Ozone Falls State Natural Area

I had the opportunity to revisit Ozone Falls in late February 2018. Ozone Falls is a 110 foot high plunge-type falls on Fall Creek near Crab Orchard, Tennessee. On my previous visit in June 2012, the base of the falls was a pile of rocks instead of a plunge pool due to the vastly reduced amount of water in the creek. I wrote about that visit here.

To reach the falls from Interstate 40, take exit 329 marked Crab Orchard and head north about a block to US 70. Turn right to head east on US 70 for 4.5 miles to the small parking area on the right. Parking is available for six or seven passenger vehicles. A gravel area across US 70 was used by over a dozen motorcyclists while I was there. Parking for an RV or vehicle with a trailer is not available.

Two short trails lead to the top of the falls and the base of the falls. The trail to the top of the falls is about 350 feet long or 100 meters and the trail to the base is about 700 feet long or 200 meters. A third trail of 300 feet or 90 meters connects the two along the top of the bluff. The trail to the base is considered moderate as there may be some rock scrambling required to avoid muddy areas.

Parking area

Trail to the base of the falls

Descending back to road level

Stone steps lead down behind the rock wall

The stone steps and rock wall form an entry

Descending over a rock outcrop

Falls visible through the trees

Ozone Falls

Top of the falls

Base of the falls

Another view of the top of the falls

View from a rock ledge farther up the side of the cliff

Water continues its work of eroding the rock

Softer rock has already eroded away

Mosses growing on the layers of sandstone

Falls from the top of the bluff

The brink

Over the edge

Plunge pool from the top

Fall Creek upstream of the falls

Entry to the natural area is free.

The falls webpage is https://www.tn.gov/environment/program-areas/na-natural-areas/natural-areas-east-region/east-region-/na-na-ozone-falls.html.