down that particular part of the trail and make travelers go a different way to the falls.

This Free State Park is the Bomb. A Rattlesnake on the trail. To the best of my knowledge this is the only Metal Spiral Staircase Hiking Experience Around. I have hike here during the winter when the staircase was frozen and icy. This is an outstanding hiking experience for it's diversity and uniqueness to get to the falls. It is a short 15 minute hike to the bottom but you will be sitting on your bottom at the tail end of the hike. This is a great swimming hole where you can actually swim under the waterfall. Make sure you are solid on directions before you depart because there is not cell phone service. No bathroom facilities you will need to go behind a tree. Caution to anyone with bad knees there is a lot of challenging areas of the hike.

What a fun hike down to see the falls up close. There are plenty of manmade and natural "steps" to get down to the bottom. It is a bit more challenging for younger kids, but still worth the hike.

I am a waterfall chaser, I've been waiting to see this waterfall for a while. The hike down was very nice, but when we got to waterfall it looked like someone was pouring cups of water off the cliff, so disappointing. I'm sure this is a beautiful waterfall, I've seen the pictures, but not today! Do yourself a favor and check the rainfall totals before going!!

We enjoyed our hiking experinece with our dogs. Then when we got to the falls it was beautiful. Had a wonderful time swimming and enjoying the scenery.

Drove up to TN from AL just after TN started opening up. The trails were in good shape inspite of the recent rains. They have been well used so very rocky with lots of tree roots so moderately difficult. The stairs at the end of the trail (at waterfall) are slippery when wet but were easy to climb. Both falls are worth seeing - very beautiful. The lower fall has a large pool area where you can sit to read, picnic, nap, etc.

Short hike to the waterfall but remember this is a state natural area not a state park - this is a trail for folks who want to be out in nature so don't expect a paved trail or safety guardrails. The spiral staircase to the lower falls is cool and the stairs down to the rocky stream is useful but can be slippery.

This is a short trail loop which goes to Blue Hole, a nice swimming hole, which is to your right off the trail. Greeter Falls is up from Blue Hole and to the right on the trail. If you follow the trail past Greeter Falls it will wind around to Broadtree Falls, which is more of a cascading falls, over rock. Keep going on the trail and it will come up to an old homestead the Greeter family had back in the 1800's. If you keep on the main trail it will loop back to the kiosk and back to the parking area. Be sure you lock your car in the parking lot!

I visited Greeter Falls expecting to just hike to that falls, but once I was there I also hike to Broadtree Falls. I didn't hike to Blue Hole, but Broadtree Falls is probably 1/2 a mile from Greeter Falls. Both falls have a lot of rocks to walk on and some can be slippery. It was a great hike with awesome views. It is also not far from Foster Falls.

My husband and I decided to take a drive and we ended up at South Cumberland State Park where we discovered a two(ish) mile loop that had three waterfalls to view along the trail. Coming from our beautiful home state of Oregon where waterfalls are everywhere, we were excited to see what Tennessee had to offer. Starting from the parking lot we headed down the tree-lined path to the kiosk deciding to take the trail to what is called Blue Hole first. Although the trail is relatively flat, you do need to watch for tree roots as they are everywhere. Blue Hole is not blue, but more green rather, still pretty nonetheless and a nice swimming hole. Heading back to the path we got back to the kiosk and took the trail down to "upper" Greeter Falls. Again, a slightly treacherous path due to rocks and branches but pretty well maintained. We made it through the trees and heard the falls ahead...they were very pretty and well worth the hike. There are many areas that allow for different views of the falls. Again, back up to the trail and we moved on to the "lower" Greeter Falls. Although this part of the trail was a bit more daunting, the towering rock walls and lush greenery provided several great photo opportunities. At the end of this trail we were met with a steep spiral staircase down to the lower falls, but it is well maintained. Down the staircase, then down more stairs built into the path we could see and hear the water. When we got to the end of the trail we had to climb down a rather slippery (and steep) ladder-type bridge to actually get to the falls...again, well worth the hike! They are gorgeous! Again, the are several spots to view the falls at different angles and swimming options too. Once again, we made our way up the various ladders/steps/stairs and continued on the loop to the final waterfall, my favorite of the three, Boardtree Falls; it is STUNNING!!! The water cascades beautifully over the ledge and is so clear that you can see the different layers of rock behind it. We headed back up to the trail and found a suspension bridge to cross and explored a bit in that area before heading back up the trail towards the parking lot. It is such a great hike providing so many different views that we'll definitely be doing it again!

We visited the falls on July 3 and it was busy. When we left there were still lots of folks going down to the falls. The section of the trail that was just a few feet from the spiral stairs was eroded, wet, slippery and very narrow. I have sent an email to the park advising them of the seriousness of the trails condition however I've not heard from them. One young person stepped down and had it not been for a woman close by that child was destined to go over the cliff. Just be very cautious and keep your children clise.

Greeter Falls is a more remote area state park off Hwy 41, maybe 2 hrs from Chattanooga or more. If you are driving south, you need to watch for the Greeter Falls road sign, which can be missed easily from 41. Driving north, you will see a much more larger sign for the falls. In either case, the road is mostly rough and gravel, but no SUV is needed. Once at the end in the parking area, the hiking trail can be missed because signage was not obvious. The trail does not begin in the picnic area, but near the entrance on right side. The trail itself not bad nor steep, but if you elect to go to the base of the falls, it is, but worth it! The upper falls trail is equally stunning and you can wade in ankle deep water. You should give about 2 hrs time to get there, stay a bit, and return.

