Spring has officially arrived here in Chattanooga and that means there's rain; lots and lots of rain! We've been feeling the effects of the nearly constant precipitation that occurs from February to April here in the Southeast more so this year than in years past. The rivers are flowing high and so are the creeks, which means waterfalls and wildflowers are even more spectacular this time of year. If you're brave enough to hike in wet weather, you'll be rewarded with some colorful trails and awesome waterfalls! Here's a few of our favorite waterfall and wildflower hikes near Chattanooga. Let us know which ones you've done and share your photos with us! 

Lula Falls 

Height = 110 feet

Trailhead = 12 miles from Chattanooga

Get a two for one special with Lower Lula Falls + upper Lula Falls at Lula Lake Land Trust's core property. This waterfall flows year-round, and after a good rain it's absolutely thunderous, with spray wafting out into the gorge and onto the trail above. There's an access trail, featuring a steep stone staircase that leads to the base of the falls. Lula Lake is only open the first and last weekend of the month in order to minimize impact; restoring this area after years of heavy logging and mining has been a thirty-year project, and its current state is a true conservation success story. Visit the Lula Lake Land Trust website to check open gate dates. Donations accepted and recommended when visiting the property.

Hemlock Falls / Cherokee Falls
Height = 90 feet / 60 feet
Trailhead = 28 miles from Chattanooga

Get another two for one special at Cloudland Canyon State Park with Hemlock and Cherokee Falls. It's a short hike to access both of them from the main parking lot at the top of the gorge, but it's a truly steep hike! Like, 600-stairs steep! But, both waterfalls are absolutely worth all those stairs. You can also access the Sitton's Gulch Trail starting at the bridge over Daniel's Creek, which follows the water down the canyon. Cloudland Canyon is just a few minutes down the road from the Lula Lake Land Trust core property, so it's easy to visit both properties in a single day, and it's possible to hike from one to the other along the Cloudland Canyon Connector Trail. Cherokee Falls, the shorter of the two, is especially picturesque, with a lovely grove of trees at the edge of its plunge pool. The spur trail to the taller Hemlock Falls ends at an observation platform, which offers a great view but no actual access to the base of the waterfall. It's instantly recognizable for the massive boulder sitting directly between the platform and the falls itself. There's a $5 fee to enter the State park and hike to the waterfalls.

Benton Falls

Height = 65 feet

Trailhead = 57 miles from Chattanooga

Located in the Chilhowee Recreation Area near the Ocoee River, the drive to Benton Falls following the Ocoee Scenic Byway is just as scenic as the waterfall. The drive up Chilhowee mountain offers spectacular overlooks of Sugarloaf Mountain and Parksville Lake. From the parking lot, take Benton Falls Trail for an easy 3-mile round-trip hike to a cascading 65 foot high waterfall. Cool off in the shallow pools at the base of the falls or bring a hammock and chill out in the trees. There is a $3 fee to park at the McCamy Lake parking lot.