The Ultimate Guide to Ozone Falls State Natural Area in Crossville, Tennessee in 2024
VISITING OZONE FALLS STATE NATURAL AREA?
We are here to help! During our last road trip through Tennessee, we hiked down to the bottom of Ozone Falls with our kids and explored the nearby area.
We had no idea how many beautiful waterfalls are in Eastern Tennessee! As we were making our way to Great Smoky Mountain National Park, we stopped at a few waterfalls along the way. One of our favorite falls was Ozone Falls in Ozone Falls State Natural Area in Cumberland County.
This was a quick detour for us as we made our way from Nashville to the Great Smoky Mountains, but I am so glad we stopped. It was a great and scenic stop to break up our drive. We hiked down to the waterfall with our twins, who were four at the time, and our daughter, who was almost one.
Candice’s Pro Tips for Visiting Ozone Falls
✔ Make sure to bring sturdy shoes. At the very least, bring tennis shoes or good hiking sandals. We saw lots of people trying to climb on the slippery rocks and over the boulders in flip-flops, and it wasn’t going very well.
✔ Dogs are allowed on the trail, but make sure they can get over the large boulders before deciding to bring them.
✔ If you decide to swim, be prepared for very cold water and strong currents created by the waterfall. Coltin had a hard time swimming across because of the currents.
✔ If kids are dying to get into the water, head downstream from the waterfall a bit. There is a nice river where they can safely enjoy being in the water.
Directions to Ozone Falls
It is a 43-acre natural area just off Interstate 40 near Rockwood, TN. Ozone Falls, a breathtaking 110-foot waterfall, is about two hours east of Nashville and two hours west of the Great Smoky Mountains. It is just off the Crab Orchard exit.
Google Maps should take you to the right spot near the community of Ozone.
The trailhead is easy to find and is well-marked. Parking at the trailhead is limited due to a small parking area, but you shouldn’t have a hard time parking. There is no parking for oversized trailers or motorhomes at this beautiful waterfall.
At the trailhead, there is an educational sign about Ozone Falls State Natural Area.
Ozone Falls State Natural Area
There are two different ways to see Ozone Falls. The first is to see the waterfall from above. A short walk from the parking lot will take you to the brink of the waterfall. It is maybe a ten to fifteen-minute walk. The pathway isn’t paved, but there is some smooth rock you can walk on.
There are no guardrails at the brink of the fall and the cliffs above the gorge, so please be careful as you approach the waterfall. It is a long drop down!
Ozone Falls State Natural Area Hike
If you are up for more of an adventure, hike down to the swimming hole beneath the falls. We hiked down to the falls and had a great time.
We packed our youngest down, and the four-year-olds made it mostly down on their own. There are some large boulders on the trail, and they needed some help getting over those.
Ozone Falls Hike Details
- Length: 0.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 111 feet
- Route Type: Out & Back
- Difficulty: Moderate
The Ozone Falls hike to the bottom of the falls begins at the bluff near the falls and then drops down into the gorge. On your way down, keep an eye out for the Gamblers Den, an impressive rock house. Although the trail to the base of the falls is very short, it is not an easy hike and is a little steep.
The trail is narrow, and there are lots of big boulders you have to climb over. There isn’t a well-marked trail, so you’re on your own to find the easiest path. My four-year-old twins made it down to the waterfall with some assistance climbing on the boulders and guidance on where to walk.
The trail is very rocky, so it is a good idea to wear some quality sandals or tennis shoes on the hike. The rocks are loose and slippery, so shoes with good grip are very helpful.
Is Ozone Falls an Easy Hike?
We would not consider Ozone Falls, Tennessee, to be an easy hike but a manageable hike if you are in moderately good physical condition. There are some huge boulders you have to scramble over on your way down to the base of the waterfall.
On your hike back up to the parking lot, there is some elevation gain in a short period of time.
Swimming at Ozone Falls
Ozone Falls tumbles 110 feet over the rock into a great swimming hole. Swimming in this pool is possible but can be difficult. The water is cold, and the currents coming from the waterfall are strong.
Coltin swam across the deep blue water and found it to be exhausting. It is not a great place for kids to swim.
Behind the waterfall, there is a half-dome-shaped gorge wall. Along the banks of the rock-strewn pool, there are rocky ledges where we hung out while Coltin went swimming.
After the deep pool, Fall Creek disappears underground and comes back up downstream. This downstream area was great for swimming and exploring the river. The water is pretty cold, but we had a fun time in the river.
Important Tips for Visiting Ozone Falls State Natural Area
Ozone Falls in Tennessee is open from sunrise to sunset. There is no cost for parking or to go to the waterfall.
There are no restroom facilities at the trailhead in Ozone Falls State Natural Area.
The area is dog-friendly as long as the dog is on a leash. It isn’t highly recommended to bring a pet, though, because of the difficulty of the hike out.
What to Bring to Ozone Falls State Natural Area
Hiking Boots
The trail to the base of Ozone Falls is very rocky and uneven, so it is a must to have proper footwear. We recommend the Keen hiking boots. I have been very happy with the quality and comfort.
Water Bottle
An insulated water bottle will help keep your drink cool, especially during the humid Tennessee summers.
Day Pack
You will want to have your hands free to navigate over the boulders in the trail, so having a reliable day pack will make your hike a lot easier. This backpack also comes with a 2-liter hydration bladder.
Towel
After swimming and playing in the river, you will need to dry off before your hike back up the trail. These microfiber fast-drying towels won’t take up much room in your backpack and dry quickly.
➡ SHOP Fast Drying Towels on Amazon
FAQ: Ozone Falls State Natural Area
Can You Camp at Ozone Falls?
Camping is not available in the Ozone Falls State Natural Area. However, in the nearby area, there are a bunch of different campgrounds and RV parks you can stay at.
Was Ozone Falls in a Movie?
Ozone Falls State Natural Area is the location for filming scenes for the 1994 movie Jungle Book.
Conclusion: Ozone Falls in Tennessee
We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your visit to Ozone Falls in Tennessee. We love visiting the beautiful waterfalls around the country, and this one was a lot of fun to visit. The hike down is a fun challenge but is still totally doable for families.
If you’re on the hunt for more Tennessee waterfalls, we’d recommend visiting Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The waterfalls there are beautiful, and it is only a couple of hours away.
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Ozone falls looks like my kind of place! Would love to hike there.
It is beautiful there. We love a good waterfall hike!
Such beautiful photos! That waterfall must have been freezing indeed! 🙂
It was FREEZING! Coltin was the only one brave enough to do any real swimming. The rest of us waded downstream.
I love that this was the filming location for the Jungle Book and I can see why – it’s gorgeous! It’s so fun chasing waterfalls!
It’s so fun to visit places where movies have been filmed! We love finding good waterfalls.