Benton Falls Trail Guide Near Ocoee TN
A 65-foot waterfall tucked into the Cherokee National Forest, Benton Falls sits just 30 minutes from the Ocoee River and rewards hikers with one of the prettiest cascades in southeast Tennessee. The trail to reach it covers only 1.5 miles each way, making it one of the most accessible waterfall hikes in the region.
This guide covers everything you’ll want to know before you go, from directions and parking fees to trail conditions, seasonal tips, and how to pair the hike with a day of Ocoee River rafting.
Benton Falls Trail Facts at a Glance
Benton Falls Trail is an easy 1.5-mile hike (each way) that leads to a 65-foot waterfall in the Cherokee National Forest. The trail sits within the Chilhowee Recreation Area, about 30 minutes from the Ocoee River. Most folks finish the three-mile round trip in about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on how long they linger at the falls.
| Trail Detail | Information |
| Distance | 3 miles round trip |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Elevation Gain | Approximately 311 feet |
| Waterfall Height | 65 feet |
| Time to Complete | 1–1.5 hours |
| Location | Chilhowee Recreation Area, Cherokee National Forest |
| Fee | $3 day-use fee |
Directions to Benton Falls Trailhead
Getting to the Benton Falls trailhead is straightforward once you know the turnoff. From Highway 64, look for the sign pointing to Chilhowee Recreation Area and turn onto Forest Service Road 77 (NFSR 77). Follow that road for about seven miles until you reach the day-use parking area near Chilhowee Lake.
If you’re driving from Chattanooga, expect roughly an hour on the road. From our Quest Expeditions outpost along the Ocoee, the trailhead is only about a 30-minute drive, which makes pairing a hike with a rafting trip pretty convenient.
Parking and Trailhead Amenities
The Chilhowee Day Use Area has a paved parking lot with plenty of space. A $3 day-use fee applies, and you can pay at the self-service station near the trailhead. The fee goes toward maintaining the trails and facilities in the recreation area.
At the trailhead, you’ll find:
- Restrooms: located near the parking lot
- Picnic tables: shaded spots for a snack before or after your hike
- Potable water: available seasonally
- Trail signage: clear markers from the parking area to the trail
One thing worth knowing: the gate to Chilhowee Recreation Area closes during winter months. You can still hike the trail when the gate is closed, but you’ll park at the gate and walk an extra stretch to reach the trailhead.
What the Trail Looks Like
The path starts wide and flat, winding through a mixed hardwood forest of oaks, maples, and hemlocks. Shade covers most of the trail, so even on warm summer days, the temperature stays comfortable under the tree canopy.
As you continue, the trail narrows a bit and begins a gradual descent toward the falls. You’ll cross a few small wooden footbridges over creek tributaries along the way. The forest floor is soft with leaf litter, and the sound of running water gets louder the closer you get.
Near the waterfall, the terrain shifts. Exposed tree roots and rocky sections appear, and stone steps lead down toward the base of the falls. This final stretch is the steepest part of the hike, though it’s short and manageable for most hikers.
Benton Falls Waterfall
The waterfall drops 65 feet over a rock face into a shallow pool below. After spring rains or heavy storms, the water flow picks up and creates a fuller cascade. During drier stretches, the falls become more of a gentle ribbon, still pretty but quieter.
A wooden observation platform sits partway down the descent and offers a clear view of the upper falls. If you want to get closer, stone steps continue down to the base. The rocks near the pool tend to be slippery, so watch your footing if you venture down.
Swimming isn’t really practical here. The pool is shallow and rocky, and currents can be stronger than they look after rain. Most visitors take photos, sit on the rocks for a bit, and then head back up the trail.
Trail Difficulty and Who It’s Best For
Benton Falls Trail earns its “easy” rating because of the gradual grade, shaded path, and short distance. Families with kids hike this trail regularly, and you’ll often see children as young as four or five making the walk without much trouble.
The descent to the base of the falls is the trickiest part. Uneven stone steps and wet rocks can be slippery, so hikers with mobility concerns might prefer to enjoy the view from the observation platform instead of continuing all the way down.
Dogs are welcome on the trail as long as they stay on a leash. The creek crossings and forest smells give pups plenty to explore, though the stone steps near the falls can be awkward for some dogs to navigate.
Tip: Sturdy shoes with good traction make the rocky sections near the falls much easier. Flip-flops work fine on the main trail, but they’re not ideal for the final descent.
Best Time to Visit Benton Falls
Each season brings something different to the trail.
- Spring: Wildflowers like trilliums and violets bloom along the forest floor from late March through May. Water flow tends to be stronger after seasonal rains.
- Summer: The full tree canopy provides welcome shade. Bug spray is a good idea since mosquitoes and gnats hang around near the creek.
- Fall: The hardwoods turn red, orange, and yellow, with peak color usually arriving in October. Cooler temperatures make hiking more comfortable.
