Piney Falls State Natural Area is about a 2 mile or so hike on a lollipop loop shaped trail. The address is 760-1998 Firetower Rd, Grandview, TN 37337. If you’d like to learn what to expect, here’s a picture of the trail map on the kiosk there.
My first stop was at Upper Piney Falls. I visited in 2022 and water wasn’t flowing very well, so the fall was just a trickle, and my photos won’t impress you, but it was obvious to me that this thing sometimes must have an impressive display. Even for being just a trickle, I had no forewarning that this involved some cable trail action. One steep slope near Upper Piney Falls has had metal cables installed to help people up and down. I love this stuff, allowing me to be reckless and swing and hang as I go downhill.
The falls while not as exciting as playing on cables, well, just imagine more water. If you want to find another cable trail in Tennessee, check out Fall Creek Falls State Park.
As for Lower Piney Falls I nearly missed it. When you think you’re approaching the area it is in on the loop section of the lollipop trail, keep an eye out for social trails running off the main path, because you’ll have to take one to reach the top of the falls. It’s a pretty steep slope and scramble, but you’ll find yourself at the top of the fall looking far down into the gorge below, and the waterfall won’t really be visible even though you’ll be standing on it with water running past your feet. I had to lay down and hang over the edge of the fall, and take a look while feeling a little unsteady. If you want access to the base you’ll have to go way off this loop trail, I’m not sure how far, and work your way back up Piney Creek.
Don’t let my photos fool you, it was worth leaning over the edge and getting a look. This is a pretty fall.
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