Rutledge Falls Tullahoma TN.

Rutledge Falls: Famous “Hannah Montana” Waterfall Near Tullahoma, Tennessee

Discover the picturesque Rutledge Falls, a 40-foot waterfall featured in “Hannah Montana: The Movie”, located on private property near Tullahoma, Tennessee. The owners graciously let visitors hike to the waterfall, making this one of the most accessible and family-friendly waterfalls in Middle Tennessee. Cool off in the refreshing swimming hole at the base of the falls, surrounded by natural beauty. Feel free to submit a trail and pictures.

Address/Parking: Park across from Rutledge Falls Baptist Church at 1289 Rutledge Falls Road, Tullahoma, TN 3738

Trail Details:

• Hiking Time: 15-30 minutes roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 22 feet
• Hours: Dawn to dusk daily

What to Expect: The walk to the waterfall is very short, maybe 0.1 mile or so, though the last portion is quite steep and can be slippery. There are two trail options: an easier trail branches off to the left for a gradual hike down to the riverbed, or a steeper direct route to the waterfall overlook. Above the waterfall stands the “Lady of the Falls” statue, which originally resided at the state capitol grounds —a unique piece of Tennessee history overlooking the cascading waters. Make sure to check out Machine Falls while you’re in the area.

Swimming & Recreation:

• Swimming: Beautiful waterfall with a small swimming hole; the base of Rutledge Falls is a good swimming hole with clear water, however it is very cold
• Temperature: Cold water year-round offers a refreshing break from summer heat and humidity
• Fishing: Available in Crumpton Creek
• Picnicking: Bring a picnic to eat on the boulders by the waterfall
• Exploration: You can meander down the river to explore
• Parking: Limited parking along roadway and at designated area across from church; church may allow overflow parking on non-Sunday hours
• Dogs: Pets allowed on leash

Important Visitor Information:

• Private Property: Property owners have placed a sign at the beginning of the trail with rules: stay on the trail, no littering, hike at your own risk, and do not remove anything from the area
• No Camping: Camping is not permitted
• No Alcohol: Not permitted on property
• Pack Out Policy: Bring small backpacks to pack out everything you pack in
• What to Bring: Water shoes recommended because the area around the water can be sharp and slippery: bring plenty of drinking water
• Best Time to Visit: Summer for swimming; arrive early on weekdays to avoid crowds
• Trail Finding: There is a fence alongside the parking area; follow the fence to the beginning of the trail marked with a sign