Waterfalls and hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains go together like chocolate bars and marshmallows in s'mores. It's absolutely adorable and a great way to enjoy the outdoors. We will introduce you to the best and most amazing waterfalls in Gatlinburg Tennessee.
East Tennessee is also home to Oak Ridge National Laboratories, which is why I pay tribute to Nobel Prize-winning high-energy physicist Richard Feynman. Dr. Feynman gave a two-part lecture series entitled “Six Easy Pieces” and “Six Not Easy Pieces.” In his honor, we'll start with the six easiest hikes to the waterfalls and then look at the six not-so-easy ones.
Laurel Falls
Laurel Falls is the most photographed place in the Smokies for good reason. It's absolutely beautiful, with a paved path from the parking lot to the falls. Perhaps the hardest part of a Laurel Falls trip is finding a parking spot. However, with two lots on either side of the road, you should be able to find a spot without waiting too long. According to the park's website, more than 375,000 visitors hiked Laurel Falls in 2020 — an increase of more than 110,000 people compared to 2019.
Like many hikes in Great Smoky National Park, it's best done in the morning when the weather is cool and you have an excellent chance of seeing bears. The distance is 1.3 miles round trip (2.6 miles round trip) with a gain of 350 feet. Although the trail is paved, wheelchair use is not recommended. However, it is an excellent option for a rainy day hike, so you don't have to fight your way through the mud.
Once you reach Laurel Falls, you'll be rewarded with an 80-foot waterfall right off the trail. A cold mist blows down the road, but you won't have those awkward kids-in-the-pool moments while you're trying to get your photo taken. There is little chance of entering the water from Laurel Falls, and there are always excellent photos, even when the trail is crowded.
Cave waterfalls
Grotto Falls is known as “the one you can walk behind.” The trail takes you right behind the falls. There will be a little splash on your face, but you don't have to take off your shoes.
The approach to Grotto Falls is also beautiful. For starters, you should take the Roaring Forks Motor Trail out of Gatlinburg, a one-way loop trail through the mountain reminiscent of a ride at Disney World. Park near the top of the loop to reach the falls.
If you go on another waterfall hike near Gatlinburg first thing in the morning, it's still possible to find parking at Grotto Falls for your second hike. However, very late in the day, parking is hit or miss. If you can't find a spot near the falls, you'll hike up to the trailhead and then up to the falls. After all, you can't go back on a one-way loop on the Roaring Springs Motor Trail if you miss your destination.
The hike to Grotto Falls travels through an old-growth forest on the Trillium Gap Trail, but requires 2.6 miles round-trip and about 600 feet of travel. Once you arrive, you'll be rewarded with a 25' tall waterfall with a trail behind it. In fact, the walk along the final approach to the falls at Roaring Branch Spring is beautiful, with plenty of secluded spots to grab a sandwich and soak your feet.
The place of a thousand drops
The location of Thousand Drops will not be an intended waterfall, but it can be seen from the Roaring Forks Motor Trail on the way back from Grotto Falls. The auto trail takes you past several photo-worthy stops such as the Bud Ogle Cabin, the Ephraim Bales Cabin, and the Alfred Reagan Tub Mill. However, this is a waterfall piece, so we'll focus on the waterfalls.
The Place of a Thousand Drips is a series of waterfalls cascading from rocks about 3 miles from the Grotto Falls parking lot. You can simply admire the falls as you drive by, stop at the parking lot a couple of miles after the falls and walk down the road to enjoy them at length.
Abrams Falls
Abrams Falls in Cades Cove may be the best place to swim in all of the Smokies which, unfortunately, is no longer swimable. For starters, there is a large parking lot with ample parking even for long mid-day hikes. Abrams Falls is the largest waterfall in Gatlinburg with the most water and the deepest pools. Look but don't jump off the falls, because the hydraulics can be dangerous. And with the huge pool below the falls, you'll be able to safely shower after a long, sweaty hike. In many ways, Abrams Falls reminds me of Chattanooga's Lola Lakes.
The 2.5-mile trail climbs several hills on its way to the falls. On a 5-mile round trip, you'll end up with an elevation gain of over 400 feet. Trail conditions get a little rough over the tops of the ridge, but are generally in good condition. If you're hiking in the middle of the day, you may be sweaty in both directions, but you can swim in the creek next to the parking lot to cool off before heading out to the Cades Cove Loop.
Drains
The Sinks are another “roadside waterfall” in the Smokies. They are located 12 miles from the Sugarland Visitor Center on Old Highway 73/Fighting Creek Gap Road. There is a small parking lot at the falls, but there is not enough parking.
The falls at The Sinks aren't the most stunning sight, but they are an amazing swimming hole. The powerful hydraulics at the bottom of the falls should be avoided, but there are plenty of places to enjoy a dip at The Sinks. The ponds are a perfect stop on the way back to Gatlinburg from Abrams Falls where you should already be wearing your swimsuit.
Cataract Falls
Cataract Falls is a small waterfall located behind the Sugarland Ranger Station. If you park next to the ranger station (not at the Sugarlands Visitor Center), it's just 0.1 mile to the falls through deep hemlock forests.
Cataract Falls may not be Instagram-worthy, but it is a fun hike on a beautiful trail. Since it's located just outside of Gatlinburg, it's perfect if you want to spend the whole day or do something else before heading home. It's directly connected to the city via the 2.0-mile Gatlinburg Trail if you'd rather head up the mountain from your hotel rather than venture into town.
