10 Hidden Gems

About Ozone Falls

Tucked into the rugged terrain of the Cumberland Plateau, Ozone Falls is one of Tennessee's most dramatic natural surprises. Here, Fall Creek hurls itself 110 feet off a sandstone ledge, crashing into a cool, clear pool that seems almost too perfect to be real. The surrounding amphitheater of mossy rock walls and overhanging forest canopy creates a sense of total seclusion — even though the site is surprisingly accessible from the road. It's the kind of place that stops you mid-step and makes you just stare for a moment before you remember you came here to swim.

The Setting and Landscape

The falls sit within the boundaries of Cumberland Trail State Park, framed by ancient geological formations that tell the story of millions of years of water cutting through stone. The rock face is streaked with mineral stains in shades of rust, charcoal, and cream, and the mist from the plunge hangs in the air on warm days, catching the light filtering through the tree canopy above. The forest here shifts with the seasons — brilliant green in late spring, lush and humming with insects in midsummer, blazing with color in early fall. The trail to the base of the falls involves a moderate descent, so you'll want to wear proper footwear with good grip. The reward at the bottom is immediate: the roar of the falls, the cool spray on your face, and the sight of that deep natural pool waiting below.

Swimming at Ozone Falls

The swimming pool at the base of the falls is the heart of the experience. Fed by the constant cascade of Fall Creek, the water stays refreshingly cold even during the hottest stretches of summer — the kind of cold that makes you gasp on entry and feel instantly alive. The pool is deep enough for jumping from lower rock ledges, and the clarity of the water lets you see the smooth stone bottom below. There are no lifeguards on site, so swimmers should exercise caution and be confident in their abilities, especially around the base of the falls where currents can be unpredictable. This is an unofficial swimming area, so visitors should come prepared and aware of their own safety.

Practical Visit Information

Ozone Falls charges no admission fee, making it one of the more accessible natural swimming destinations on the Cumberland Plateau. There are no facilities on site — no restrooms, no changing areas, no concessions — so plan accordingly. Bring water, snacks, and everything you need for a self-sufficient outing. The best time to visit runs from May through September, when the weather is warm and the falls are at their most energetic. Parking is available near the trailhead, and the hike to the top of the falls is easy, though the descent to the pool requires more care. The site has an added layer of novelty for film enthusiasts: Ozone Falls has served as a filming location for Disney productions, lending it a faint cinematic mystique.

Plan Your Visit

Ozone Falls is easily reached from several nearby communities. Crossville, the largest town in the area, offers a full range of lodging, dining, and services and makes an ideal base for exploring the region. Crab Orchard and Rockwell are closer to the falls and worth a drive through for a taste of small-town Cumberland Plateau life. Consider pairing your visit with other Cumberland Trail destinations for a full day in the plateau's extraordinary landscape.

About Turley Hole

Tucked into the wooded hollows of East Tennessee, Turley Hole is the kind of place that feels like a secret passed down through generations of locals. Situated on the Turley Branch of Cove Creek, this unofficial, undeveloped swimming hole offers something increasingly rare in modern outdoor recreation: a completely natural experience shaped by nothing but the land itself. No entrance gates, no parking attendants, no crowds of strangers — just clear, cool water cutting through limestone and the sound of cicadas in the trees above.

The Setting and Landscape

You'll arrive by gravel road, and the modest approach only makes the payoff sweeter. A short sandy trail leads you down to the water's edge, where limestone cliffs rise from the creek banks and catch the afternoon light in warm, golden tones. The forest here is lush and alive — ferns crowd the understory, wildflowers push through rocky soil in spring, and in autumn the surrounding hillsides ignite in red, orange, and amber. The creek itself runs with the kind of clarity that makes you stop and stare before you ever think about getting in. You can count the stones on the bottom from the bank.

Swimming, Jumping, and the Rope Swing

Once you're at the water's edge, the swimming hole reveals its depth and personality. The creek pools into a natural basin deep enough for jumping from the limestone outcrops that frame the hole — a rush that draws thrill-seekers back summer after summer. For the truly adventurous, a rope swing dangles above the water, offering a classic suspended moment before the plunge into cool, clear creek water. Depths vary across the hole, making it accessible to swimmers of different comfort levels, though the more dramatic entry points demand respect and awareness. The water stays refreshingly cold even in July, fed by shaded creek channels and natural spring flows typical of East Tennessee's limestone terrain. This is an unsanctioned, unmanaged site — there are no lifeguards or safety staff on hand, so swimmers should exercise their own judgment about conditions and ability.

Practical Visit Information and Local Character

Turley Hole carries no entry fee, and its unofficial status means you'll find no restrooms, changing facilities, or maintained amenities of any kind. Bring everything you need — water, snacks, a towel, and a dry bag for valuables. Sturdy footwear is essential for navigating the gravel roads and sandy trail, particularly for families with young children. Because this is a natural, unsanctioned site, tread lightly: pack out what you pack in, and leave the limestone and streamside flora exactly as you found them. The swimming is best in summer when water levels are stable and the days are long, but the site rewards visitors in every season — spring wildflowers, autumn foliage, and even the quiet solitude of a winter afternoon each offer their own kind of beauty.

Plan Your Visit: Turley Hole is most easily accessed from the nearby communities of Norris, Lake City, Caryville, and Turley in East Tennessee. Norris in particular makes a natural base, with its proximity to Norris Dam State Park and the broader Anderson County area. Come early on summer weekends to claim a quiet spot along the bank before word gets around — because out here, the secret always travels eventually.