Explore / Outdoors

Waterfalls in the Smokies

Discover 14 stunning waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains around Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. Each waterfall offers a unique experience amid the region's natural beauty.

Plan Your Visit

What to Know

Best Seasons

Waterfalls run their fullest in late winter and spring when snowmelt and rain feed the streams. Summer keeps the popular falls flowing and the cool spray welcome, while fall frames them in color. After a long dry spell some smaller falls slow to a trickle, so go a day or two after rain for the most dramatic flow.

What to Bring

Sturdy shoes with grip for wet rock, a layer for the cooler air near the water, and a dry bag or case for your phone. Trekking poles help on the steeper falls trails, and a swimsuit is worth packing for the falls with a wading pool below.

How to Choose

Find the Right Fit

1

Consider Your Hiking Preferences

Choose waterfalls based on trail length and difficulty. For a short walk, Laurel Falls Trail is accessible, while Ramsey Cascades offers a longer, more challenging hike.

2

Look for Unique Features

Select waterfalls with special qualities like the chance to walk behind Grotto Falls or the height of Mingo Falls, which stands at 120 feet tall.

3

Plan Based on Location and Accessibility

Decide if you want waterfalls near popular towns like Gatlinburg or more secluded spots such as Abrams Falls in Cades Cove for a quieter experience.

Waterfalls

14 Options Across the Smokies

Sorted by visitor rating and review count. Click any card for full details, photos, and directions.

Laurel Falls Trail
Top Rated

Laurel Falls Trail

4.7 stars, 5432 reviews

National Park
Abrams Falls Trail

Abrams Falls Trail

4.7 stars, 5234 reviews

National Park
Grotto Falls - Walk Behind the Waterfall!

Grotto Falls - Walk Behind the Waterfall!

4.9 stars, 4567 reviews

National Park
Trillium Gap Trail to Grotto Falls

Trillium Gap Trail to Grotto Falls

4.8 stars, 4567 reviews

National Park
Abrams Falls - Cades Cove

Abrams Falls - Cades Cove

4.8 stars, 3456 reviews

Cades Cove
Ramsey Cascades - Tallest Waterfall

Ramsey Cascades - Tallest Waterfall

4.9 stars, 2876 reviews

National Park
Mingo Falls - 120 Feet Tall in Cherokee, NC

Mingo Falls - 120 Feet Tall in Cherokee, NC

4.9 stars, 2345 reviews

Cherokee
Rainbow Falls - 80 Feet with Rainbows!

Rainbow Falls - 80 Feet with Rainbows!

4.8 stars, 2345 reviews

National Park
Cataract Falls

Cataract Falls

4.6 stars, 2106 reviews

National Park
Indian Creek Falls Trail

Indian Creek Falls Trail

4.5 stars, 1876 reviews

Bryson City
Hen Wallow Falls Trail

Hen Wallow Falls Trail

4.6 stars, 1234 reviews

National Park
Spruce Flats Falls Trail

Spruce Flats Falls Trail

4.7 stars, 1234 reviews

National Park
Baskins Creek Falls

Baskins Creek Falls

4.6 stars, 876 reviews

National Park
Hen Wallow Falls - 90 Feet!

Hen Wallow Falls - 90 Feet!

4.7 stars, 876 reviews

National Park
Find It

Where to Go

Insider Knowledge

Tips and Getting There

Insider Tips

  • Go early or on a weekday. The roadside and short hike falls draw crowds by midmorning in summer and on fall weekends.
  • Never climb on or above the falls. The rock stays slick year round and the moss hides how slippery it is, which is where most accidents happen.
  • Check conditions after heavy rain. High water makes the falls spectacular but can flood the low creek crossings on the way in.

Getting There and Parking

The waterfall trailheads are spread through the national park, several of them reached from Gatlinburg by way of the park entrance and the Roaring Fork and Tremont areas. Lots fill fast at the popular falls, so arrive early and keep a backup trail in mind.

Who Is This For

Picking the Right Waterfalls for Your Group

For Families with Young Kids

Laurel Falls Trail and Grotto Falls Walk Behind The Waterfall offer shorter, well-maintained paths that are manageable for children. These spots provide scenic views without strenuous hikes.

For Experienced Hikers

Try Ramsey Cascades, the tallest waterfall in the park, or Abrams Falls Trail in Cades Cove for longer, more challenging hikes that reward with impressive natural scenery.

For Visitors Seeking Unique Experiences

Explore Grotto Falls where you can walk behind the waterfall, or visit Rainbow Falls to see colorful rainbows created by the mist on sunny days.

For Those Interested in Less Crowded Spots

Abrams Falls in Cades Cove and Mingo Falls offer quieter settings away from the busiest trails, providing a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest waterfall to visit in the Smoky Mountains?

Laurel Falls Trail is one of the easiest and most accessible waterfalls to visit, featuring a paved 2.6-mile round-trip hike suitable for most visitors.

Can you walk behind any waterfalls in this area?

Yes, Grotto Falls allows visitors to walk behind the cascading water, offering a unique perspective and photo opportunity.

Which waterfall is the tallest in the Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg?

Ramsey Cascades is the tallest waterfall in the park, reaching over 90 feet tall and accessible via a 8-mile round-trip hike.

Are these waterfall trails suitable for families with young children?

Some trails like Laurel Falls and Grotto Falls are family-friendly with moderate difficulty, but longer trails like Ramsey Cascades may be better suited for older kids and experienced hikers.

When is the best time to see rainbows at Rainbow Falls?

Rainbows are most visible on sunny days when the sunlight interacts with the mist created by the 80-foot Rainbow Falls, usually in the morning or early afternoon.

Is parking available near these waterfall trails?

Most popular trails have designated parking areas, though they can fill up quickly during peak seasons. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.

Are these waterfalls accessible year-round?

Waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains are accessible year-round, but trail conditions can vary with weather. Some areas may be slippery or icy in winter months.

Where to Stay

Stay Within Reach of Waterfalls

More than 50 luxury cabins within a short drive of the best waterfalls in the Smokies. Hot tubs, mountain views, room for the whole crew.

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Hiking Trails Scenic Drives and Overlooks Picnic Areas and Parks Scenic Flights and Helicopter Tours Adventure Parks
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