Short Springs, TN

Written By Bobby Russell
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Location: Tullahoma, TN

Distance (MI): 5.0

Elevation Gain (FT): 662

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

I recommend arriving to this place early as there is very limited parking right across from the water tower. (Maybe 8-10 parking spaces if I remember correctly).

I recommend arriving to this place early as there is very limited parking right across from the water tower. (Maybe 8-10 parking spaces if I remember correctly).

After crossing the road to the trailhead, the hike starts pretty flat and the overall hike isn’t too strenuous except there are a few short but steep sections.

After crossing the road to the trailhead, the hike starts pretty flat and the overall hike isn’t too strenuous except there are a few short but steep sections.

There are several creek crossings on this hike, and you have to walk up a creek to reach the main waterfall. Waterproof shoes are a must on this hike.

There are several creek crossings on this hike, and you have to walk up a creek to reach the main waterfall. Waterproof shoes are a must on this hike.

Here is part of the descent to the creek to reach the main waterfall. This section will probably be a bit difficult for those not used to steep terrain, but it doesn’t last too long.

Here is part of the descent to the creek to reach the main waterfall. This section will probably be a bit difficult for those not used to steep terrain, but it doesn’t last too long.

Headed up the creek to the main waterfall, Machine Falls.

Headed up the creek to the main waterfall, Machine Falls.

Machine Falls. Admittedly, it was much larger than I expected it to be. Be careful on the rocks as they are pretty slippery.

Machine Falls. Admittedly, it was much larger than I expected it to be. Be careful on the rocks as they are pretty slippery.

Take some time and enjoy the details!

Take some time and enjoy the details!

We decided to head across the bridge to Adams Falls (Spoiler alert: it wasn’t worth it)

We decided to head across the bridge to Adams Falls (Spoiler alert: it wasn’t worth it)

The remainder of the hike was relatively easy. Continuing to Adams Falls.

The remainder of the hike was relatively easy. Continuing to Adams Falls.

I had to locate Adams Falls by listening for it. Otherwise it’s pretty small and obscure being blocked by forest growth. I would recommend skipping this portion of the hike.

I had to locate Adams Falls by listening for it. Otherwise it’s pretty small and obscure being blocked by forest growth. I would recommend skipping this portion of the hike.

We made our way almost back to the parking lot, but decided to take the split toward Busby Falls. I wouldn't recommend this section for casual hikers as the rocks on the opposite side of the bridge are very slippery and there are sections of the trail where rope climbing is necessary. But I would at least recommend checking out the bridge itself and the interesting rock formations in the creek bed.

We made our way almost back to the parking lot, but decided to take the split toward Busby Falls. I wouldn't recommend this section for casual hikers as the rocks on the opposite side of the bridge are very slippery and there are sections of the trail where rope climbing is necessary. But I would at least recommend checking out the bridge itself and the interesting rock formations in the creek bed.

Here’s the rope section that I mentioned. This is pretty much where we turned around since we were running out of time.

Here’s the rope section that I mentioned. This is pretty much where we turned around since we were running out of time.

Bobby Russell
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