Waterfall · Rhea County, Tennessee

Stinging Fork Falls

Waterfall about 4.2 miles northwest of Spring City, TN.

Photo of Stinging Fork Falls State Natural Area, a waterfall 0.1 miles from Stinging Fork Falls
Pictured: nearby Stinging Fork Falls State Natural Area (0.1 mi)

About Stinging Fork Falls

Stinging Fork Falls is a named waterfall in Rhea County, Tennessee, located about 4.2 miles northwest of Spring City. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Pennine 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 35°43′16″ N, 84°55′37″ W (35.72113, -84.92707). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Stinging Fork (stream, 0.9 mi), Little Soak Creek (stream, 0.9 mi), and Evans Branch (stream, 0.9 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Stinging Fork Falls State Natural Area, under 0.1 miles to the northeast.

Weather at Stinging Fork Falls

Full NWS forecast

Forecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.

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Source: National Weather Service.

Conditions at Stinging Fork Falls

Sun and Daylight Today

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Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.

Elevation

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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.

Nearest Stream Gauge

Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...

Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.

Map and Directions

The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Stinging Fork Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.

Named Landmarks Nearby

These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Stinging Fork Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.

  • Stinging Fork — stream, 0.9 mi
  • Little Soak Creek — stream, 0.9 mi
  • Evans Branch — stream, 0.9 mi
  • Long Branch — stream, 0.9 mi
  • Dunlap Creek — stream, 1.3 mi
  • Little Rockhouse Branch — stream, 1.5 mi
  • Pine Branch — stream, 1.8 mi
  • Sweeny Branch — stream, 1.9 mi

Before You Visit

  • Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
  • Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
  • Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
  • Download offline maps and save the coordinates 35.72113, -84.92707. Use our waterfall hike packing list.

Waterfalls Near Stinging Fork Falls

Photo of Laurel Falls, a waterfall 3.2 miles from Ray Falls
Pictured: nearby Laurel Falls (3.2 mi)

Ray Falls

Spring City, TN · 6.3 mi northeast
2.3 (3)
Photo of Snow Falls, a waterfall 7.3 miles from Hilliard Falls
Pictured: nearby Snow Falls (7.3 mi)

Hilliard Falls

Pikeville, TN · 9.0 mi southwest
Photo of Laurel Falls near Rockwood, TN

Laurel Falls

Rockwood, TN · 9.5 mi northeast
3.2 (9)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Stinging Fork Falls located?

Stinging Fork Falls is in Rhea County, Tennessee, about 4.2 miles northwest of Spring City. Its coordinates are 35.72113, -84.92707 (35°43′16″ N, 84°55′37″ W).

What town is closest to Stinging Fork Falls?

The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Spring City, TN, about 4.2 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.

What waterfalls are near Stinging Fork Falls?

The closest is Stinging Fork Falls State Natural Area (under 0.1 mi northeast). Others within reach include Lower Piney Falls (3.5 mi), Upper Piney Falls (3.6 mi), and Ray Falls (6.3 mi).

Which USGS topographic map shows Stinging Fork Falls?

Stinging Fork Falls appears on the USGS Pennine 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.