When the Tennessee heat kicks in, there’s nothing better than a waterfall hike with your dog splashing right beside you.
Luckily, the Volunteer State is packed with scenic trails that end in cool, crystal-clear swimming spots perfect for both humans and pups.
These trails combine stunning views, shady paths, and safe waters where dogs can dip their paws and play to their heart’s content. It’s the ultimate way to beat the heat together, tail wags included.
1. Cummins Falls State Park – Cookeville
Mother Nature’s ultimate doggy splash zone awaits at this 75-foot cascading wonder.
Your pup will love romping through the gentle currents while you soak in the breathtaking limestone amphitheater surroundings.
Pack water shoes for both of you—the rocky bottom can be slippery! Rangers often check for leashes during busy summer weekends, so bring a long lead for maximum exploration freedom.
2. Burgess Falls State Park – Sparta
Four magnificent waterfalls in one dog-friendly adventure! The 1.5-mile round-trip trail rewards with increasingly dramatic cascades, culminating in the 130-foot main event that thunders into a wide, dog-paddling paradise.
Morning visits offer the best experience with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures for your furry friend.
The lower falls area provides the safest swimming spots where shallow pools are perfect for cautious canines.
3. Fall Creek Falls State Park – Spencer
Home to one of America’s highest plunges east of the Mississippi! While the massive 256-foot namesake fall creates too strong a current for swimming, the park hides several dog-approved splash zones along Cane Creek.
Piney Falls and Cane Creek Cascades offer gentle pools where your pup can cool off after hiking the park’s 56 miles of trails.
Rangers recommend morning visits when wildlife is active and temperatures haven’t peaked.
4. Ozone Falls State Natural Area – Cumberland County
Hollywood discovered this hidden gem when filming The Jungle Book!
The 110-foot waterfall plunges into an emerald pool surrounded by a rock amphitheater that amplifies the water’s roar—a sensory adventure for curious canines.
The short hike in makes this perfect for dogs who aren’t marathon trekkers. Water levels vary seasonally, so spring visits offer the most impressive flow while summer creates gentler swimming conditions.
5. Savage Gulf Blue Hole – Savage Gulf State Park
Sapphire waters beckon after a moderate 2-mile hike through hardwood forests.
This swimming hole’s name doesn’t lie—the water truly appears blue thanks to limestone minerals, creating an Instagram-worthy backdrop for doggy paddle photos.
The wide, sandy entry point makes this spot ideal for water-hesitant pups. Arrive early on summer weekends to claim your space, as locals flock here when temperatures soar above 85 degrees.
6. Abrams Falls Trail – Great Smoky Mountains
Tucked away in Cades Cove, this 5-mile round-trip adventure leads to a waterfall that isn’t tall but compensates with sheer volume—20 feet high but nearly 100 feet wide!
The broad pool beneath creates natural doggy paddling lanes. Rhododendrons frame the falls spectacularly in June.
The moderately challenging trail crosses several streams where your pup can take mini-splash breaks before reaching the main attraction.
7. Stinging Fork Falls – Rhea County
Fido will forget all about squirrels while exploring this 30-foot cascade tucked into a dramatic gorge.
The trail’s moderate difficulty keeps crowds thin, meaning you’ll often have the swimming hole to yourselves even on summer weekends.
Mossy boulders surrounding the pool create natural sunbathing platforms for tired pups. Spring visits showcase wildflowers carpeting the trail, while fall brings spectacular color transformations.
8. Rock Island State Park – McMinnville
Twin treasures await water-loving woofers at this park where the Caney Fork River creates natural swimming lanes.
Great Falls thunders from 30 feet, while the Blue Hole offers calmer waters for cautious canines.
Sandy beaches provide easy water entry points. Park rangers organize occasional “Barks and Parks” events during summer months, where dog trainers demonstrate water safety techniques for four-legged swimmers.
