Great Smoky Mountains Waterfalls: The Most Rewarding Hikes in the Smokies
Discover the best waterfall hikes in the Smoky Mountains. Explore easy trails, stunning views, and insider tips. Ready for an unforgettable adventure?
Tucked away in the heart of the southeastern United States, the Great Smoky Mountains beckon with their lush landscapes, serene trails, and a symphony of cascading waterfalls.
From the thundering heights of Ramsey Cascades to the captivating cascades of Laurel Falls, there’s an unforgettable waterfall experience around every bend. Whether you’re setting out for a challenging trek or seeking a short walk with rewarding views, the Great Smoky Mountains have something for everyone.
Lace up your hiking boots and grab your camera! The best waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains are ready to take your breath away.
Must-See Waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Laurel Falls: Located on the Laurel Falls Trail, this waterfall is easily one of the best waterfalls Smoky Mountains offers. The two-tiered, 80-foot-high Laurel Falls cascades beautifully into a pool, creating a picturesque spot that’s perfect for photos.
The trail is paved for the first 1.3 miles, making it an ideal choice for those seeking easy waterfall hikes Gatlinburg has to offer. Along the way, you’ll walk through a lovely forested area. Keep an eye out for wildflowers and wildlife along the trail.
The Sugarlands Visitor Center is a starting point for several waterfall hikes, including the popular Laurel Falls Trail. The round trip is 2.6 miles, perfect for families and beginners looking for a rewarding hike.
Pro Tip: Laurel Falls is arguably the best waterfall in Smoky Mountains. Due to its popularity, it’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Laurel Falls is a testament to the natural beauty that waterfall hikes in the Smokies can offer. It’s picturesque, accessible, and a perfect introduction to what the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has in store for waterfall enthusiasts.
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Rainbow Falls: One of the most iconic Smoky Mountain waterfalls, Rainbow Falls is an 80-foot-high spectacle that’s sure to take your breath away. It’s the tallest single-drop waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers visitors the unique opportunity to see a rainbow formed by the mist on sunny afternoons.
The Rainbow Falls Trail, one of the best waterfall hikes in Smoky Mountains, involves a moderately challenging 5.4-mile round-trip hike. As you ascend, you’ll encounter a variety of flora and perhaps even some wildlife.
While the trail can be steep and rocky in sections, the reward at the end of the climb is well worth the effort. The sight of LeConte Creek cascading over Thunderhead Sandstone is a picture-perfect spectacle you won’t want to miss. Plus, the clear trail markings make it a manageable adventure for most hikers
The trailhead is conveniently located just outside of Gatlinburg, making it an ideal choice for those searching for easy waterfall hikes Gatlinburg. So if you’re aiming to explore one of the best waterfall hikes in the Smoky Mountains, Rainbow Falls should be at the top of your list.
Grotto Falls: Grotto Falls stands out as one of the most enchanting waterfall hikes in the Smokies. What makes this 25-foot-high waterfall particularly special is that you can walk behind the cascading sheet of water.
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To get there, head to the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail from Gatlinburg, where you’ll find access to Trillium Gap Trail. The hike to the falls is approximately 2.6 miles round trip and is an easy to moderate hike. It’s one of the easiest waterfall trails Smoky Mountains has to offer.
Pro Tip: The rocks around the waterfall can be slippery. Wear proper footwear and take care when walking behind the falls.
Ramsey Cascades: Get ready for an exhilarating adventure to the tallest waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Towering at a remarkable height of 100 feet, Ramsey Cascades provides an awe-inspiring sight as water cascades down a series of rocky steps into shimmering pools below.
Located in the Greenbrier area, this majestic waterfall is accessible via a strenuous eight-mile round-trip hike. You’ll gain more than 2,000 feet in elevation, and you must prepare for rocky terrain and a few stream crossings.
However, the trail itself is nothing short of spectacular. As you navigate the four miles to the waterfall, you’ll wander through old-growth forests. See enormous tulip trees, eastern hemlocks, and yellow towering birches tower.
As the saying goes, the most beautiful view comes after the hardest climb. So though challenging, the effort is well worth it when you arrive at the cascades. The powerful rush of water, combined with the serene beauty of the surrounding forest, makes it one of the best waterfall hikes Smoky Mountains has to offer.
