Ozone Falls was a filming location for the 1994 movie The Jungle Book.
The waterfall drops over a cap of Pennsylvanian-aged sandstone, which is more resistant to erosion than the underlying shale layers.
The site acts as a protected habitat for several rare plant species native to the Cumberland Plateau's gorge environments.
The waterfall is technically a 'plunge' type fall, where the water maintains contact with the rock wall only at the top.
The pool at the base of the falls is a result of hydraulic action known as a plunge pool, carved into the soft shale bedrock.
Ozone Falls State Natural Area features a 110-foot waterfall plunging into a deep, circular sandstone amphitheater. The site encompasses 43 acres of protected wilderness along the Cumberland Plateau in Cumberland County, Tennessee. Visitors access the main viewpoint via a short trail from the parking area, while a more challenging, steep descent leads to the pool at the base of the falls. The falls are fed by Fall Creek, which continues through a rocky gorge downstream. The area contains remnants of old-growth timber and diverse geological formations. It is managed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation as a State Natural Area. The site remains a popular destination for hikers and photographers seeking rugged, undeveloped landscapes. The primary trail surface is natural earth and rock, susceptible to erosion and slick conditions during rain.
The rock outcropping at the top of the waterfall provides an unobstructed view of the amphitheater, while the bottom center offers the best perspective of the full cascade height.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking boots with excellent grip, as the trail to the base is steep, rocky, and often muddy.
Bring trekking poles if you intend to descend to the base of the waterfall to assist with stability on loose scree.
Pack out all trash and waste, as there are no dumpsters or services provided on-site.
Do not attempt to descend to the base of the falls during or immediately after heavy rainfall due to extreme slip hazards and potential flash flooding.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive gorge vegetation; swimming is discouraged due to strong undertows and cold water temperatures.
