This will be the first of a new series, the Falls of the Blue Ridge. This will be a blog showcasing waterfalls whether you have to hike into or can drive right up too (or in one case under). So, I am going to start the series with an incredible cascade I just come across...Bays Mountain Falls.
To find this waterfall, it is near Church Hill in Hawkins County, TN. Turn off 11W onto Goshen Valley Road like you are going to Laurel Run Park. Instead of turning towards the park go past and where River Road runs into Mountain View Road the waterfall will be on the right. It is a 30-foot fan style waterfall located on Smith Gap Creek. I will say that in Winter with the leaves down and good water flow it is hard to miss. But in late Spring or Summer, I went right past it heading up to Bays Mountain Park last June.
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| Bays Mountain Falls in relation to Laurel Run Park. |
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| Go right not left. |
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| Overhead look. |
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| Bays Mountain Falls... |
About access...I have read conflicting reports about it. One from 2006, Waterfall Picture Guide, says that it is on private land and to ask permission to walk up to the falls. This site also says you can access the top, but it is a party place and is kind of trashed (I didn't visit the top so...). The other site, Southeast Waterfall & Hiking Guide, visited the falls more recently in 2016. It says Bays Mountain Falls is on private land, but you can at least walk up to the fence at the picnic tables for a good look.
Let me backtrack a moment.
You will notice just off the road will be parking for two cars (with logs). It is then a short distance down a field past an American flag and cross to two picnic tables and a wooden chair. You can sit here and enjoy or you will see the fence, which you can open. I did for a closer look and it was well worth it. All I would say is if you go beyond the fence be respectful. I even picked up trash because when you get up close you will just be amazed and don't want to see garbage around it. Oh, there is also a tree, from the right angle that looks like a face. I have visited far less impressive waterfalls that are far more popular.
This is my opinion, but this is one of the best waterfalls in Hawkins County and one of the finest in Northeast Tennessee. So, in closing Bays Mountain Falls is a lot of beauty for very little effort.
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| The fence is just ahead at the picnic tables. |
You will notice just off the road will be parking for two cars (with logs). It is then a short distance down a field past an American flag and cross to two picnic tables and a wooden chair. You can sit here and enjoy or you will see the fence, which you can open. I did for a closer look and it was well worth it. All I would say is if you go beyond the fence be respectful. I even picked up trash because when you get up close you will just be amazed and don't want to see garbage around it. Oh, there is also a tree, from the right angle that looks like a face. I have visited far less impressive waterfalls that are far more popular.
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| Parking spots... |
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| ...flag & cross... |
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| ...picnic tables... |
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| ...the two-person seat... |
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| ...the cool tree with face & the falls... |
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| ...from this angle, it looks like Pete! |
This is my opinion, but this is one of the best waterfalls in Hawkins County and one of the finest in Northeast Tennessee. So, in closing Bays Mountain Falls is a lot of beauty for very little effort.
Bays Mountain Falls
Reviewed by The Wood Booger on January 24, 2020
Rating: 4.2 Stars
Reviewed by The Wood Booger on January 24, 2020
Rating: 4.2 Stars
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