The Ozone Falls State Natural Area consists of Ozone Falls and the gorge immediately downstream. The gorge area around the waterfall’s plungepool slopes inward from the top edge, creating a half-dome shape along the gorge’s walls. Short hiking trails allow access to the waterfall’s overhang and plungepool, as well as the cliffs above the gorge. The trailhead is located along US-70.
Ozone Falls is situated along Fall Creek, which drains a short section of the Cumberland Plateau between the Crab Orchard Mountains to the west and Walden Ridge to the east. The creek flows down from its source high in the Crab Orchard Mountains for a mile or so before steadying briefly as it enters the community of Ozone. it then enters the state natural area just after passing under U.S. Route 70, which runs perpendicular to it. It spills over Ozone Falls a few hundred meters south of US-70.
Beyond Ozone Falls, the creek slices through a small gorge and proceeds southward for several more miles before emptying into Piney Creek. The confluence of the creeks occurs at a point where Roane County, Cumberland County and Rhea County all meet. Fall Creek is part of the Tennessee River watershed.
The Fall Creek that spills over Ozone Falls is not the same stream as the Fall Creek that spills over Fall Creek Falls in Van Buren County; the latter is part of the Cumberland River watershed.
Directions
From Crossville travel East on I-40 and exit at the Crab Orchard exit. Turn left off the exit ramp and go to the intersection of U.S. Highway 70. From Knoxville go west on I-40 and exist at Crab Orchard. From Crab Orchard exit, turn right on U.S. Highway 70 going east. The highway takes you straight to Ozone Falls, which is on the right about four miles from the interstate exit.