Coffee County

Machine Falls, Tennessee

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When I stopped at Short Springs Natural Area, I knew there were a number of waterfalls to be seen. Upper Busby Falls and Lower Busby Falls are more difficult to view, though, so they don’t end up being the main attraction. I started passing by those two falls, and I was maybe a bit disappointed that they weren’t extremely interesting.

As I continued along the loop that leads to Machine Falls, I didn’t realize that I was going to come to a waterfall that was much more interesting. Machine Falls is everything that the other two are not. You can view Machine Falls really well. You can get up-close and personal with the falls instead of standing at a distance. Machine Falls was a real treat after the other two falls.

Directions:

  1. Short Springs Natural Area is between Tullahoma and Manchester, with it being a bit closer to Tullahoma. From Tullahoma, figure out how to get to Country Club Drive, which heads northeast from the city.
  2. Country Club Drive turns into Short Springs Road just outside Tullahoma.
  3. Drive a few miles to the intersectin of Short Springs Road and Powell Road.
  4. Turn left onto Powell Road (if headed northeast), and then immediately pull into the parking area on your left. This is the parking area and trail head to the falls. There is a large water tower to the right if you’re in the correct spot.
  5. You can decide to hike just to Machine Falls or do a loop to the Busby Falls. There is another connected trail that leads to Adams Falls, but I didn’t do that, I’m guessing because of time limitations.

Accessibility: 8/10 (easy/moderate)
Height: 60′
Length of Hike: 1.6 miles round-trip (to do the loop of three falls)

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Machine Falls in January 2016

Where in the World is Machine Falls?

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Upper Busby Falls, Tennessee

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As I’ve mentioned with Lower Busby Falls, both Upper and Lower Busby falls are rather forgettable waterfalls. While they’re not small waterfalls, they’re waterfalls that you can’t get very close to. You’re standing on the Bobo Creek Trail, which is maybe 40 or 50 feet above the waterfall below. There are a lot of trees in the way, and I don’t remember any safe way to get closer to the falls. Luckily, you’ll be rewarded with Machine Falls, which is also on the trail.

Directions:

  1. If you’re on US-41A in the very center of Tullahoma, you’d head northwest for just a few blocks to E. Hogan Street and take a right.
  2. Drive along E. Hogan Street for a few blocks until you reach Country Club Drive on your left. Turn left.
  3. Drive along Country Club Drive and keep going. It will turn into Short Springs Road. You’ll drive for a few miles along this road.
  4. It’s hard to miss the parking area for the waterfall. If you’re on the correct road, you’ll come to a white water tower on your right. Immediately after this tower is the parking area for Short Springs Natural Area (also on your right).
  5. Park here and safely cross the road. The trail starts here. Veer left onto the Bobo Creek Trail. Upper and Lower Busby Falls are along Bobo Creek, which will be to your left.

Accessibility: 8/10 (easy/moderate)
Height: ~20-30′
Hike: 1.6 miles round-trip (to see Upper/Lower Busby and Machine Falls)

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Upper Busby Falls in January 2016

Where in the World is Upper Busby Falls?

Lower Busby Falls, Tennessee

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As I was just looking at the name, the picture, and the map of this waterfall, I couldn’t exactly remember any vivid details about this waterfall. And then it clicked, Lower Busby Falls is a waterfall that is honestly passed without being able to get very close and personal, and that will likely affect how you recall this waterfall.

This waterfall is found along a very enjoyable trail just north of Tullahoma, Tennessee in the Short Springs Natural Area. When I visited in early January, the weather was very enjoyable. As you’re walking along the trail, if you go in a loop, you’ll pass Lower Busby Falls. You’re standing above the waterfall as you view it, and there’s a pretty steep drop that prevents you from getting any closer. So I shot a few pictures of the falls and then went further along the trail. (The same is mostly true for Upper Busby Falls.) The real attraction here is Machine Falls, which is truly beautiful and also is much more personal. So to keep it sweet and short, Lower Busby Falls isn’t the top bill here, but more like a bonus waterfall that you get to add to your list.

Directions:

  1. If you’re on US-41A in the very center of Tullahoma, you’d head northwest for just a few blocks to E. Hogan Street and take a right.
  2. Drive along E. Hogan Street for a few blocks until you reach Country Club Drive on your left. Turn left.
  3. Drive along Country Club Drive and keep going. It will turn into Short Springs Road. You’ll drive for a few miles along this road.
  4. It’s hard to miss the parking area for the waterfall. If you’re on the correct road, you’ll come to a white water tower on your right. Immediately after this tower is the parking area for Short Springs Natural Area (also on your right).
  5. Park here and safely cross the road. The trail starts here. Veer left onto the Bobo Creek Trail. Upper and Lower Busby Falls are along Bobo Creek, which will be to your left.

Accessibility: 8/10 (easy/moderate)
Height: ~30-40′
Hike: 1.6 miles round-trip (to see Upper/Lower Busby and Machine Falls)

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Lower Busby Falls in January 2016

Where in the World is Lower Busby Falls?