National and State Parks - Recreational Areas
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Fall Creek Falls State Park
State Park Information
State Park Overview
Fall Creek Falls State Resort Park is one of the most scenic and spectacular recreation areas in America. Its waterfalls, cascades, sparkling streams, gorges, timberland and an unmatched variety of recreation facilities and activities have made it one of the most popular parks in the Southeast. Fall Creek Falls is one of the highest waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains, plunging 256 feet into a shaded pool at the base of its gorge. The parks other falls, (Piney, Cane Creek and Cane Creek Cascades), though smaller -re just as impressive.
The oak and hickory forest that covers most of the park gives way to tulip poplar and hemlock forest in the gorges. The plants and animals of the moist, protected gorges are not unlike the species found in southern Canada. Mountain laurel and rhododendron are abundant throughout the park -s are other plants and animals.
The park is located in Bledsoe and Van Buren counties, 11 miles east of Spencer and 18 miles west of Pikeville. It may be entered from Highway 111 or Highway 30.
Camping
Fall Creek offers 228 campsites in three campgrounds. All sites have tables, grills and
water and electrical hook-ups. Central bathhouses with showers serve the campgrounds and a dump station is provided for self contained camping rigs. Campers must register at the campground check-in station. The stay limit is two weeks and select sites can be reserved. Fall Creek has two group camps, both featuring rustic bunkhouses clustered around central dining halls, bathhouses and
recreation buildings. Both camps provide private swimming beaches, playfields, fire rings and
private staff quarters.
Backcountry camping is allowed. There are three backcountry campsites and a permit is required. Pack animals are not allowed in the park.
Campsite RegulationsEach site may contain no more than eight people. A campsite may contain only one camping unit (motor home, trailer, pop-up, pickup camper, lowed camper, etc.) This site may also contain one tent but no more than three tents. All parked vehicles must not infringe on a neighboring campsite or block the road in any way.
All sites must be paid for and the site marker posted. The site must be occupied by non-movable property. Examples of non- movable property are an erected tent, set up camper, vehicle, motor home, or human. Examples of non-acceptable property are coolers, chairs, tablecloth, rope or string. Sites held with non-acceptable property are subject to having property picked up by a ranger and the site rented.
Group Camping
Youth Camp 1
Accommodates 100 people. The camp consists of non-winterized cabins grouped in sections with four to six bunks per cabin. Bathhouses are centrally located. The kitchen and dining hall is complete with cooking utensils, walk-in cooler and freezer, commercial dishwasher and
large mixer. You must bring your own linens, toilet tissue, soap, towels, etc.
Youth Camp II
Accommodates 144 people. Arrangement similar to Camp I. The camp consists of non-winterized cabins grouped in sections with four to six bunks per cabin. Bathhouses are centrally located. The kitchen and dining hall is complete with cooking utensils, walk-in cooler and freezer, commercial dishwasher and
large mixer. You must bring your own linens, toilet tissue, soap, towels, etc.
Trails
Fall Creek Falls State Park offers a variety of day-use trails. Providing access to some of the parks loveliest areas, the trails pass into virgin woods, over fast flowing streams and
around awesome gorges and waterfalls. The day-use trails are designed to accommodate recreational and educational activities including fitness walking, leisure walking and easy hiking, or exploring the Parks geological features and forest life typical of the Cumberland Pleateau.
The Nature Center, located - the North entrance of the park, is a popular trailhead. Trail information is available inside the Nature Center. Trails also originate or can be linked from the village area, campground, inn, group camp #2 entrance gate, the Falls parking lot and the Piney Falls parking lot.
The Fall Creek Falls Overlook Trail is accessible to persons with a disability.
Picnicking
Fall Creek has 12 picnic areas scattered throughout the park with individual picnic tables. Grills are provided and water spigots are located nearby.
There are 5 picnic pavilions that accommodate 75 people each. Reservations may be taken up to 2 years in advance. Most all picnic areas are accessible to persons with a disability and have some paved parking.
Boating
No privately owned boats are allowed on the lake. Pedal boats, canoes and aluminum fishing boats may be rented through the park office. Trolling motors are no longer available for rent. Please bring your own trolling motor and battery.
Pontoon boat rides may be arranged through the programming staff at the Naure Center by calling 423-881-5708.
For boat rentals 423-881-5500
Swimming
Fishing and Hunting
No privately owned boats are allowed on the lake. Pedal boats, canoes and aluminum fishing boats may be rented through the park office. Trolling motors are no longer available for rent. Please bring your own trolling motor and battery.
Pontoon boat rides may be arranged through the programming staff at the Naure Center by calling 423-881-5708.
For boat rentals 423-881-5500