About Pilot Falls
Pilot Falls is a named waterfall in Cumberland County, Tennessee, located about 9.2 miles west of Lake Tansi. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Pleasant Hill 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 35°53′36″ N, 85°12′58″ W (35.89340, -85.21608). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Pilot Knob (summit, 0.3 mi), Cooper Creek (stream, 0.4 mi), and West Fork Creek (stream, 1.1 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Virgin Falls, 7.4 miles to the southwest.
More Photos
7 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Pilot Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast 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 Pilot Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Chicago 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 Pilot Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Pilot Falls holds a 3.4 average from 8 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Pilot Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Pilot Knob — summit, 0.3 mi
- Cooper Creek — stream, 0.4 mi
- West Fork Creek — stream, 1.1 mi
- Laurel Creek — stream, 1.3 mi
- Sapp Branch — stream, 1.6 mi
- Potts Creek — stream, 1.7 mi
- Meadow Creek — stream, 1.9 mi
- Driver 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 35.89340, -85.21608. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Pilot Falls
- Hilliard Falls, TN19 mi southeast
- Stinging Fork Falls State Natural Area, TN20 mi southeast
- Stinging Fork Falls, TN20 mi southeast
- Basin Falls, TN22 mi east
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pilot Falls located?
Pilot Falls is in Cumberland County, Tennessee, about 9.2 miles west of Lake Tansi. Its coordinates are 35.89340, -85.21608 (35°53′36″ N, 85°12′58″ W).
What town is closest to Pilot Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Lake Tansi, TN, about 9.2 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Pilot Falls?
The closest is Virgin Falls (7.4 mi southwest). Others within reach include Hemlock Falls (13 mi), Fall Creek Falls (18 mi), and Cascades Rockhouse (18 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Pilot Falls?
Pilot Falls appears on the USGS Pleasant Hill 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.