Nestled among the trees near Caryville, Tennessee, lie the captivating waterfalls known by various names - Little Egypt, Triple Falls, or Notch Falls. Whatever you choose to call them, these falls are undoubtedly one-of-a-kind, offering a memorable hiking experience surrounded by natural beauty.
This hike is part of a longer trail that begins at Cove Lake State Park, but a convenient parking area on Shelton Hollow Lane (a dead-end road) allows easy access to the trail. Although there's no official signage or trailhead marker, the trail starts as a wide path following the river.
Getting to Little Egypt Falls
There are two ways to reach Little Egypt Falls:
- Triple Falls Trail: This 1.9-mile out-and-back moderate trail starts at Cove Lake State Park. Along the way, you'll encounter several small, picturesque waterfalls and cascades.
- Shelton Hollow Lane: Park on Shelton Hollow Lane and follow the wide trail along the river.
Within 0.2 miles of starting the trail, you'll encounter your first waterfall. There are plenty of points along the hike to access the river and climb around on the rocks. The views both upstream and downstream are stunning.
At less than half a mile into the hike, Little Egypt Falls comes into view. The river drops off a series of notches carved into the rock walls to create one of the most unique waterfalls you'll ever see. From here, there's a set of stone stairs up to the left. You'll continue to follow a rocky path along the river and eventually reach a footbridge.
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Back towards the right, there are large boulders that lead up to a new set of views. The flag pole (missing its flag) makes for a good spot to capture the rolling green mountains behind you.
There’s an easy path that will lead you to the base of the waterfall.
Click on the link below from the Gaia GPS app to view a map and details from my recorded hike.
Nearby Attractions and Activities
If you're looking to extend your adventure, consider these nearby attractions:
- Cove Lake State Park: Located right on Norris Lake, this park offers a swimming area, campground, and additional hiking trails.
- Big Ridge State Park: About 30 minutes southeast of the hike, this state park provides camping facilities and more outdoor opportunities.
Consider taking the family for a waterfall day trip to at least five waterfalls. The best time of the year to do this day trip is in the spring to get the best water flow. Driving distance for the first four waterfalls of this day trip is 1 hour and 5 minutes, depending on traffic. When you add the last one, the driving distance is 2 hours and 15 minutes.
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Here’s a family friendly waterfall day trip to at least five waterfalls.
Here are some other waterfalls in the area that you may want to check out:
- Ozone Falls
- Potter’s Falls
- Lower Potter’s Falls
- Debord Falls
- Emory Gap Falls
Easy Hikes to Waterfalls
Easy hikes are known for being generally flat with only a few up/down sections. Most, if any, obstacles can be walked around, as the paths are normally wider than more difficult hiking trails.
Here are a few more easy waterfalls to hike to:
- Cane Creek Twin Falls
- Machine Falls
- Rutledge Falls
- Ledford Mill Falls
- Wetumpka Falls
Little Egypt, Ohio: A Ghost Town's Tale
Interestingly, there's another "Little Egypt" with a completely different story in Northeast Ohio. This community thrived from 1813 to 1951, thanks to the canal, farming, and mills. The name came from a pyramid-like mound that once existed in the area.
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The gorgeous landscape of what was once the Gleeson homestead is preserved today as the Canal Corners Farm, which maintains some of the lost city's history.A few gravestones still stand on the strange pyramid-like hill, though much of the Gleeson Homestead Cemetery has been lost to time.
Ruins of this Cleveland ghost town are still hidden in the area, with many remaining in Bedford Reservation.A large portion of the former community has been reclaimed by the forest, and many of the graves at the cemetery are now unmarked.
Though the community experienced initial success, it seems it was doomed to fail from the start.When the Connecticut Land Company conducted their second land survey of the area in 1797, Captain Joseph Tinker and several of his men drowned in the creek that would come to bear his name.
Growth in the little community was impressive, but it truly took off when the New York Central Railroad construction began in 1904.More people migrated to this quaint little community during the period of construction and the trains continued to roll through the area through the 1960s.
While you still may encounter remnants of the community that once was in the Metroparks and in local lore, Little Egypt is but a mere memory now.However, its story has shaped part of Greater Cleveland's landscape, and locals have yet to forget its influence.
While exploring the Little Egypt Falls in Tennessee, remember to appreciate the unique beauty and history of the area. Whether you're an avid hiker or just looking for a scenic getaway, this destination offers something for everyone.
Hiking Triple Falls aka Little Egypt
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