- Winter: Fewer visitors and bare trees open up views you won’t see other times of year. Just remember the Chilhowee gate may be closed, adding distance to your walk.
Connecting Trails in the Chilhowee Area
Benton Falls Trail connects to a larger network of trails in the Chilhowee area. If you want a longer hike, the Clemmer Trail intersects with Benton Falls Trail and continues deeper into the Cherokee National Forest.
You can also access trails leading to the Chilhowee Tent Campground and other recreation spots. Some hikers combine Benton Falls with portions of the Clemmer Trail for a loop of six to eight miles, which takes three to four hours and involves more elevation change.
What to Bring on Your Hike
You don’t need much gear for a short hike like this, but a few items make the trip more enjoyable:
- Water (at least one bottle per person)
- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes
- Bug spray, especially from late spring through early fall
- A camera for the waterfall and forest scenery
- A snack for the trail or picnic area
- A small daypack to keep your hands free
Pairing Benton Falls with Ocoee River Rafting
The location of Benton Falls makes it easy to combine a morning hike with an afternoon on the Ocoee River. From the trailhead, you can reach our Quest Expeditions outpost in about 30 minutes, which leaves plenty of time to finish your hike, grab a bite, and arrive ready for a half-day rafting trip.
If you’re planning a full-day rafting adventure with us, the hike works well the day before or after. Our full-day trips include a riverside lunch and cover both sections of the Ocoee, including the 1996 Olympic whitewater course. That’s a full day of activity on its own, so saving Benton Falls for a separate morning keeps things relaxed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Benton Falls Trail?
The trail covers 1.5 miles each way, totaling three miles round trip. Most hikers finish in one to one and a half hours, though that depends on how much time you spend at the waterfall.
Is Benton Falls Trail kid-friendly?
Yes. The main path is gentle enough for young hikers, and families with children complete the trail regularly. The stone steps near the falls require supervision for smaller kids, but the observation platform offers a safe viewing spot for anyone who prefers not to descend to the base.
Is there a fee to hike Benton Falls Trail?
A $3 day-use fee applies at the Chilhowee Recreation Area. You can pay at the self-service station near the parking lot.
Can you swim at Benton Falls?
The pool at the base is shallow and rocky, so swimming isn’t practical. Most visitors wade briefly or sit on the rocks near the water. After heavy rains, currents can be stronger than they appear.
Are dogs allowed on Benton Falls Trail?
Dogs are welcome but must stay on a leash. The trail offers creek crossings and plenty of interesting smells for water-loving pups. The stone steps near the falls can be tricky for some dogs, so use your judgment.
Plan Your Ocoee Adventure
Benton Falls offers one of the most accessible waterfall hikes in the Cherokee National Forest, and its location near the Ocoee River fits naturally into a day of outdoor adventure. Whether you hike first and raft later or save the trail for a rest day between river trips, the combination works well.
Ready to add some whitewater to your visit? Book your adventure with Quest Expeditions and experience the river that hosted the 1996 Olympic whitewater events.
1. Beautiful Scenery
The Benton Falls Trail offers tons of beautiful scenery, so you’ll definitely want to bring a camera along for the hike! While strolling along the trail, you’ll discover all kinds of gorgeous wildflowers as well as various types of berries – just be sure not to eat them! Of course, the highlight of the trail is Benton Falls itself! This majestic 65 foot waterfall is truly a sight to behold, especially if there has been some recent rainfall! The falls are accessible from both the top and the bottom via a path made of stone steps. After exploring the top of the falls, relax at the bottom for a bit while listening to the sound of the roaring water! The refreshing water also feels great on your feet, so take some time to cool off from your hike!
2. Easy Hike for All Skill Levels
Another reason to hike this trail is because it’s an easy hike for all skill levels! Since the trail is just 3 miles roundtrip, you don’t have to dedicate a significant amount of time or effort to reach the falls. Other than the long series of steps that lead to the base of Benton Falls, the trail is a smooth, sandy path. If you prefer a longer hike, you’ll appreciate that the trail is the primary artery running through the Chilhowee trail system and you can create a longer loop. For some additional hiking options, be sure to check out our other top trails for hiking in the Cherokee National Forest!
3. Close to Our Whitewater Rafting Outpost
The trailhead for the Benton Falls Trail is only about a 30 minute drive from our whitewater rafting outpost, which allows you to create the perfect day trip to Ocoee TN! The road leading up to the trailhead in the Chilhowee Recreation Area is just off of Highway 64. After turning off the highway, you’ll travel about 8 miles to the main parking area. Consider stopping at some of the numerous overlooks on the drive up the mountain for a wide-angle view of the lake below, Sugarloaf Mountain and beautiful farmland! You may also want to bring a picnic lunch along as the parking area features a picnic area and a convenient restroom facility.
Check out all of our white water rafting trips on the Ocoee River today to plan your trip and extend your visit with a scenic hike on the Benton Falls Trail! We look forward to seeing you soon!
