Water wonders : Cane Creek Cascades

Cane Creek Cascades is a popular spot in Fall Creek Falls State Park

 

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Stairsteps of water fall into a pool lined with big boulders and sheer rock walls  before flowing a few hundred yards more to make an 85 foot drop.   This is the best way to describe Cane Creek Cascades inside Fall Creek Falls State Park in Middle Tennessee.

The Cascades are a popular spot for cooling off on hot summer days.  The falls form a small pool of water just above the base of the falls, then a larger pool of water below.  In addition, you'll find several opportunities to slide off the falls into the water for some added water fun.

If you don't want to get wet, or it's simply too cold, these falls provide plenty of enjoyment.  Although the Cascades are only about 30 feet high, they are about twice that wide.  The black rocks behind the white water offer a sharp contrast that catches your eye quickly.   Just above the Cascades is a swinging bridge that will take you to overlooks on the other side and a trail that takes you to the park's big water feature, Fall Creek Falls.

When you are in the water here, remember you are only a few hundred yards away from Cane Creek Falls, an 85 foot drop.  Don't worry, there is very little current here and if water levels are low, you can actually walk the creek bed to the top of the falls,  a place you'll definitely want to keep kids away from.  A safe overlook of the falls is just a few hundred yards away via the steps and rock walkway below the Nature Center.

In the late 1800's, a small log mill sat on top of the Cascades.  When water levels were good, The Bickford Mill turned out 30 to 40 bushels of corn meal a day.  About 40 years later a flood along Cane Creek wiped out the mill and nothing of it remains today except a marker showing where it once stood.

For more info:  Fall Creek Falls State Park