A moderate 1.6-mile hike to a swimming-friendly waterfall at South Cumberland State Park with a dog-friendly policy and rock-climbing access.
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Based on this listing's approximate location — see the note on coordinates below.
Foster Falls is a waterfall within South Cumberland State Park (Fiery Gizzard area) accessible via the Climbers Access Trail, a 0.80-mile moderate hike that leads to the cascading falls and a plunge pool ideal for swimming. The falls are a popular rock-climbing destination in the Southeast, with climbing routes of varying difficulty. Dogs are welcome on leash throughout the park.
The site offers a refreshing combination of waterfall viewing, swimming opportunities, and climbing. No entrance fee applies to Tennessee State Parks. Visit during spring or after rain for the most reliable water flow.
Year-round; water flow most reliable in spring and after heavy rain.
1–1.5 hours
No fee or permit requirement was published on the managing agency's site when we last checked — confirm current conditions before you go, since these change.
Via a 1.6-mile round-trip trail rated moderate by the managing agency.
Yes, per the managing agency's own page — but check current leash rules before you go.
Yes, per the managing agency — conditions and safety vary by season, so use judgment regardless.
We track 13 waterfalls in Cumberland Plateau TN.
There is 1 other waterfall we track in Marion County. All Cumberland Plateau TN waterfalls →
tnstateparks.com
tnstateparks.com official hiking-trail directory, checked Sept 2026: 'Climbers Access Trail' (0.80 mi, Moderate) reaches Foster Falls, listed Open. Park highlights page describes 'a refreshing dip beneath the cascading waterfalls' at Foster Falls, treated as swimming allowed. Official pages reviewed do not state a specific height (secondary sources vary between ~60 and ~80 ft, not used here). Popular rock-climbing destination.
Checked September 2026.