From thundering backcountry cascades to charming roadside falls, the Smokies are practically dripping with waterfalls. Perfect for a scenic photograph, the reward at the end of a hike, or a refreshing cooldown on a hot day, waterfalls are a fun natural attraction to add to your itinerary. Grab your hiking boots and use this guide to explore the best waterfalls on your next vacation to the Smoky Mountains!
When to View Waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains
Spring and early summer typically bring the most powerful waterflow thanks to snowmelt from the winter and spring and summer rain. Fall offers stunning foliage backdrops and lighter water volume, while winter can reveal sculptural ice formations on the higher falls. There’s really no bad time to plan a visit to these Smoky Mountain waterfalls – it just depends on what you’re looking for!
1. Laurel Falls
This 80-foot cascade is one of the top waterfalls in Smoky Mountains National Park. Starting at the Sugarlands Visitor Center not far from Gatlinburg, the 2.6-mile round-trip hike is fully paved, making it one of the most family-friendly and accessible falls in the park.
While stunning in every season, spring brings extra water flow and blooming laurel along the trail, creating truly magical scenery.
This popular spot can be one of the most crowded trails in the park, so aim for early morning or a weekday visit.
*Please note that the Laurel Falls trail is currently closed for rehabilitation. The NP link above gives alternate route recommendations.
2. Grotto Falls
The 25-foot Grotto Falls is the only waterfall in the Smoky Mountains that you can walk behind! The 2.6-mile round-trip trail through old growth hemlock forest is moderately challenging with some elevation gain and slippery conditions, but generally manageable with good footwear.
The trailhead is easily accessible off the Roaring Forks Motor Nature Trail and can get crowded during peak seasons–parking is limited, but shuttle services can make getting there easy.
3. Rainbow Falls
At 80 feet tall, Rainbow Falls is the tallest single-drop waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, named for the misty rainbow created at its base on sunny afternoons.
The hike from the trailhead is a bit of a workout at 5.6-miles round-trip and 1,500 feet of steady elevation gain through old-growth forest, making it better suited for older kids and those with some trail experience.
Sturdy shoes should be worn on the rocky and sometimes slippery trail, but this gorgeous waterfall is worth the climb.
4. The Place of a Thousand Drips
This roadside waterfall is actually a series of small streams trickling and fanning out over rocks rather than one dramatic drop. It flows best after heavy rain or during spring snowmelt, as the thousand drips can slow to a trickle in dry summer months.
The falls are visible right from a pull-off along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, making it a low-key, wheelchair and stroller-friendly stop to add onto a Grotto Falls or Rainbow Falls trip.
5. Abrams Falls
Located in Cades Cove, Abrams Falls is only 25 feet tall, but it makes up for height in sheer volume, with thundering water cascading into a large, picturesque pool surrounded by hemlock forest. The 5-mile round-trip hike is moderate with a few hills, and great for those with some hiking experience under their belt.
The pool at the base looks tempting for a swim, but strong currents and undertows make it dangerous, so it’s best enjoyed from the rocks. Combine Abrams Falls with a scenic drive around Cades Cove Loop for a full day of Smokies sightseeing!
6. Meigs Falls
This small drive-by waterfall is visible from a pull-off along Little River Road between Sugarlands Visitor Center and Cades Cove. There’s no hiking required, making it perfect for a quick, accessible stop.
Keep your eyes trained on the left side of the road heading towards Cades Cove, as there is no signage and it’s easy to miss the stone wall pull-off.
7. Ramsey Cascades
For adventurous hikers looking for a challenge, Ramsey Cascades is the tallest waterfall in the park at 100 feet, cascading dramatically over a rock face. The 8-mile round-trip trek is steep, rocky and technical in spots, so it’s not recommended for young children.
The reward is a lush, old-growth forest and a waterfall with fewer crowds than the park’s easier hikes. Plan for a full day and wear your hiking shoes.
8. Mingo Falls
Just outside the national park boundary about an hour from Gatlinburg, Mingo Falls is one of the tallest and most powerful waterfalls in the region at 120 feet tall. The hike is under a mile round-trip with a steep set of stairs at the start, making it a great pick for a big payoff without the long hike commitment.
Make the quick detour off the main park route and you’ll be rewarded with fewer crowds and a dramatic waterfall accessible with minimal effort.
Plan Your Visit
With options ranging from accessible viewpoints to backcountry treks, the Smoky Mountains offer a waterfall for everyone. And after a day of chasing waterfalls, you’ll want a comfortable, centrally located home base to rest up and plan tomorrow’s adventure. Compass Vacation Rentals offers beautifully appointed cabins rentals throughout the Smokies, putting you just minutes away from the best the park has to offer. Book your Smoky Mountain cabin and start planning your perfect waterfall getaway.
There are many beautiful waterfalls throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but some of the most popular include Laurel Falls, Grotto Falls, Rainbow Falls, Abrams Falls, and Ramsey Cascades. The best choice depends on how far you want to hike and the difficulty level you’re comfortable with.
Meigs Falls and The Place of a Thousand Drips are two of the easiest waterfalls to see because they can be viewed from roadside pull-offs without a hike. Mingo Falls is another option for visitors looking for a big payoff without a long hike, although reaching it requires climbing a steep set of stairs.
Spring and early summer typically offer some of the strongest waterfall flows thanks to seasonal precipitation and runoff. However, waterfalls are beautiful throughout the year, with colorful foliage in the fall and occasional ice formations adding to the scenery in winter.
Swimming near waterfalls can be extremely dangerous due to strong currents, slippery rocks, and undertows. In particular, visitors should not swim in the pool beneath Abrams Falls, where powerful currents can pose a serious safety risk.
Grotto Falls is unique because the trail actually passes behind the 25-foot waterfall. The 2.6-mile round-trip hike travels through a beautiful old-growth forest and is moderately challenging, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
