Coon Den Falls: A Hidden Gem in Tennessee

8/29/26 Saturday 11am weather around 83-86° sunny with a nice breeze. Not busy, one car was parked. We didn’t see anyone on the same trail until we left the waterfall, it was a couple. Foliage was majority green, starting to change a little bit - maybe in the next 2 weeks there will be more colors as we head into fall and had a rainy summer. The map will show you that you’ve arrived next to all the trees randomly on the road - while the trail can start there, there is no parking right there. Proceed further to Dennis Cove AT trailhead parking area, which is small parking area before the bridge. A small sign concealed among the plants indicating the trailhead. As you begin the trail, you’ll soon reach the unusual starting point that Google initially directed you to. Parking is free. No restroom. There is one actual creek crossing but there are super large sturdy stones that you can walk on (pictures provided). Thankfully our shoes didn’t get wet during this hike and this didn’t require water shoes. Some areas were a little muddy and little slippery but not so muddy that your foot sinks or so slippery that it makes the experience miserable. Just a few small spots. There were also markers and signage throughout the trail very easy to follow and see. The terrain is mostly flat with some roots, a little over grown and a few uphill sections giving a light workout for your quads, calves, glutes and cardio. The path is primarily single file, so walking next to someone isn’t possible. If you run into someone else you can step off into the greenery to allow them to pass. Majority of the walk you are along side the creek elevated. This makes the perfect combo of hearing water flow while not being stuck in it. I wouldn’t say a walking stick is necessary but do what helps you best. My husband used his and I didn’t use mine. Depending on your hiking ability and what you’re looking forI would classify this as an easy (being mostly flat) to moderate (with a small incline) hike. I would assume a true local and native person would find this trail as easy compared to other trails in the state. I feel like it could be a good running trail. I was looking for a simple, shaded walk away from people and this trail checked the boxes. Good canopy coverage with still plenty of light shining though. There is one small log bench facing the waterfall. It maybe seats 2-3 people at a time comfortably. There isn’t a whole lot of space there to just have a group of people hanging around as it’s rocky. Not a swimming area either. The waterfall didn’t stink. Few mosquitoes (2-3), but not horrible thankfully. Some fallen trees along the path and at the waterfall. Waterfall is nice enough to see if you can enjoy the little things in life. The area is high and rocky. During our visit, the lack of recent rain the last few days it resulted in a peaceful steady flow instead of a loud roar. Without the heavy mist or spray, it was enjoyable to sit back and relax since the temperature and breeze were already perfect. No trash on the trail which is also appreciated. No bear sightings. Walking to the waterfall from trailhead: about 30 minutes Leaving the waterfall to trailhead: about 20 minutes Time at the waterfall: about 15/20 minutes Not sure why Google asking for tickets ?? But no tickets required.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

Nice beautiful pathway along the creek, very steep going up to the falls.

Beautiful falls.