Benton Waterfalls | Benton, TN

Just outside the famed Ocoee River hotspot that once served as the whitewater course for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics lies a beautiful, scenic drive up to Benton Falls in Benton, TN. The drive up to the falls is just as beautiful as the falls themself. 

These falls are not as easily accessible as some others in the area. For the average walker it takes about a 45 minute walk in to get to the falls. The walk in is relatively mild, should you have all of your parts in working order. The 45 minute walk out is definitely the more challenging of the two, but it is so incredibly worth it once you happen upon those beautiful falls.

Before you ever reach the lake/beach area that starts the path to the falls, you will encounter a number of beautiful pullouts that allow you to look into the lush Tennessee Valley and at Lake Ocoee. These views are absolutely breathtaking, and it’s worth giving some time to each stop to take in the natural artistry provided. These are excellent stops to enjoy your lunch or a snack, take photographs or to just simply “be.”

Once you have traversed to the top that is known as the Chilhowee Recreation Area, you will find loads of camping available, a beautiful picnic and recreational area for parties, cookouts, etc. and a large beach on McCamy Lake that is fun for the whole family. There is a $3 day use fee associated with the site. The fees for camping are different than this $3 usage fee.  

To get to the falls, you will make a left from the established recreational area. Here, you will go over the dam and continue on down to the left that is known as the Benton Falls trail. As I stated earlier, be prepared to hike about 45 minutes in and 45 minutes out. Once you get to the falls themselves, you will want to spend some time at the various accessible locations.

VIEW FROM THE TOP: The view from the top is just as stunning as the view from the bottom. It is at this location that you really get to feel one with the water as you watch it flow over the rock formations and down into the pools provided below. It is peaceful, serene and much less crowded than the lower falls. Peak season for the falls is always going to be summer, so if you are hoping to get photographs of the falls free from human interference, you should probably plan to be there early or at dusk. 

VIEW FROM THE BOTTOM: It is this view that people from all over come to gawk at, and gawk they do! This beautiful rock formation provides such a gorgeous backdrop for the water to cascade down and into the pools of water. Built into this rock formation are ledges in which you can stand on and really connect to the power that is flowing beneath you. During the summer, the water temperature is mild and provides a refreshing pick-me-up from the 45 minute journey in. Here you will find children playing and laughing, people sitting on the boulders and enjoying the view, etc.

If you are going to spend the day experiencing the Ocoee, there is no reason that you shouldn’t add this stop to your list as well. This little slice of Eastern Tennessee is a real gem for the state and provides tons of outdoor recreation of the adventure seeker.