This stunning waterfall near the Smoky Mountains is only a short hike away, but here’s what you should know
“The Jungle Book” was written as a collection of stories and poems about a boy named Mowgli, who grew up in the jungle and was cared for by several animals. There have been several film adaptations over the years. One of the most famous scenes from the live-action movie was filmed near the Smoky Mountains.
The scene starts with Mowgli getting attacked by a man on a rocky cliff overlooking a plunging waterfall. They grapple for a few moments before the assailant meets his demise by falling over the edge. When the remaining group of bad guys sees that their comrade is unsuccessful, they begin shooting at Mowgli. Then, the wild young boy jumps off the rock and plummets down alongside the falls, dropping feet first into the deep pool at the base of the falls.
Ozone Falls in Tennessee is a popular area to visit for locals and tourists alike. It has a short but steep hike that could be considered somewhat strenuous for novices. However, the falls themselves will be worth the journey. This waterfall is famous in part because a scene from “The Jungle Book” was filmed here.
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The Jungle Book remake
Like many millennials, I grew up watching classic Disney films on VHS tape. I experienced mixed feelings about the slew of live-action remakes that Disney has thrown at us in recent years. It was cool to see Will Smith reprise the role of Robin Williams as the Genie in the 2019 “Aladdin” remake. I also loved Belle’s backstory in the 2017 “Beauty and The Beast”. The 2016 film “The Jungle Book” even won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.
Disney first dipped its toes into these live-action remakes in the late 1900s. Glen Close was sensational as the wicked Cruella Deville in the 1996 “101 Dalmatians,” which I distinctly remember going to see in theaters with my family as a kid. But the first of these live-action remakes was the 1994 Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book.” It is in this version that you can see the Tennessee waterfall.
Can you hike to Ozone Falls?
This popular waterfall is called Ozone Falls. It is a popular destination due to its spectacular views and proximity to Interstate 40 in Cumberland County, Tenn. The 110-foot water feature requires a short but steep hike, and much of the trail is on rock rather than dirt. Visitors will descend from the top of the falls down to the plunge pool. Also, the climb back up is rocky and strenuous.
Location and general information about Ozone Falls
Ozone Falls is located in the Crab Orchard Mountains on the Cumberland Plateau in East Tennessee. It’s west of Knoxville and north of Chattanooga, or about 1 hour and 45 minutes away from the heart of the Smokies in Pigeon Forge. Due to its proximity to Interstate 40, it’s one of Tennessee’s most visited natural areas. From the parking area to the bottom of the falls, the hike is about 0.3 miles. Don’t let that modest distance fool you, though. It’s a steep descent down and a strenuous climb back up.
So whether you’ve seen the film or not, Ozone Falls is a spectacular place to visit if you’re up for a little adventure in East Tennessee. If you visit during warmer months, consider packing a bathing suit so you can take a dip in the pool at the base of the falls. Just be prepared for the steep climb back up to the parking area once you’ve finished enjoying your swim.
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