13 Places
Waterfalls
Discover 13 stunning waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains around Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. Each waterfall offers a unique experience amid the region's natural beauty.
Great Smoky Mountains NP
Laurel Falls Trail
Popular 2.6-mile paved waterfall trail
Great Smoky Mountains NP
Abrams Falls Trail
5-mile trail to powerful waterfall
National Park
Grotto Falls - Walk BEHIND the Waterfall!
Hike behind a beautiful waterfall
National Park
Abrams Falls - Cades Cove
Powerful 20-ft waterfall & scenic trail
National Park
Ramsey Cascades - Tallest in Park!
Tallest waterfall in park
Cherokee, NC
Mingo Falls - 120 Feet Tall!
Spectacular 120-ft waterfall hike
National Park
Rainbow Falls - 80 Feet with Rainbows!
80-foot waterfall with rainbows
National Park
Cataract Falls
Accessible waterfall near Sugarlands
Bryson City, NC
Indian Creek Falls Trail
Hike to two waterfalls on Deep Creek
Great Smoky Mountains NP
Hen Wallow Falls Trail
Moderate 4.4-mile to 90-ft waterfall
Great Smoky Mountains NP
Spruce Flats Falls Trail
Moderate 2-mile waterfall hike
National Park
Baskins Creek Falls
40-foot waterfall with a 3-mile hike
National Park
Hen Wallow Falls - 90 Feet!
90-foot scenic waterfall trail
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest waterfall to visit in the Smoky Mountains?
Can you walk behind any waterfalls in this area?
Which waterfall is the tallest in the Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg?
Are these waterfall trails suitable for families with young children?
When is the best time to see rainbows at Rainbow Falls?
Is parking available near these waterfall trails?
Are these waterfalls accessible year-round?
Vantage Stays · Smoky Mountain Guide
Waterfalls
Explore 13 waterfalls near Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville in the Smoky Mountains. Discover trails, family spots, and unique waterfall experiences.
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hours & details
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.
The Checklist
| Place | Rating | Hours | Phone | Address | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryson City, NC | |||||
| Indian Creek Falls Trail | 4.5 ★ | Sunrise to Sunset | Deep Creek, Bryson City, NC | ||
| Cherokee, NC | |||||
| Mingo Falls - 120 Feet Tall! | 4.9 ★ | Daylight Hours | Pigeon Creek Trail, Cherokee, NC (via Big Cove Road) | ||
| Great Smoky Mountains NP | |||||
| Laurel Falls Trail | 4.7 ★ | Sunrise to Sunset | Fighting Creek Gap Rd, Great Smoky Mountains NP | ||
| Abrams Falls Trail | 4.7 ★ | Sunrise to Sunset | Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains NP | ||
| Hen Wallow Falls Trail | 4.6 ★ | Sunrise to Sunset | Cosby Area, Great Smoky Mountains NP | ||
| Spruce Flats Falls Trail | 4.7 ★ | Sunrise to Sunset | Tremont, Great Smoky Mountains NP | ||
| National Park | |||||
| Grotto Falls - Walk BEHIND the Waterfall! | 4.9 ★ | Daylight Hours | Trillium Gap Trail (via Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail) | ||
| Abrams Falls - Cades Cove | 4.8 ★ | Daylight Hours | Abrams Falls Trail (off Cades Cove Loop Road) | ||
| Ramsey Cascades - Tallest in Park! | 4.9 ★ | Daylight Hours | Ramsey Cascades Trail (Greenbrier entrance, 4.7 mi to trailhead) | ||
| Rainbow Falls - 80 Feet with Rainbows! | 4.8 ★ | Daylight Hours | Rainbow Falls Trail (Roaring Fork area, past Bug Ogle homestead) | ||
| Cataract Falls | 4.6 ★ | Open 24 hours | Cove Mountain Trail, Great Smoky Mountains | ||
| Baskins Creek Falls | 4.6 ★ | Daylight Hours | Baskins Creek Trail (via Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail) | ||
| Hen Wallow Falls - 90 Feet! | 4.7 ★ | Daylight Hours | Gabes Mountain Trail (from Cosby Picnic Area) | ||
Picking the Right One 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.
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.