Exploring Ozone Falls
We decided to go on a quick road trip last Saturday to one of Tennessee’s beautiful waterfalls, this time we visited Ozone Falls. Ozone Falls 110 feet into a rock-strewn pool in a 43 acre natural area in Cumberland county.
Ozone Falls State Natural Area was established in 1973. It was formed by wind, water, ice, and erosion. This area is near Crab Orchard, Tennessee the area that my great great great grandmother lived.
Ozone Falls Trail
After we took a short hike along the street we reached the steep rocky trail that takes you down all the way to the base of the Ozone Falls, and look at this beautiful trail! Wear some good shoes and pack a lunch because you will want to stay awhile. The trail is only 0.3 miles it is a well-used trail used by hikers, bird watchers and nature lovers.
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Listen to that water roar over the top of the mountain! You can almost feel the spray on your face as you watch it. I just love how being near a waterfall makes you feel.
Here is the amazing view from the top of the Ozone Falls.
You have two choices, take the short and super easy trail to the top of the falls. Or option 2 take the steep harder trail to the base of the falls. Today we decide to go for it and hike to the bottom. It didn’t take long, we climbed and scampered down the rocks to the bottom and this beautiful view greeted us,
I wonder if my grandmother or her children ever came here to visit.
There wasn’t a ton of people at the base, so we found a big boulder in the middle of the pool to sit on and enjoy for a bit.
You won’t be able to see the falls from the road itself but the short hike is so worth the effort.
Mr. Cottage jumped in while Brianna and I hiked along the trail behind the falls so I could snap some pictures. He is way braver than we are. I was not familiar with the pool at the bottom so I didn’t want to just jump in like a fool. I am not a really strong swimmer. It was really amazing to just sit and enjoy it though.
Isn’t it magical? Some of the scenes from the 1994 movie The Jungle Book were filmed here at the Ozone Falls. Did you see that film? Do you remember this beautiful waterfall.
Travelers crossing the Cumberland Plateau on their way to Nashville in the early 19th century wrote about Ozone Falls (originally called McNair Falls after a local miller who owned a grist mill at the waterfall in the 1860s) in journals and letters sent to relatives back home. The waterfall was located adjacent to Walton Road which was part of the old stage route that connected East and Middle Tennessee.
If you live near here or if you are planning a visit to Tennessee please stop by this amazing place and at least dip your toes in the water. Be sure to bring your camera and enjoy the views. Tennessee is such a beautiful place, I just know that you will love it here.
I don’t know if I would bring very small children here. The rocks are sharp and slippery and the trail is quite steep but short. If you bring children and you plan on getting in the water make sure you bring life vests.
If you plan on going or have been leave a comment and tell us your plans or your experiences! We love to hear from you!
Before you go check out these other adventures