Six pieces is not that easy
Here are six not-so-easy waterfall hikes near Gatlinburg to end this post. These are hikes that may involve 5+ miles of hiking, steep trails, significant elevation gain, or perhaps all three. Don't worry, the longest walk is only 8 miles with 2,000 inches of increment, and will never exceed 8,000 inches. These are not death marches, they are not that easy.
- Ramsay Cascades: The highest waterfall in Gatlinburg is accessible by trail. 8 miles round trip with over 2,000 feet of gain.
- Rainbow Falls: A beautiful waterfall with hiking through the ancient forest located directly off the Roaring Springs Motor Trail. 5.4 miles round trip with 1,685 steps of elevation gain.
- Indian Flats Falls: An 8-mile round trip with some rocky parts of the trail. The falls are a series of four cascades 10-15 feet high.
- Husky Branch Falls: You can take the easy route along the Little River next to Elkmont Campground or the more challenging route from Husky Gap with a total of 2,300′ of climbing on this 9.4-mile round trip.
- Trickling Falls: You gain approximately 700 feet on the 2.2-mile round trip to Trickling Falls. It's worth the 0.2 mile side trip to see the falls on the way to Chimney Rock.
- Baskin Creek Falls: It's not always about the distance… A steep trail descends about 600 steps in the final mile to reach Baskin Creek Falls. (3.2 miles round trip). One of the most secluded waterfalls off the Roaring Springs Motor Trail.
Gatlinburg Falls FAQ
What is the easiest waterfall to see in Gatlinburg? Cataract Falls is the easiest waterfall to see in Gatlinburg because it is located just outside of town with a very short walk. This is especially true if you park near the Sugarland Ranger Station and not the Visitor Center.
What to wear on a trip to Gatlinburg Waterfall? You don't need to enter the water on most Gatlinburg Waterfall hikes, so just wear what you would on a traditional hike unless you plan to get wet.
What is the best Gatlinburg waterfall for swimming? The Sinks is the best waterfall in Gatlinburg for swimming because it is located just a short walk from a large pool deep enough to swim in.
Can you drink from Grotto Falls? As a general rule, you should not drink from any waterfall before treating the water.
Which is easier: Grotto Falls or Laurel Falls? The hike to Laurel Falls is shorter with less elevation gain than Grotto Falls. Laurel Falls is also off the road while Grotto Falls is off the Roaring Springs Motor Trail Loop. However, Laurel Falls is a popular hiking destination, so parking can be difficult on weekends and you may end up walking all the way to the main trailhead at Grotto Falls.
Conclude the hike to the waterfalls in Gatlinburg
Hiking in the Great Smoky National Forest is always beautiful, but it's even better with a waterfall waiting for you at the end. These six easy waterfall hikes in Gatlinburg are perfect for a half-day activity or linked together to form a waterfall tour. The unobstructed hike is perfect for packing a lunch and enjoying a day in the woods.
Hiking the waterfall is beautiful all year round. While hiking in the spring, you'll see wildflowers and rhododendrons in bloom. Summer is the perfect season for swimming in the creek. Tennessee in the fall attracts foliage lovers and nature lovers. Perhaps the most beautiful season for waterfalls is winter, when the waterfalls turn into ice in a sparkling, frozen beauty. Hiking tours to Gatlinburg Falls are the perfect addition to any adventure trip or romantic weekend getaway.
Read more from Coleman Concierge:
Looking to hike in Gatlinburg? This guide gives you the 23 best trails around the Tennessee side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Whether you're looking for easy hikes, hikes with waterfalls, hikes in Cades Cove, or more challenging trails in Gatlinburg, we've got you covered.
Hiking Gatlinburg – A guide to the 23 best trails in the Smokies
The ultimate romantic getaway in Gatlinburg Tennessee for nature lovers
Are you looking for the perfect romantic getaway in Gatlinburg, Tennessee? You'll find comfortable accommodations, delicious restaurants, attractions, waterfalls, and wilderness in Smoky Mountain National Park. We'll show you a 3-day, 2-night itinerary, perfect for adventure-loving, nature-loving couples.
The ultimate romantic getaway in Gatlinburg Tennessee for nature lovers
Ruby Falls Secrets Revealed – The Hidden History and Why You Should See Ruby Falls
One of the Southeast's must-see attractions, Ruby Falls was hidden 1,120' below Lookout Mountain until it was discovered in 1928. Today it is part tourist trap and Chattanooga icon, part testament to the spirit of discovery and childhood dreams. Learn the secrets of Ruby Falls and plan your visit.
Ruby Falls Secrets Revealed – The Hidden History and Why You Should See Ruby Falls
Lola Lake Trails – 10 Things You Need to Know Before You Go
Imagine hiking through lush greenery to a sky blue lake and two waterfalls! Lola Lake Trails is located just outside of Chattanooga on Lookout Mountain. Read on to find out what you need to know before you go.
Lola Lake Trails – 10 Things You Need to Know Before You Go
Hello! We are Jane and Ed Coleman also known as Coleman Concierge. In short, we are a 10th generation couple from Huntsville sharing our stories of amazing adventures through transformative and experiential activity-based travel.
