Four waterfalls, one calm morning from Nashville. I like how this tour strings together multiple falls into a single time-saving outing, and I also like that you get transportation plus water/snacks to keep the day easy. The one thing to plan around is that it’s an outdoor hike with moderate walking, and any swim at Rutledge Falls depends on weather and conditions.

What really helps is the human touch. The guides I’ve seen named in recent groups, like Jacob, Dylan, Jordan, Chayton, and India, are repeatedly praised for being friendly, attentive, and good at answering questions while still giving you quiet time to take it all in.

If you want an escape from downtown crowds, this fits. It starts at 8:00 am near the Omni Nashville Hotel and gets you out into the woods fast—no long self-planning needed.

Quick hits if waterfalls are your thing

• Up to four waterfalls in one half-day: multiple falls near Old Stone Fort plus Rutledge Falls
• Small-group cap (max 12): more hands-on guidance and an easier pace
• Includes water, snacks, and a brewery drink: you’re not walking the whole day on empty
• Moderate hike (about 3–4 miles total): manageable for most active visitors
• Trekking poles available on request: helpful if the ground is slick near waterfalls

Getting out of downtown Nashville at 8:00 am

This tour is designed around one goal: get you to Tennessee nature while the city is still waking up. The meet-up is at Barlines at the Omni Nashville Hotel, and you’ll start at 8:00 am with transportation provided to and from Nashville.

That matters more than you’d think. If you’re staying near Broadway, the logistics of driving, parking, and hopping between waterfall trailheads can eat your limited time. Here, you trade a little morning wake-up for a smoother day.

The total time runs about 5 to 6 hours, so it’s long enough to feel like an adventure, but not so long that you lose the whole afternoon to transportation and trail planning. It’s also a style of trip that works well even if you only have a couple days in town.

Stop 1: Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park and the Duck/Little Duck river falls

The first stop is the main event for waterfall variety. You’ll head to Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park, where the walk is about 2.5 miles. This is where you can see multiple falls along the Duck and Little Duck rivers, and the guides share context about what you’re looking at—plus the area’s historical significance.

What I like about this setup is that it makes the hike feel purposeful. You’re not just chasing views in the dark with your phone flashlight. You’re learning as you go, which turns the trail from a checklist into something you remember.

You also get admission included for this stop, and the time here is about 1 hour 30 minutes. That’s a good window to enjoy the waterfall passes, pause for photos, and still feel like you’re moving at a human pace.

Possible downside: if you’re expecting a mostly flat stroll, this is still a hiking day. Most people can handle it, but you’ll want proper footwear and attention on any slick sections.

Rutledge Falls: your chance to hike down and maybe swim

Next comes a quicker, high-reward waterfall stop: Rutledge Falls. The time on site is about 45 minutes, and while it’s short, the tour builds in the fun part—there’s time to hike down toward the bottom and spend a moment at the water.

The big question is whether you’ll get a swim. The plan allows for getting in the refreshing cold water, but it’s explicitly weather/season permitting. That means you should treat the swim as a bonus, not a guarantee.

Rutledge Falls has a special appeal because it’s more than a view from the top. Even with limited time, you get that feeling of being closer to the waterfall’s energy. Bring your best water-tolerant outfit. And if your day is cold or wet, you might skip the swim and just enjoy the walk and the sounds.

One more practical note: sharp rocks show up around waterfall areas. Some hikers recommend bringing water shoes, plus a plan to dry off afterward (a towel and a change of clothes are smart ideas).

Common John Brewing Co: the brewery stop that keeps the day sane

By the time you reach Common John Brewing Co, you’ll be ready to sit for a bit. This stop lasts about 1 hour and includes your visit to the brewery.

Here’s the part that feels like real value: your tour includes 1 drink of choice at the brewery—alcoholic or non-alcoholic—plus water and snacks earlier in the day. So you’re not guessing whether you’ll be hungry after the hike.

Lunch is where you’ll want to pay close attention. The trip description says lunch is part of the brewery time, and other tour details also say lunch isn’t included and you can purchase what you like. Since both statements appear in the info you have, I’d treat it as a “confirm what’s included with your exact ticket” moment, then plan to buy food if needed.

Either way, this stop is the reward bridge between trail mode and Nashville mode. You get a chance to cool down, trade stories with your group, and decide whether you want to wander downtown afterward—or call it a day.

The hike itself: distance, fitness level, and what to wear

Overall, the hike is about 3 to 4 miles total, with a mix of trail time and short breaks. The tour uses a trained-guide format and a small-group size (max 12), which usually keeps things from turning into a stampede.

The good news: the tour targets visitors with moderate physical fitness. If you walk regularly, handle hills on foot, and don’t mind uneven ground, you’ll likely be comfortable.

What you should pack based on real-world experience around waterfalls:

• Water shoes (or footwear that can handle getting wet) because rocks near the falls can be unforgiving
• Swimwear if you want to attempt the Rutledge Falls dip when conditions allow
• A towel and change of clothes so you’re not stuck damp for the drive back
• Bug spray is smart. Guides have been seen bringing items like bug spray and towels to help people stay comfortable.