Ok we did a waterfalls tour of middle TN in oct of 2021. Greeter Falls was one of the most remote falls and the falls is absolutely beautiful - probably our favorite fall of the trip. The downside of greeter falls is definitely the path to get to it. Far and away the most treacherous path we got on - lots of rocks, slick and many places with a huge drop off where you are on the edge with no railings. I wouldn’t recommend this one with small kids or if you don’t get around well. If you do go wear some good hiking shoes and make it at least down to the spiral staircase and descend them for the waterfall view. Maybe a 20 minute walk. This park needs to Install some railing along this trail.

The falls a beautiful with large pool at the bottom of lower falls that is excellent for swimming on hot day. The trail is strenous and tricky at some places, so if you have any physical limitations you may want to take them into consideration beforehand.

Wow what a place. Not just the waterfall but the cove is deep enough to swim in! It is a treacherous climb in certian spots so watch your footing at all times. There is a metal grated staircase and dogs do not like climbing down it so be ready to carry them down. Other than that bring a suit and snack and enjoy! There are no bathrooms that I saw as well.

Peaceful and serene. It's quite a hike to the falls, both upper and lower, not because of distance but because of sharp rocks and exposed tree roots. Not for the disabled! The friend accompanying me had a knee replacement a few months ago and she didn't make it all the way to the falls, so I went ahead and took pics to show her while she rested on a large rock at the fork between upper and lower falls. Next time we'll take a staff or cane for better balance so we can look around and not be compelled to grab onto small trees for support. There are loose rocks under the fallen leaves. It was raining a little as we went back up and some places were pretty slippery. Please take your time here! Breakneck speeds are not recommended. Children should be well rested and fed before the hike. Be prepared to help and/or carry small children both up and down the rough parts. Babies could be carried safely in a Gerry pack. The rock bluffs are beautifully rugged and the deciduous foliage is spectacular right now. Amazingly, AT&T cell service good for such a remote area. With preparation this is a wonderful day trip! Totally worth each of the five stars I'm giving it!

Sign says Greeter Falls but there is another one there . It does involve a very strenuous hike to get there but worth it .Swimming allowed in lower pool ,plus wading ,water is COLD .Side trip on hike in or out to the old Greeter home stead is of interest too

This hike involved steep grades, climbing on some rock and multiple tree roots. We are overweight and sedentary so that didn't help. It was rough, but I felt it was worth it. I sometimes basically crawled, but I was afraid of falling. We went to both the upper and lower falls. At the lower falls we stopped after going down the spiral staircase because you got good view from the trail at that point.

main paths are marked fairly well. May areas have move then one way to different areas of each falls. Greeter Falls lower has round descending stairs making it a challenge for dogs.

A great hidden falls! My wife and I went on Memorial Day weekend about an hour before sundown and we were the only ones there. It's about 40 feet tall with a swimming hole to boot. It has a spiral staircase on the way down to the base of the lower falls. Snakes too, so be careful. See the upper falls and also go see Boardtree Falls as well further down the trail. Boardtree is a beautiful 25 foot cascading falls.

This is not a bad hike until you get to the last few yards and it gets a bit steep and rocky. The spiral staircase is great and helps a lot, but it is tight and the stairs are narrow. Just hang on to the rails and take it slow. The view at the bottom is absolutely worth the effort. The trail is marked as being 1/2 mile and rated as easy to moderate. My husband and I made it and we're not so young anymore and not in perfect shape. I would recommend this hike for teenagers and older, not young children, though if your family is not used to hiking this area.

I had been enjoying the views down the road at Stone Door, and went to a gas station down the road. Locals had suggested stopping to see Greeter Falls, and it was the best stop of my day. Due to a recent ice storm, parts of the trail were more difficult than I imagine they are normally. Some areas are rocky, but not so much that's it's exhausting. The effort is definitely worth it, the falls remind me of some I've seen in tropical areas. The blue hole at the bottom looked inviting if the day had been warmer. I also hiked up to Boardtree Falls, it's a lot more rockier although it isn't as long a walk as it appears. The best pics can be made a Greeter. Also, there's a short path to the old Greeter Homestead remains.

Greeter Falls is part of South Cumberland State Park, and it is a gorgeous park! The Greeter Falls portion of the park seems to be getting a lot more visitors each year. I have been visiting this area since 2010, and highly recommend it to people. Be careful during winter months as the spiral staircase, among other areas along the trail, do become slick and even icy. During the summer months, this is a great area for swimming. There are picnic tables and trash cans beside the parking lot. I wouldn't recommend bringing a dog (at least not to the staircase portion). Most do not like the staircase, and refuse to go down it. This is a very dangerous area for a pet to be jumping, trying to slip out of his collar, because it essentially on the edge of a cliff... it could end badly. If you are up for a fairly long hike, you can hike from here to Stone Door (Be sure to get a map beforehand, as signs can be slightly confusing at first).
If you haven't been to Greeter Falls (South Cumberland State Park) be sure to check it out, it's beautiful year round!

The hike to the bottom of the falls is a little bit strenuous for most under 6 and over 55. When you get there it is worth it. Try to go off peak time/day. It was a bit crowded.

Spiral staircase ! The greeter falls is amazing ! The board tree falls is equally as nice and well worth the hike to see! This is a excellent hike if you only have limited time

It was a hot day for a hike but we decided to go for it. We were warned by a couple teen girls that they had seen copper head snakes (YIKES), however we did not see any. The hike is rigorous, be careful for loose rocks and wet areas from the rain/humidity. The views are worth it. We put our feet in the water and watched two couples swim over to the waterfall and took pictures for them. Great way to spend a morning.