Elrod Falls

Elrod Falls gives you waterfall swimming access near Kingsport in Tennessee. Expect a natural bank, not a built beach. This unofficial, natural waterfall and swimming hole. No long trail, no grueling switchbacks. Just a dirt road that deposits you at the edge of something genuinely beautiful. The surrounding Appalachian woodlands close in on all sides, their canopy shifting with the seasons. Lush and cathedral-green in summer, blazing with amber and crimson in autumn, skeletal and dramatic in winter when ice formations cling to the rock face. Birdsong, the rush of moving water, and the occasional rustle of wildlife in the underbrush are the only soundtrack you'll need. Photographers find this place endlessly rewarding, whether they're chasing the roaring spring flows or the still, reflective pools of late summer. The multi-tiered pools collect the waterfall's flow into natural basins where visitors wade in and let the cool, clean mountain water wash over them. The sensation is immediate. That sharp, refreshing chill of Appalachian stream water that wakes up every nerve ending and makes the summer heat feel like a distant memory. The pools vary in depth across the tiers, offering options for cautious waders and more adventurous swimmers alike. No lifeguards patrol Elrod Falls. Facilities are limited, so judge depth, current, and weather when you arrive.

Elrod Falls works well as a day trip from Kingsport or Morrisville. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Pair the swim with a stop at Blue Hole - Jonesville (about 17 mi away) or browse more Tennessee waterfall spots in our directory. For the full list in Tennessee, see our state directory.

Access is via uneven gravel and dirt roads; high-clearance vehicles are recommended. Parking is very limited. This is an unofficial, unmaintained site with no amenities. The fee status is unknown.

Though little recorded history exists, Elrod Falls has been cherished by locals as a recreational spot for generations.

Visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles to protect the fragile ecosystem and ensure the falls remain pristine.