Foster Falls Loop

Foster Falls State Park is part of the South Cumberland State Park system. A short 45 minute drive from Chattanooga, Foster Falls boasts a stunning 60 foot waterfall that is worth visiting during any season of the year. The trailhead for this 2 mile hike starts from the Foster Falls parking lot and follows the rim of the gorge on river left. On your way you will pass a viewing platform that provides you with a nice view of the falls from above. Continue along the trail until it makes an abrupt right to drop down into the gorge. While not an extreme hike, the path is quite rocky and uneven, so be careful and save some energy for the climb out.

Follow the path down and cross over a a very cool swinging bridge taking you across the river and to the base of the falls. You may choose to continue your hike, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself plunging into the waters for a refreshing pause. Swim across and beneath the cascading water to get a true feeling for the power of Foster Falls.

From here you can return back to the parking lot, wander downstream to view climbers who flock to the challenging walls, or take the circular path that moves up to the opposite rim of the canyon where another spectacular view of Foster Fallas awaits. You can make your return to the parking lot from either rim.

There is a campsite, and reservations can be made here