Also, trekking poles may be available upon request, which can help on slippery or uneven ground. If you have them, bring them. If not, ask ahead.

One more tip: some trails in this area tend to be mostly shaded, which can make the hike more comfortable, especially in warmer months. Still, bring a layer you can adjust.

Group size and guide style: why this feels personal (not rushed)

A max group size of 12 travelers changes the vibe. You’re not just a headcount in someone else’s schedule. It’s easier for the guide to check in, manage pacing, and answer questions without leaving you behind.

Guides named like Jacob and Dylan show up repeatedly in the feedback, and they’re described as friendly, attentive, and safety-minded. Jordan is mentioned as a helpful host who gives people a clear idea of what to expect. Chayton is also mentioned as a first-class host. And India appears as part of a guide team in at least one group experience.

Across all of that, the common thread is pacing that mixes guided explanation with time to enjoy what’s around you. That balance matters at waterfalls. If you’re moving too fast, you miss the small moments—like the way the air changes near the falls and the sound fills the space.

So if you like guided nature walks but don’t want to feel lectured the whole time, this format is a good match.

Timing and weather: the day flows, but nature calls the shots

This experience runs in the morning and early afternoon window. The schedule is built around three stops with clear time blocks: Old Stone Fort first, Rutledge Falls next, then Common John Brewing Co for a reset before heading back.

Two weather realities to plan for:

1. The tour requires good weather.
2. The Rutledge Falls swim option depends on season and conditions.

If weather cancels the tour, you’ll either get an alternative date or a full refund. That’s the kind of flexibility you want for an outdoor day—because nobody needs a miserable, slick hike when they booked for the view.

Price and value: is $149.95 a good deal?

At $149.95 per person, this isn’t a bargain-basement outing, but it’s also not just a wandering stroll.

Here’s what you’re paying for:

• Transportation to and from Nashville
• Guided hiking with a small group (max 12)
• Tickets included for Old Stone Fort (and a part of the brewery stop)
• Water and snacks during the tour
• One drink of choice at Common John Brewing Co
• Hike support, including trekking poles available on request

If you tried to recreate this on your own, you’d likely spend time and money on getting everyone to trailheads, sorting out what to see and where, then paying separately for park access and a post-hike reward.

So the value depends on your priorities. If you want convenience, structure, and someone to point out what you’re seeing, the price makes sense. If you’re the type who wants to set your own schedule and drive yourself, you might find cheaper options—but you’d be buying back your own time and planning stress.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This is a strong fit if you:

• Want a waterfall-focused day without juggling driving and parking
• Like guided explanations as you walk
• Prefer a small group over large bus-tour chaos
• Want a clean “nature reset” from Nashville’s downtown energy

It may not be ideal if you:

• Need a completely flat, low-effort walk
• Can’t be out in light rain or changing weather
• Are set on swimming at Rutledge Falls no matter what (conditions control that)

And if you’re traveling solo, this tends to work well because the small group makes it easy to talk without it turning into a forced group activity.

Should you book this Waterfall Wonders tour from Nashville?

I’d book it if your ideal Nashville day includes real Tennessee nature, multiple waterfalls, and a built-in way to feel rewarded afterward. The combination of up to four waterfalls, a manageable hike, and a baked-in brewery drink is a smart way to spend limited time in town.

My main check before you commit: confirm what you’ll receive for food at Common John Brewing Co, since the info points in two directions about lunch. Then pack for wet rocks and plan for weather-based swim conditions.

If that lines up with your expectations, this is the kind of tour that makes you glad you didn’t just stay stuck indoors—or spend your whole day on Broadway.

FAQ

How long is the Waterfall Wonders Hiking Tour?

The tour runs about 5 to 6 hours total.

Where is the tour starting point?

It starts at Barlines at the Omni Nashville Hotel, 250 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $149.95 per person.

How many waterfalls will I see?

You can see up to four waterfalls in total, with stops that include multiple falls near Old Stone Fort and Rutledge Falls.

Is lunch included at the brewery?

Lunch inclusion is described inconsistently in the provided details. The brewery stop is scheduled and drink is included, but you may need to purchase food there depending on what’s included with your ticket—so it’s worth checking your exact booking details.

What’s the hiking distance and fitness level?

The hike is about 3 to 4 miles total, and the tour is recommended for people with moderate physical fitness.

Can I swim at Rutledge Falls?

There is time for swimming at Rutledge Falls, but it depends on weather and season conditions.

What is included in the tour besides the hike?

You’ll get transportation to and from Nashville, visits to Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park and Rutledge Falls, water and snacks, friendly tour guides, trekking poles upon request, and one drink of choice at the brewery.

What happens if weather is bad?

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people are in the group?

The group size is capped at a maximum of 12 travelers.