Stretch your legs and steady your step—the waterfalls around Elizabethton aren’t your typical roadside sights. Within the Cherokee National Forest, a network of trails threads through shifting shadows and moss-coated rocks, leading to water’s relentless descent. Here, streams dare you to follow their swift currents, plunging over cliffs into stunning pools that invite both admiration and a moment’s cool reprieve.

For those planning a trek, the overall terrain is rugged but accessible. Trails range from gentle 1.5-mile strolls to more demanding 5-mile hikes with steady elevation gains between 400 and 900 feet. Paths weave through thick hardwood forests, where leaves crunch underfoot and the air carries the musky scent of damp earth. Along the way, anticipate uneven surfaces—rocks slick with spray, roots twisting like nature’s barricades—and winding creek crossings that test your balance.

One standout is the Roaring Fork Creek Trail, an energetic 4-mile loop where water commands attention. Cascades knock against worn stones, and several hidden pools tempt adventurous hikers to pause. The soundscape shifts—sometimes a gentle ripple, sometimes a thunderous crash—nature’s own percussion. For a gentler pace, the little-known Rocky Fork Falls Trail offers a quieter 2-mile round trip, culminating in a striking 35-foot drop framed by ferns and sun-dappled cliffs.

Time your visit wisely. Mornings bring softer light through the canopy and fewer visitors, while afternoons highlight sparkling sprays in the sun. Spring and early summer reveal the forest at its greenest, streams full and defiant. Fall paints the scene with bursts of gold and red, but watch for slick leaves underfoot. Winter hikes offer solitude, though icy patches demand caution and solid footwear.

Hydration, steady boots, and layered clothing are must-haves. Prepare for sudden weather changes—mountain air shifts quickly, and fog can dampen visibility. Respect the waterfalls’ potency; currents hold strength and careless footing invites risk. Cameras? Keep them ready but secure—photo ops abound at the edge of cascades and within shaded groves where light plays off mist.

Whether a casual visitor or seasoned explorer, these trails deliver adventure balanced with clear markers and reliable maps. Let the forest challenge your rhythm, the waterfalls command your focus, and the pools offer a brief refuge. Each step reveals a landscape fiercely itself: alive, unpredictable, and waiting for those ready to respond.