Trail Run Project Logo

A fun singletrack run through the rolling hills of TN that includes creeks, waterfalls, and some beautiful views.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

6.1

Miles

9.8

KM

95%

Runnable

1,077' 328 m

High

929' 283 m

Low

571' 174 m

Up

573' 175 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

16%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Waterfall

Overview

This run highlights all the best features of Short Springs State Natural Area with rolling hills, creeks, waterfalls, and some beautiful views.

Description

Parking is located near the water tower, and trail begins across the road from the parking lot.

Going right from the trailhead on the Machine Falls Trail, you'll descend to a shallow creek that you'll have to cross. This will bring you along the top side of Machine Falls Trail.

As you continue, I would recommend making a right onto Adams Falls Trail and taking this mile loop that has a fun downhill section going to another creek that you cross twice as you zig and zag your way down the creek. The trail will go up a steep but manageable hill and then follow the ridge line back to Machine Falls.

The drop toward the falls will be noticeable, and when you cross a wooden bridge, you can follow the creek up stream to Machine Falls. Take the Wildflower Trail or start back up to the ridge using natural rock steps.

If you continue to the right, you'll follow a ridge line to another new TVA wooden bridge and cross over to the Laurel Bluff Trail, another enjoyable mile loop. I recommend going right since you'll slowly make your way up to the top elevation on the back side of the loop and then have a fun downhill section for the last third of the run. After this, it is a matter of following the Busby Falls Trail back to the parking area.

Contacts

Shared By:

Bryce Hamilton

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 9 votes

#2266

Overall
  4.6 from 9 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
22%
3 Star
11%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#42

in Tennessee

#2,266

Overall
13 Views Last Month
1,725 Since Dec 11, 2017
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
63%
25%
13%
0%

Photos

The Machine Falls in July.
Jul 16, 2022 near Tullahoma, TN
Walk up the creek to get access to the waterfall.
Jul 16, 2022 near Tullahoma, TN
Machine Falls in the winter (normally more water)
Dec 11, 2017 near Tullahoma, TN

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.