Glen Falls

Glen Falls is a stunning natural retreat nestled on the slopes of Lookout Mountain, just outside Chattanooga in the USA. This spot features a series of three picturesque cascading waterfalls that carve their way through a rocky creek bed, creating an atmosphere of seclusion and tranquility.

The walk to the falls follows a trail roughly 3.2 km round trip. The path winds through wild meadows adorned with wildflowers and past majestic boulders. A highlight of the upper cascade is a natural pool that fills with water during rainy weather, becoming a perfect spot for nature contemplation and quiet play by the water.

For many travelers, Glen Falls is a true "hidden gem" of Tennessee. Here, you can see unique rock formations and enjoy the cool air of a forest stream. It is an ideal destination for family vacations and landscape photography enthusiasts looking to escape the city bustle and feel in harmony with nature.

To help plan your visit to Glen Falls, it is useful to have basic contact information on hand. Although the site is located in a natural area, it is part of an official national park.

The main activity at Glen Falls is hiking the Glen Falls Trail. The route is considered easy and is suitable for tourists of all fitness levels. During the walk, you can explore the three levels of waterfalls, navigate stone steps, and admire the whimsical rock formations. Of particular interest is the narrow natural tunnel located above the upper falls—passing through it adds an element of adventure to the walk.

Families with children will find excellent conditions for "nature play" here. You can hop across rocks, splash in shallow pools, or hunt for unusual plants. If you find yourself here after a rain, you’ll see the waterfall in all its power, while during dry periods, the spot turns into a quiet rock garden with a barely audible murmur of water. Don't forget your camera: the play of light in the forest and the reflections in the stream create stunning shots.

For those seeking solitude, Glen Falls offers many shady corners where you can simply sit and listen to the sound of falling water. Unlike more popular tourist spots on Lookout Mountain, large crowds are rare here, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the wild forest.

The easiest way to reach the trailhead for the falls is by car. Glen Falls is located on the Ochs Highway (TN-58), about 1.5 kilometers up from St. Elmo Avenue on Lookout Mountain. From downtown Chattanooga, the drive takes only about 10–15 minutes.

The main challenge for travelers is parking. There is a small lot near the trailhead that accommodates only 5–8 cars. Therefore, we recommend planning your visit for early morning, especially if you are arriving on weekends or holidays. If using a GPS, it's best to enter the coordinates 34.9873561, -85.3417929 or the name Glen Falls Trail.

Using public transport to get to Glen Falls can be inconvenient due to the mountainous terrain and the lack of stops in the immediate vicinity of the trail. The best option would be a taxi or a rental car, which allows you to avoid relying on schedules and enjoy nature at your own pace.

The history of this scenic spot is inextricably linked to events of the mid-19th century. During the regional campaign in Chattanooga in the fall of 1863, the Glen Falls stream served as an important source of drinking water. Its cool currents supported those stationed here during the maneuvers for control over the strategic heights of Lookout Mountain.

Today, the trail is located within the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. This is the first and largest national military park in the country, created to preserve the historical landscape. Walking here, you are essentially traversing the same slopes that witnessed significant historical changes in the region.

The waterfall itself and its surrounding cliffs were shaped over centuries by erosion. Nature has created a unique "rock garden" here that has remained virtually untouched by modern development for over a hundred years. This makes Glen Falls a rare example of preserved wilderness integrated into a network of historic hiking trails.

To fully experience Glen Falls, it usually takes between 1 and 2 hours. This is plenty of time to leisurely complete the round-trip trail (about 3.2 km), take beautiful photos at each of the three levels of cascades, and have a short rest by the water.

If your goal is just a quick look at the waterfalls without long stops, you can manage it in 45 minutes. However, we recommend setting aside more time to fully enjoy the silence of the forest and explore the interesting rock passages and the cave-like tunnel.

You can visit Glen Falls daily from 06:00 to 21:00. This schedule allows nature lovers to arrive at dawn to greet the morning in the forest or spend time in the mountain shadows during sunset hours. Entry is free, as the site is part of a national park.

Since access to a natural site depends on external factors, visitors are advised to check for updates on the official park website before traveling. During periods of heavy rain or extreme weather conditions, access to the trail may be temporarily restricted for safety reasons.

Exploring the surroundings of Glen Falls can significantly enrich your experience. Thanks to its location on Lookout Mountain, there are many nearby historical landmarks and breathtaking natural sites that are convenient to visit on the same day.

Many tourists combine their walk to the waterfall with a visit to the famous caves or observation decks offering stunning panoramas of several states at once. Below are the nearest points of interest: