Rutledge Falls, on Crumpton Creek in Coffee County, Tennessee, is a three-step waterfall recently measured at about 35 feet.
The falls
A lidar survey now describes Rutledge Falls as steep tiered cascades in three steps, with a 20-foot tallest drop and 35 feet of total height.
Getting there
The land is privately owned, with public access permitted; parking is limited to the designated area across from Rutledge Falls Baptist Church on Rutledge Falls Road. The route is a 0.3- to 0.5-mile round trip with 22 feet of elevation gain: an easy path leads to an overlook, and a rockier branch descends to the base. There is no restroom or picnic facility at the site, and cars must stay in the designated parking area.
When to go
Access holds up year-round, with hot summer days and weekends the busiest times. Posted hours are inconsistent between sources: one lists dusk to dawn, another dawn to dusk.
On site
The overlook path is easy, but the descent to the base is rocky enough that one visitor reported their youngest child could not manage it. The creek has a cold swimming hole, though footing on the surrounding rock is sharp and slippery; dogs are allowed on a leash. In May 2014, a 17-year-old slipped on the slick rocks, went under the water, and died despite CPR and an emergency response.
History and name
A statue known as the "Lady of the Falls," removed from the grounds of the Tennessee State Capitol, was saved from destruction and now stands above the falls.
Nearby
Machine Falls is about 2.4 miles away, Busby Falls about 2.5 miles, and Adams Falls about 2.6 miles.
Distances are straight-line.