The Cherokee National Forest near Elizabethton offers an adventurous playground for those eager to explore some of Tennessee’s finest waterfalls. These hikes demand respect — trails wind through vibrant forests while streams dare you to follow their rush toward hidden pools and cascading drops. Here, every step counts: expect uneven terrain, moderate elevation shifts, and paths where rocks and roots claim their space.

Start with The Doe River Falls Trail, a 3.5-mile round trip that climbs steadily about 600 feet. The trail winds under towering oaks and maples, their leaves whispering secrets as the river pushes forward beside you. The falls themselves are a cool surprise — a series of broad steps where water hammers the rock with a steady, thrilling pulse. This hike pairs steady cardio with sights that reward effort, ideal mid-morning when the light breaks clean through the canopy.

Next, explore Blue Hole Cascade, a shorter 2.3-mile loop trail with an elevation gain just over 400 feet. The path crosses fern-filled coves and boggy stretches, requiring good footing and sturdy shoes. Blue Hole itself invites you to pause; it's a deep natural basin where reflections and shadows play, and the distant roar of the falls challenges you to draw closer. It’s perfect for an afternoon walk, especially when summer keeps the forest cool and the water inviting.

For those craving a more intense push, the Carver’s Creek Falls Route offers a 5.4-mile trek with 900 feet of elevation gain. The terrain tests balance and stamina; you’ll scramble across rocky ledges and trod earthy slopes that cling to the mountain’s edge. Trees lean low, branches reach to pull you forward, and the creek below urges caution. Your reward is a towering cascade framed by moss-draped boulders, a place where the water dances fiercely, reminding you that nature here is alive and exacting.

Each hike is a dialogue with the forest and its waterfalls — demanding your full attention and offering deep satisfaction. To prepare, pack at least two liters of water, wear supportive, grippy boots, and carry layers as temperatures shift quickly in shaded valleys. Start early to avoid afternoon heat and crowds. Remember, these falls are not just sights to conquer but forces to respect; slipping rocks and sudden rain can change the journey instantly.

This collection of waterfall hikes embodies the Cherokee National Forest’s wild spirit near Elizabethton—a perfect mix of adventure and grounded practicality for explorers ready to meet the forest’s challenge on its own terms.