Camping and Day Trips at Foster Falls

Stu getting tangled up by a dog
Photo Credit: Jessica Purvis

Tucked away in the Southeast corner of Tennessee, about 40 minutes Northwest of Chattanooga, you'll find Foster Falls in the little town of Sequatchie. Foster Falls makes for a great day trip or weekend camping trip if you're not into climbing (more on that in a later post). It's dog friendly, which means you don't have to bring a dog or own a dog for that matter, you can just play with other peoples dogs, which is what my friends and I do.

I'll get that dyno next time
Photo Credit: Jessica Purvis

A short walk down the trail from either the parking lot or campsite, you'll come across the 60 foot cascading waterfall, that is Foster Falls. With plenty of trees around, you can easily find a cool shaded area to string up your hammock. You'll thank yourself by bringing a bug net and some bug spray as well since it can get a little buggy, especially the warmer it gets.

Hang in your hammock with some friends in the morning and go take a refreshing dip in the cool mountain water in the afternoon after it warm up a bit. If you ever wanted to feel like Chris Sharma, take your shot at the little Deep Water Solo (DWS) that Foster Falls has to offer. It's by no means a big (DWS), but still something fun to do, keep you entertained for hours, and can provide some really good photo opportunities. Either go rock hopping or swim to the right of the falls. Start where the rock face meets land to start the easy traverse until you're behind the falls where you'll then start making your vertical ascent. When you run out of holds, go for a big dyno, hold your breathe, and get ready to plunge into the water.

Once you're done swimming and climbing, take the long trail back. It's more scenic, but takes about twice as long. You also have a better shot at seeing some of the teeming wildlife such as: birds, frogs, butterflies. But watch your step, you don't want to accidentally step on a snake that's resting on the other side of the rock you're stepping over. All you have to do is be aware and you'll see some great wildlife.

Upstream from Foster Falls
Photo Credit: Jessica Purvis

The longer trail also takes you by the sport climbing areas, so feel free to hangout with the climbers while you're on your way back to the main trail. You get to pass by two scenic overlooks, so you can get an aerial view of Foster Falls from two different sides. You'll also cross over and go in the river, if you want, that eventually turns into Foster Falls.

Whether it's a day trip or a camping trip, you're bound to have some fun at Foster Falls.

Happy Exploring!