Trail Length
2.7 Miles
Margarette Falls Trail
Greeneville, Tennessee
Route Type
Out and Back
Elevation Gain
751 Feet
Skill Level
Moderate
Pet Friendly
Yes on leash
The Margarette Falls Trail is an approximately 2.7 mile out and back hiking trail that’s located near Greeneville, Tennessee. The trail features chances to see wildlife as well as beautiful Margarette Falls. The trail is open year round. The trail is marked with blue blazes, and well maintained. The Margarette Falls Trail difficulty is moderate, with a few rocky and potentially slick places. There is also a single water crossing that must be crossed on the way up and back. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended. The highlight of the hike is the 60′ tall, fan shaped waterfall known as Margarette Falls.
If you’re only interested in the pro and cons list and / or directions to the Margarette Falls trailhead, scroll to the bottom.
Getting to the Margarette Falls trailhead is easy. Simply type in the address into your favorite GPS device, and it will take you right to it. The trailhead parking area is very nice and spacious, and could probably hold around 50 cars if need be. And it’s a good thing too, because Margarette Falls can get quite busy during weekends and holidays.
After parking, simply start walking down the gravel service road to start your hike toward the falls. You’ll stay on the gravel road for about .4 miles until you come upon a trail that branched to the right. This is the trail you want to take. If you’re unsure, simply follow the trail signs. There are three trails that leave out of the Margarette Falls parking area, and signs will denote which trail goes where. Make sure you stay on the Margarette Falls Tr. No. 189.
Once you branch off of the gravel road, you’ll meet up with one of the forks from Dry Creek. Now this is where the fun begins, as the whole trail from this point on offers beautiful cascades and water views.
Once you start hiking along Dry Creek, make sure to watch your footing as the trail can get a little muddy at parts. There is a bridge you will cross soon after meeting up with Dry Creek, and after crossing that bridge the trail becomes quite rocky. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended, and if you’re someone who like hiking poles, they may come in handy on the Margarette Falls Trail. You can check out my favorite hiking boots on Amazon here!
Soon after the trail gets rocky, you will also start to hit greater elevation gains. There are no crazy elevation gains on this trail, simply moderate, consistent gains. These higher elevation gains lend themselves to some beautiful “mini” waterfalls that you can view as you head up the trail.
One thing to be aware of, is there is one crossing of Dry Creek when you’re almost to Margarette Falls. This crossing is sometimes difficult to do without getting your feet wet, especially if there has been rain the past few days. This is another reason a nice pair of sturdy waterproof hiking boots come in handy on this trail.
Once you arrive at Margarette Falls, there are a few pretty big boulders you will have to climb over if you want to get the best views possible of the falls. There is also a pool at the base of the falls that is deceptively deep, so feel free to wade in the water or let your dogs swim, although be prepared for very cold temperatures most of the year. Remember, you are in the Appalachian Mountains after-all, where the water is crisp, clear, and freezing!
After you’re done viewing / swimming at Margarette Falls, simply head back the way you came for a total trip of around 2.7 miles.
PROS:
- Beautiful views of Dry Creek throughout most of the hike
- Great trail for most ages and skill levels
- Well maintained trail
- Easy to find trailhead
- Great place to take the pets
- Close to historic Greeneville, Tennessee
CONS:
- Trail is very rocky and slick at some points. Twisted ankles are common on this trail.
- Water crossing can be a little deep if there has been recent rain
- Trail gets extremely busy on weekends and holidays
- Popular with school field trips
Directions to the Margarette Falls Trailhead:
Easiest method is to type in 1362 Shelton Mission Rd, Greeneville, TN 37743 into your favorite GPS
If you don’t have GPS, click the links below:
Coming from Johnson City, TN
Coming from Kingsport, TN
Coming from Greeneville, TN
Coming from Asheville, NC
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