The Great Smoky Mountains are known for their breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and miles of hiking trails, but one of the park’s most beloved natural attractions is its waterfalls. Thanks to the area’s abundant rainfall and dramatic changes in elevation, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to hundreds of waterfalls, from towering cascades to gentle streams that wind through the forest.
Whether you’re looking for a short, family-friendly walk, a scenic roadside stop, or a challenging hike with an unforgettable reward, there’s a waterfall waiting to be discovered. Here’s your guide to some of the best waterfalls in and around the Great Smoky Mountains.
Waterfalls You Can Hike To
Laurel Falls
Trail Closure Notice: Laurel Falls Trail has been closed since January 6, 2025, for a major rehabilitation project. The trail remains closed at the time this article was published. Visitors should check the National Park Service’s latest trail conditions before planning a hike to Laurel Falls.
One of the most popular waterfalls in the Smokies, Laurel Falls is an excellent choice for families and first-time visitors. The 80-foot waterfall is reached by a paved 2.6-mile roundtrip trail, making it one of the park’s most accessible waterfall hikes.
Although the trail is paved, it is steep in some areas and can become crowded during peak seasons. Plan to arrive early in the day for the best chance at finding parking and enjoying a quieter hike.
Trail Details
- Roundtrip Distance: 2.6 miles
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Waterfall Height: 80 feet
Grotto Falls
If you’ve ever wanted to walk behind a waterfall, Grotto Falls is the place to do it. Located along the Trillium Gap Trail, this 25-foot waterfall is one of the only waterfalls in the Smokies where visitors can safely pass behind the cascading water.
The shaded trail winds through a lush forest filled with wildflowers in the spring and vibrant greenery throughout the summer, making it one of the park’s most enjoyable hikes.
Trail Details
- Roundtrip Distance: 2.6 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Waterfall Height: 25 feet
Abrams Falls
Located in the scenic Cades Cove area, Abrams Falls may only stand about 20 feet tall, but don’t let its height fool you. It has one of the largest volumes of water in the national park, creating a powerful and picturesque cascade.
The hike features rolling terrain with rocky sections before arriving at the waterfall. While the pool at the base may look inviting, swimming is strongly discouraged due to dangerous currents.
Trail Details
- Roundtrip Distance: 5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Waterfall Height: 20 feet
Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the national park, dropping 80 feet over a rugged cliff. On sunny afternoons, the mist often creates colorful rainbows, giving this waterfall its fitting name.
The trail is more strenuous than many others in the park, but hikers are rewarded with beautiful creek views, old-growth forest, and one of the Smokies’ most iconic waterfalls.
Trail Details
- Roundtrip Distance: 5.4 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
- Waterfall Height: 80 feet
Ramsey Cascades
For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, Ramsey Cascades offers one of the most rewarding adventures in the Smokies. At approximately 100 feet, it is the tallest waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The trail climbs steadily through a beautiful old-growth forest featuring towering tulip trees, moss-covered boulders, and rushing mountain streams before reaching the spectacular cascade.
Trail Details
- Roundtrip Distance: 8 miles
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Waterfall Height: 100 feet
Hen Wallow Falls
Tucked away near the Cosby entrance to the national park, Hen Wallow Falls offers a quieter hiking experience away from some of the park’s busiest destinations. Water spills nearly 90 feet down a narrow rock face, creating a peaceful setting surrounded by hardwood forest.
Spring wildflowers and colorful fall foliage make this trail especially beautiful throughout the year.
Trail Details
- Roundtrip Distance: 4.4 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Waterfall Height: 90 feet
Cataract Falls
Located just behind Sugarlands Visitor Center, Cataract Falls is one of the easiest waterfalls to visit in the Smokies. The short walk through the forest makes it perfect for families with young children or anyone looking for a quick stop while entering the national park.
Trail Details
- Roundtrip Distance: 0.75 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Waterfall Height: Approximately 25 feet
Mingo Falls
Just outside the national park on the Qualla Boundary near Cherokee, North Carolina, Mingo Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the southern Appalachians, standing approximately 120 feet tall.
Visitors can reach the overlook by climbing a short staircase from the parking area, making this spectacular waterfall surprisingly accessible.
Trail Details
- Roundtrip Distance: Less than 0.5 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Waterfall Height: 120 feet
Juney Whank Falls
Located in the Deep Creek area near Bryson City, Juney Whank Falls is a hidden gem that rewards visitors with a stunning 90-foot waterfall. A footbridge crosses directly in front of the falls, offering one of the best photo opportunities in the area.
Many visitors combine this short hike with nearby Indian Creek Falls and Tom Branch Falls for a full day of waterfall exploring.
Trail Details
- Roundtrip Distance: 0.6 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Waterfall Height: 90 feet
Indian Creek Falls
Another favorite in the Deep Creek area, Indian Creek Falls is a wide, 25-foot cascade reached by an easy hike along Deep Creek. The gentle trail makes it a wonderful option for families or anyone looking for a relaxing outdoor adventure.
Because of its close proximity to Juney Whank Falls and Tom Branch Falls, it’s easy to see multiple waterfalls in a single trip.
Trail Details
- Roundtrip Distance: Approximately 2 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Waterfall Height: 25 feet
Roadside Waterfalls You Can Drive To
Not every beautiful waterfall in the Smokies requires a hike. If you’re exploring the park by car, these roadside waterfalls are worth adding to your itinerary.
Meigs Falls
Located along Little River Road between Townsend and Gatlinburg, Meigs Falls is one of the few waterfalls visible directly from the road. The 18-foot waterfall is especially impressive after a rainfall and makes for a perfect scenic photo stop.
The Place of a Thousand Drips
Near the end of Little River Road, you’ll find one of the Smokies’ most unique waterfalls. Rather than one large cascade, the Place of a Thousand Drips features water flowing over a broad rock face in countless tiny streams. It’s most impressive after periods of heavy rain and is especially beautiful during the warmer months.
Waterfall Safety Tips
While the waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains are beautiful, it’s important to enjoy them safely.
Keep these tips in mind during your visit:
- Stay on designated trails and viewing areas.
- Never climb on wet rocks around waterfalls. They can be extremely slippery.
- Avoid swimming or jumping into pools below waterfalls. Hidden rocks and strong currents can create dangerous conditions.
- Exercise caution near riverbanks, especially after heavy rain when water levels can rise quickly.
- Mountain streams remain cold throughout the year and can lead to hypothermia, even during warmer months.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, and let someone know your hiking plans if you’re tackling longer trails.
- Help protect the park by packing out everything you bring with you and leaving no trace.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Smoky Mountain Waterfalls?
Waterfalls are beautiful during every season, but each offers a different experience.
Spring brings powerful water flow from seasonal rains, along with blooming wildflowers lining many trails.
Summer offers lush green forests and refreshing hiking conditions beneath the tree canopy, though popular waterfalls can become busy.
Fall is one of the most scenic times to visit as vibrant autumn colors surround the waterfalls, creating picture-perfect views.
Winter provides peaceful trails and the chance to see waterfalls partially frozen during especially cold weather, creating spectacular ice formations.
Plan Your Waterfall Adventure
Whether you’re looking for an easy roadside stop, a family-friendly hike, or a challenging trek deep into the mountains, the Great Smoky Mountains offer waterfalls for every skill level and adventure.
As you plan your Smoky Mountain vacation, consider adding several of these beautiful waterfalls to your itinerary. Along the way, you’ll experience some of the region’s most breathtaking scenery, discover peaceful hiking trails, and create unforgettable memories in America’s most-visited national park.