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Hen Wallow Falls: Hen Wallow Falls is a mesmerizing 90-foot horsetail fan waterfall located on the Lower Falling Branch of Hen Wallow Creek. Accessible via the Gabes Mountain Trail, it’s considered one of the best Smoky Mountain waterfall hikes.
The trailhead for Hen Wallow Falls is at the Cosby Campground, approximately 12 miles west of Sugarlands Visitor Center. The hike to the falls is approximately 4.4 miles round-trip. While the trail isn’t overly strenuous, its rocky and uneven sections demand careful footing.
Pro Tip: Hen Wallow Falls is often less crowded than some of the more popular waterfall hikes in the Smokies, offering a more serene and solitary experience.
Mingo Falls: Known for its stunning height of approximately 120 feet, Mingo Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the region. Unlike other Smoky Mountain waterfalls located within the park, Mingo Falls is situated just outside the park boundary on the Cherokee Indian Reservation.
To reach the falls, you’ll embark on a short, yet invigorating, hike that takes you up 161 steps. The trail is well-maintained and the ascent is manageable for most visitors.
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At the top, you’ll be rewarded with an awe-inspiring view of the cascading water. The brief but rewarding trek makes Mingo Falls one of the best waterfall hikes in the Smoky Mountains for those seeking a quick, picturesque escapade.
Fun Fact: Mingo Falls is technically not located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. So even if it’s 120 feet tall, Ramsey Cascades is still considered the tallest waterfall in the Great Smokies.
Mouse Creek Falls: Looking for serene waterfall hikes in Smoky Mountains? A visit to Mouse Creek Falls should be on your itinerary. Nestled along the Big Creek Trail, this hidden gem offers hikers a tranquil experience far from the more crowded paths. The trail is moderate, with a round-trip distance of 4 miles.
As you meander alongside the picturesque Big Creek, you’ll pass by a plethora of smaller cascades and rapids before reaching the main attraction. This secluded beauty is one of the many reasons why it is considered among the best waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains.
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The waterfall tumbles down gracefully from a height of around 45 feet. Although it’s not the tallest waterfall in the Smokies, the peaceful surroundings and the gentle roar of the water make Mouse Creek Falls a must-see. It’s one of those Smoky Mountain waterfalls that offer rewarding solitude for those willing to venture a bit off the beaten path.
Juney Whank Falls: Juney Whank Falls is a true gem tucked away in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 90 feet tall, this double-decker waterfall offers a breathtaking view.
This serene waterfall is located just a short walk from the Deep Creek trailhead. It’s an easy 0.8-mile round-trip hike, making it one of the best waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains for a quick and scenic outing.
Meigs Falls: Situated along Little River Road, Meigs Falls can be seen from a pull-off and is one of the more accessible waterfall hikes in the Smokies.
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With the surrounding forest and pristine waters, this is one of the best waterfall hikes Pigeon Forge has to offer. Be sure to have your camera ready, as the play of light and shadows throughout the day creates stunning visuals.
Abrams Falls: Still looking for “easy Smoky Mountain hiking trails waterfalls?” Abrams Falls may not be the tallest waterfall in the Smoky Mountains, but its impressive water flow more than compensates. Its powerful surge cascades down from a height of 20 feet, creating a breathtaking spectacle that captivates hikers.
The Abrams Falls Trail begins at the Abrams Creek Trailhead, easily accessible from the Cades Cove Loop Road. It’s 5 miles round trip through richly forested areas and the scenic Abrams Creek. As with many waterfall hikes Smoky Mountains offer, this trek offers a mix of serene beauty and thrilling sights.
While the trail is popular, its generous width helps manage the flow of foot traffic. Keep an eye out for signs pointing toward the falls and enjoy the tranquil ambiance of the forested surroundings!
Great Smoky Mountains Waterfalls FAQs
What is the Most Beautiful Waterfall in the Smoky Mountains?
Defining the "most beautiful" waterfall is subjective, but Ramsey Cascades is often cited as a top contender. Its height, lush surroundings, and challenging hike make it a rewarding destination for many.
Other contenders for the title include Grotto Falls, Laurel Falls, and Rainbow Falls, each with its own unique charm.
What is the Biggest Waterfall in Tennessee?
Fall Creek Falls, located in Fall Creek Falls State Park, is the tallest waterfall in Tennessee, plunging a dramatic 256 feet. While not located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it's a worthy addition to any waterfall enthusiast's list in the state.
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