Step Falls is a 25-foot stepped cascade on the Little Duck River in Coffee County, Tennessee, just west of Manchester inside Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park. It shares the park with Blue Hole Falls and Big Falls, and all three can be seen from the same short loop trail.
The falls
The Little Duck River comes down a series of rock steps rather than a single drop. Also known as Little Falls, lidar data gives a cumulative drop of about 25 feet over at least three distinct steps. Earlier surveys listed 30 feet.
Getting there
The park entrance is at 732 Stone Fort Drive in Manchester. The Enclosure Trail is an easy 1.4-mile loop on natural surface, with views of Step, Blue Hole and Big Falls. A side trail branches off about 0.15 mile from the trailhead and drops down wooden stairs toward the river; no official path leads to the falls themselves, only social trails. Entry and hiking are free, and the park lists office hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
When to go
The park advises staying away from the rivers after heavy rain.
On site
Little (Step) Falls is a popular spot for fishing and swimming. Jumping from bluffs or waterfalls is prohibited, and visitors are asked to stay on official trails. Accessible parking and restrooms are available in the park.
History and name
The park protects a Middle Woodland ceremonial earthwork built between about 100 BCE and 500 CE above the confluence of the rivers. It became a state park in 1966.
Nearby
Big Falls and Bluehole Falls, both on the Duck River, are each about 0.2 miles away, and Rainbow Falls on Hale Branch is about 2.5 miles away.
Distances are straight-line.