For most of the river's course, it runs in a deep gorge. Just before the Elk River crosses into Tennessee it flows over "Big Falls" (also called "Elk Falls"), a locally-known attraction which is approximately a 60-foot (18 m) drop.
For most of its length, it flows through a deep canyon. Just before the Elk River enters Tennessee, it plunges over "Big Falls" (also known as "Elk Falls"), a popular local landmark with a 60-foot (18 m) drop.