Waterfall Hiking Tour from Nashville: 4 Falls & Brewery

Four waterfalls and 2.5 miles of river history, ending with a brewery pint

This half-day hiking tour from Nashville takes you to up to 4 waterfalls across two state parks and natural areas, with a trained guide sharing the region's prehistoric and cultural history. You'll hike around 2.5 miles, have the chance to swim in cold water (weather permitting), and finish at Common John Brewing with a drink of your choice included. Transportation from Nashville, water, snacks and trekking poles are provided. The tour runs 5 to 6 hours total.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike waterfalls and brewery visit

• Hike 2.5 miles past 4 waterfalls
• Stop at waterfall for swim
• Visit Common John Brewing for lunch

The experience

Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park and Rutledge Falls are the anchors here. You'll start with a 2.5-mile hike along the Duck and Little Duck rivers, where your guide walks you through the area's ancient history and points out the plant and animal life along the way. The waterfalls come in sequence, up to four of them, each one a stop for photos and a moment to catch your breath before moving on.

One of the stops includes time to hike down to the water's edge and swim in the cold pools if the weather and season allow it. This is where the tour shifts from walking to wading, and it's the kind of detail that changes the day from a scenic loop into something you actually get to move through. Your guide handles the pacing. You handle the camera and the willingness to get wet.

After the hike, the group heads to Common John Brewing Co for lunch and a drink: your choice of alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Food is available to purchase at the brewery if you want it beyond the included drink. Transportation picks you up from your Nashville location and brings you back when the day ends, so the only thing you're arranging is showing up ready to walk.

What’s included

• Transportation to and from Nashville.
• water and snacks throughout the hike.
• trekking poles upon request.
• one drink of your choice at Common John Brewing Co (alcoholic or non-alcoholic).
• a trained guide leading the full 2.5-mile hike with historical and cultural insights.
• access to Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park and Rutledge Falls.

Before you book

Days and timesFriday and SaturdayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to15h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (9 to 11 years) · Under 9: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Cumberland Kayak

Is this one for you?The hike covers 2.5 miles at a moderate pace with multiple stops, so it suits hikers who want to move through the landscape without rushing and who are comfortable with water entry. Children from age 9 are welcome. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or cardiovascular concerns that would make sustained walking difficult.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (9 to 11 years). Children under 9 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far is the hike on this waterfall tour from Nashville?

The hike covers around 2.5 miles total, split across the two state parks and natural areas where the waterfalls are located. It's a moderate pace with stops at each waterfall.

Can I swim in the waterfalls on this tour?

Yes, one of the stops includes time to hike down to the water and swim in the cold pools, weather and season permitting. Bring a change of clothes or a towel if you plan to get in.

What's included in the brewery stop at the end?

Common John Brewing Co is included in the tour, and you get one drink of your choice, alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Food is available to purchase separately at the brewery.

Do I need to bring my own trekking poles?

Trekking poles are provided upon request, so you can ask for them when you book or let your guide know on the day of the tour if you'd like to use them.

What time does the tour start and how long does it take?

The tour runs 5 to 6 hours total and includes hiking, waterfall stops, a swim opportunity, and the brewery visit. Your guide will confirm the exact start time when you book.

Is transportation included from Nashville?

Yes, transportation to and from Nashville is included in the tour price. You'll be picked up from your location and dropped back when the day ends.