Spectacular Greeter Falls Hike: Four Waterfalls and a Blue Hole in Tennessee

Greeter Falls Hike was one of those adventures where the relatively short distance doesn’t tell the whole story. We hiked approximately 3 miles at South Cumberland State Park in Tennessee on September 26, 2020, and were rewarded with multiple waterfalls, a beautiful blue hole, and plenty of interesting scenery along the way.

South Cumberland State Park is known for its rugged landscapes and rewarding hikes, and this route certainly lived up to that reputation. Along the trail, we encountered suspension bridges, mushrooms, critters, a spiral staircase, and, of course, several spectacular waterfalls.

Our main goal was Greeter Falls, but we ended up seeing four waterfalls during our hike: Upper Greeter Falls, which drops approximately 50 feet; Lower Greeter Falls, a 15-foot cascade; and Broadtree Falls, which is about 30 feet. We also visited the beautiful Blue Hole, adding another scenic highlight to the adventure.

The hike to Falls is somewhat tricky but manageable overall, and I’d rate it as moderate. The trail includes rocky and uneven sections, so sturdy hiking boots and hiking poles are definitely helpful.

We did make one mistake that I would recommend avoiding. After visiting Greeter Falls, we attempted to hike directly from Greeter to Broadtree Falls. That section was extremely rocky and technical, making it much more difficult than necessary. Instead, return to the kiosk and take the trail to the left toward Broadtree Falls, following the posted sign. This route is considerably easier and still provides beautiful views of Broadtree Falls through the trees.

If you want to reach the bottom of Broadtree Falls, the short trail becomes tricky again, so take your time and watch your footing. The extra effort is worthwhile, but this isn’t a trail where I’d recommend rushing.

Despite the challenging sections, Greeter Falls Hike was a fantastic adventure. Four waterfalls, a blue hole, forest scenery, and interesting trail features make this a rewarding hike for waterfall lovers.

Another thing I enjoyed about this hike was the variety of scenery along the way. One moment we were walking through the peaceful forest, and the next we were crossing a bridge or navigating rocky terrain toward another waterfall. The changing landscape kept the hike interesting and made the three-mile adventure feel much longer—in the best possible way.

If You Go

Location: South Cumberland State Park, Tennessee
Distance: Approximately 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate, with some rocky and technical sections
Waterfalls: Upper Greeter Falls, Lower Greeter Falls, and Broadtree Falls
Upper Greeter Falls: Approximately 50 feet
Lower Greeter Falls: Approximately 15 feet
Broadtree Falls: Approximately 30 feet
Other highlight: Blue Hole
Trail features: Suspension bridges, spiral staircase, mushrooms, wildlife, and scenic forest.
What to bring: Sturdy hiking boots, hiking poles, water, and plenty of time.
Important trail tip: After visiting Greeter Falls, return to the kiosk and take the signed trail toward Broadtree Falls rather than taking the direct route.
Broadtree Falls: The trail to the bottom becomes more difficult and rocky, so use extra caution.
Tip: Wet rocks can be slippery around the waterfalls. Take your time and watch your footing.