Rutledge Falls - Tullahoma

[glowdotGlock]

I found out about this waterfall a couple weeks ago when my sister told me about it and one day after a Jeep event at Stan McNabb in Tullahoma we went and checked it out. I wasn't properly dressed for swimming that day but I did stick my feet in and it was almost painfully cold but there were a few swimming in it. For the last couple of weeks I have been saying to myself I wanna go back and get in this COLD water just as a "test" or a "mind over matter thing". We went yesterday and once my legs were in I just went for it. I wore my goggles and swam to the bottom to set up my camera. It was so cold for the first few minutes but then I started getting used to it. It was so cold that it was almost like a "high" (if that makes sense). It was uncomfortable yet enjoyable. I wanted to take a thermometer but didn't have one and the one on my G-Shock watch isn't all that accurate. I would guess the water is around 60-65°F. I may be way off. Has anyone been there or know an approximate temperature? Also has anyone been to Cummins Falls? We plan to make a short day trip there next weekend.

[dats82]

I have been there many of times having grown up just about 5 miles from there.  I do not know the temperature of the water, but I do know that, even on the hottest days in the summer, it is cold enough to take your breath away.  I was told, however, I never confirmed that the water flows from a cave, which would explain the cold temps.

 

Machine Gun Falls is also in that area just a couple of miles from Rutledge.  If you're back in the area, you should check it out.

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g55390-d3215444-Reviews-Short_Springs_Natural_Area-Tullahoma_Tennessee.html

[peejman]

If fed from an underground waterway, 60 deg is a pretty good bet. 

 

Cold water?  Try most any of the rivers in the Smokies.  Most stay in the mid 50's, even in July/August.  Brrrrrr. 

[dats82]

 

Cold water?  Try most any of the rivers in the Smokies.  Most stay in the mid 50's, even in July/August.  Brrrrrr. 

 

I've been a bunch of those as well.  I can tell you Rutledge would rival any of those I've been in.  It's damn cold. 

[MudBugjr]

I know its not about falls but we kayaked the river yesterday out of Wartrace first time for me and that water was pretty cool itself for as hot of a day it was. Pretty fun might have to look into buy a few kayaks in the future 

[Erik88]

If fed from an underground waterway, 60 deg is a pretty good bet.

Cold water? Try most any of the rivers in the Smokies. Most stay in the mid 50's, even in July/August. Brrrrrr.

Yep. We went hiking yesterday bear Tremont and the water was freezing but refreshing. I was really tempted to get all the way in.

[peejman]

Yep. We went hiking yesterday bear Tremont and the water was freezing but refreshing. I was really tempted to get all the way in.

 

 

We were there on saturday.  Went a couple miles up Middle Prong to the old car....

 

[ncomarc]

Cummins Falls is one of the swimming holes I visit several times a year. If you go early enough, the pictures you can take are awesome.

[ncomarc]

Google waterfalls around Nashville and you'll see there are 12+ within and hour or so drive.

[glowdotGlock]

Cummins Falls is one of the swimming holes I visit several times a year. If you go early enough, the pictures you can take are awesome.

We are actually going there Saturday. Is the water warm?