9. Greeter Falls – Savage Gulf State Natural Area
Canine adventurers will wag with excitement descending the spiral staircase to this 50-foot waterfall’s refreshing base pool.
The unique blue-green water color comes from limestone minerals that also create a smooth bottom—gentle on sensitive paw pads!
The swimming area features graduated depths, perfect for dogs still building water confidence.
Early morning visits often reveal deer and wild turkey along the trail, adding wildlife-watching to your waterfall adventure.
10. Northrup Falls – Colditz Cove State Natural Area
Forget crowded dog parks—this secluded 65-foot cascade offers a natural playground without the masses.
A lush gorge setting creates cool temperatures even on scorching days, making it ideal for thick-coated breeds who overheat easily.
The half-mile trail features minimal elevation change, perfect for senior dogs or puppies building hiking stamina.
Ancient hemlocks create a fairy-tale forest atmosphere that enchants both human and canine hikers.
11. Big South Fork Multiple Falls – National River Recreation Area
Waterfall chasers rejoice! This massive 125,000-acre paradise houses dozens of dog-approved cascades with swimming holes of varying sizes.
Angel Falls Rapid and Yahoo Falls top the must-visit list for four-legged swimmers.
The area’s sandstone geology creates smooth-bottomed pools gentle on paws. Pack a picnic—many falls have flat rock outcroppings perfect for post-swim snacks with your soggy companion.
12. Machine Falls – Cumberland Plateau
Sixty feet of cascading beauty awaits after a moderate 1.6-mile loop trail through Short Springs Natural Area.
The waterfall’s stair-step design creates multiple splash pools of varying depths—perfect for dogs still building swimming confidence.
Limestone formations create natural wading areas where cautious canines can cool off without full swimming.
Morning visits often reward with magical light rays filtering through mist, creating rainbow effects your Instagram followers will envy.
13. Conasauga Falls – Appalachian Foothills
Local secret alert! This 30-foot cascade remains blissfully uncrowded even during peak summer months. The wide, shallow pool at the base provides ideal conditions for doggy paddle beginners.
The short 1.5-mile out-and-back trail makes this perfect for quick adventures.
Fallen logs create natural benches where you can relax while watching your furry friend explore the gentle currents.
14. Little Laurel Falls – Near Cookeville
Sometimes the best adventures come in small packages! This lesser-known 25-foot cascade creates a perfect swimming bowl surrounded by smooth sandstone—nature’s version of a dog-friendly water park.
The relatively flat 2-mile trail welcomes all fitness levels.
Midweek visits often mean having this gem entirely to yourselves, allowing off-leash play for well-behaved pups (though always pack a leash for encounters with other hikers).
15. Cummins Falls Swimming Hole – Cookeville
Tennessee’s poster child for natural swimming spots deserves special mention beyond just the falls view!
The wide river pool below the cascade features sandy patches perfect for doggy digging enthusiasts.
Multiple depth zones accommodate both tentative and confident canine swimmers. Rangers often bring their own dogs here on days off—a true testament to its pet-friendly appeal!
16. Blue Hole & Greeter Falls – Savage Gulf Wading Zones
Beyond the main attractions, Savage Gulf hides numerous creek-side splash spots perfect for hot doggy days.
The Collins River access points feature gentle currents where even water-shy pups feel comfortable cooling their paws. Flat rock shelves create natural sunbathing platforms after swimming sessions.
The diverse terrain means you can choose between deep swimming holes or ankle-deep wading areas based on your dog’s water confidence.
17. Abrams Falls Natural Pool – Great Smoky Mountains
Worth highlighting separately from the trail itself, this natural pool beneath the falls resembles a doggy aquatic paradise!
The wide, deep swimming area allows athletic pups to really stretch their paddling muscles.
Smooth river rocks line the entry points, comfortable for sensitive paws. Early morning visits sometimes reveal otters playing in the currents—fascinating entertainment for curious canines!