Paradise Cove I
Campground
7 mi
4.7 (9)
#11, Mooresburg, TN 37811
WaterfallTN
Elrod Falls
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan an Elrod Falls visit near Sneedville, Tennessee. Compare lower-falls access with upper-tier hiking and check what is known about swimming and facilities.
Water type
Waterfall
Access
Informal
Fee
Current fees and parking charges are not confirmed by the reviewed official tourism sources.
Best season
Choose settled weather for a waterfall visit. Summer warmth does not establish safe flow or water quality
Nearby towns
Sneedville, Morristown
Water body
Natural Water
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Sneedville, Morristown
Access location not verified
36.43950, -83.24953
Recorded coordinates have not been source-checked. Confirm the entrance and legal access before using directions.
A closer look
Photos of Elrod Falls
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Elrod Falls near Sneedville
Elrod Falls is a three-tier waterfall in Hancock County, Tennessee. It offers two different kinds of visit: a lower-falls stop reached by vehicle and a longer outing toward the upper tiers. Decide which you want before setting out, rather than treating all three tiers as drive-up access.
Swimming information
County and chamber tourism pages describe swimming in the natural pools at the falls. That supports its inclusion as a swimming destination, but does not verify water quality, depth or conditions on your visit. Follow posted restrictions, stay away from strong flow and waterfall edges, and skip swimming when water is rising or the route is uncertain. Do not jump or dive into the pools.
Lower falls versus upper tiers
Tennessee tourism describes access by car to the first tier, with hiking needed for the second and third. Vehicle access does not mean accessible water entry. Confirm the current approach and parking locally, and do not climb wet rock to reach another pool. The legacy coordinates remain unverified.
Plan for limited information
Bring drinking water, suitable footwear and a bag for your rubbish. Reviewed tourism pages do not establish current toilets, changing facilities, fees, pet rules or camping permission. Check local notices rather than relying on earlier claims of no facilities or unrestricted pet access. A waterfall-viewing visit remains an option when swimming conditions are unsuitable.
Getting There
Elrod Falls is in Hancock County southwest of Sneedville. Tennessee tourism describes vehicle access to the first tier and hiking to the upper tiers. Confirm the current local approach and posted access before travel; the legacy map pin has not been independently verified.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Vehicle access to the first tier does not establish step-free water entry. Upper tiers require hiking. Follow posted restrictions and avoid assuming every pool or climbing route is suitable.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check official rules, fees, hours, and closures before visiting. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
100A
Public male bathroom
15.5 mi
Morristown, TN 37813
Bathroom
Public bathroom
15.6 mi
Welcome / Information Center, Morristown, TN 37813
Restroom
Public bathroom
17.9 mi
6H6V+WR, Morristown, TN 37814
Panther Creek State Park
State park
18 mi
4.8 (2576)
2010 Panther Creek Park Rd, Morristown, TN 37814
This vast park offers 17 hiking trails, 7 miles of horseback riding trails & year-round fishing.
Barbecue grillBasketball courtCycling lanesHas a tennis court
Panther Creek W. N. Ramsey Welcome Center
Gift shop
18.3 mi
4.6 (33)
2010 Panther Creek Park Rd, Morristown, TN 37814
Buffalo Springs Waterfall
Tourist attraction
23.5 mi
4.5 (140)
Rutledge, TN 37861
Margarette Falls Trailhead Parking Area
Hiking area
39 mi
4.8 (507)
1362 Shelton Mission Rd, Greeneville, TN 37743
Live Conditions Nearby
Checking nearby USGS water conditions…
Frequently Asked Questions About Elrod Falls
Can you swim at Elrod Falls?
Hancock County and chamber tourism pages describe swimming in the pools at the falls. Check posted restrictions and conditions on arrival. These descriptions are not a current water-quality result or assurance that every pool is suitable.
Do you have to hike to the falls?
Tennessee tourism describes vehicle access to the first tier and a hike to the second and third tiers. That does not establish step-free water entry or an easy route to all the pools.
Are there toilets or changing rooms?
The reviewed tourism sources do not confirm restrooms, changing rooms or drinking water. Plan ahead and bring drinking water rather than relying on onsite services.
Are there fees or pet restrictions?
Current fees and pet rules were not confirmed in the reviewed official sources. Check local information and posted signs before visiting; do not assume free entry or permission to bring pets.
Highlights
Three-tier waterfall near Sneedville
Vehicle approach to the first tier
Separate hikes toward upper falls
Swimming described by local tourism
Unique Features
Multiple waterfall tiers in Hancock County
Lower-falls visit distinct from upper-tier hiking
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Do not assume a lifeguard service or water-quality testing
- Stay away from waterfall lips and strong flow, avoid jumping and diving, and supervise children
- Turn back from slippery or unclear routes rather than climbing the falls
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Though little recorded history exists, Elrod Falls has been cherished by locals as a recreational spot for generations.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Photograph the cascade from a stable permitted viewpoint. Images of upper falls do not establish a safe swimming entry.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles to protect the fragile ecosystem and ensure the falls remain well-preserved.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Choose settled weather for a waterfall visit. Summer warmth does not establish safe flow or water quality; reconsider swimming after heavy rain or when water is rising.
Difficulty Level
The lower falls are described as accessible by car, while upper tiers require hiking. Trail grade, current condition and accessible water entry have not been verified.
Fee
Current fees and parking charges are not confirmed by the reviewed official tourism sources.
Facilities
Tourism sources describe picnicking but do not confirm tables, toilets, changing rooms or potable water. Do not assume these services are available.
Activities
Waterfall viewing, hiking, picnicking, conditions-dependent swimming
Phone
No direct site contact verified
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Onsite camping permission and facilities are not confirmed. Arrange an established campground separately.
Nearby Attractions
- Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area - Wildlife Management Area
- Sneedville - Town
- Kingsport - Town
- Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium - State Park
- Natural Tunnel State Park - State Park
- Warrior's Path State Park - State Park
- Appalachian Trail — Holston Mountain Section - Trail / Natural Area
Loading weather data…
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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