Smoky Mountains Waterfall Hikes and Scenic Drives
The mountains of Great Smoky Mountains National Park contain more than 100 waterfalls, ranging from small cascades along mountain streams to large, dramatic falls deep in the forest. Many of the park’s most beautiful waterfalls are accessible by scenic drives or moderate hikes, making them a great activity for visitors of all experience levels.
If you are visiting the Smokies during your stay with Blue Mountain Cabins, exploring a few of these waterfalls is an excellent way to experience the natural beauty of the area.
Below are some of the most popular and accessible waterfall hikes and scenic drives near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
Laurel Falls
One of the most famous waterfalls in the park is Laurel Falls. This two-tiered waterfall drops approximately 80 feet and is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains.
Temporary Closure Notice: The Laurel Falls Trail is currently closed for a major rehabilitation project designed to improve visitor safety and repair the heavily used trail. The project includes rebuilding the trail surface, improving drainage, and adding safety improvements. The trail is expected to reopen after construction is completed, but visitors should check the National Park Service website for the latest updates before planning a hike.
Distance: 2.6 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Paved
How to get there:
From Gatlinburg, enter Great Smoky Mountains National Park and follow Little River Road toward Cades Cove. The Laurel Falls trailhead parking area is about 3.5 miles from the park entrance.
Once the trail reopens, visiting early in the morning is recommended because it is one of the most popular hikes in the park.
Grotto Falls
Grotto Falls is unique because visitors can walk behind the waterfall. The trail travels through forest along the scenic Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
Distance: 2.6 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is one of the most beautiful and popular waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The waterfall drops about 80 feet and is named for the rainbows that often appear in the mist on sunny afternoons.
The trail follows LeConte Creek through a forested valley and gradually climbs toward the waterfall. Because the trail also leads toward Mount LeConte, hikers often continue beyond the falls to explore higher elevations.
Distance: 5.4 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
How to get there:
From Gatlinburg, enter Great Smoky Mountains National Park and turn onto Cherokee Orchard Road. Follow the road to the Rainbow Falls trailhead near the Roaring Fork area of the park.
The trail climbs steadily to the waterfall, and sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Visiting earlier in the day can help avoid crowded parking during busy seasons.
Abrams Falls
Abrams Falls is located in Cades Cove and is known for its powerful flow. Although the waterfall is about 20 feet high, the volume of water makes it one of the most impressive falls in the park.
Distance: 5 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Ramsey Cascades
Ramsey Cascades is the tallest waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at over 100 feet tall.
Distance: 8 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Cataract Falls
Cataract Falls is an easy waterfall walk near Sugarlands Visitor Center and is perfect for families.
Scenic Drives for Waterfall Viewing
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Newfound Gap Road provide scenic routes with access to waterfalls and mountain streams.
More Waterfalls to Explore in the Smoky Mountains
Hen Wallow Falls
Hen Wallow Falls is a beautiful and less crowded waterfall located in the Cosby area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The waterfall drops about 90 feet over a rock face surrounded by dense forest, creating a peaceful setting that many visitors miss.
Distance: 4.4 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate
How to get there:
From the Cosby entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, drive to the Cosby Campground and begin the hike on the Gabes Mountain Trail. After about two miles, a short side trail leads to Hen Wallow Falls.
Trail details: National Park Service - Hen Wallow Falls
Mouse Creek Falls
Mouse Creek Falls is located along the Big Creek Trail in the northeastern section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This picturesque waterfall cascades down multiple rock ledges and is surrounded by lush forest and rushing mountain streams.
Distance: About 4 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate
How to get there:
From Interstate 40 near the Tennessee-North Carolina border, take Exit 451 and follow the road to the Big Creek entrance of the park. The trailhead begins near the Big Creek Ranger Station and follows the Big Creek Trail to the falls.
Trail details: National Park Service - Big Creek Area
Indian Creek Falls (North Carolina)
Indian Creek Falls is one of the easiest waterfalls to reach in the Smoky Mountains. Located in the Deep Creek area near Bryson City, the waterfall features a wide curtain of water flowing over a rock ledge.
Distance: About 1.6 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
How to get there:
From Bryson City, follow Deep Creek Road into the Deep Creek area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trail to Indian Creek Falls begins near the Deep Creek Campground and is part of a popular loop that also visits Juney Whank Falls.
Trail details: National Park Service - Deep Creek Trails
Stay in the Smokies
If you are planning a waterfall adventure in the Smoky Mountains, staying nearby makes it easy to explore multiple trails.
Blue Mountain Cabins offers comfortable vacation rentals within driving distance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.