Waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains

Waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains

As if the Great Smoky Mountains weren’t enough, waterfalls line the foliage in the midst of the animals, trees, and landscape. Waterfalls trickle through almost every stream in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Whether you enjoy listening to the cool waters splashing over the rocks or observing the wildflowers, forests and scenes from the hike, the Smokies offers it all. Three waterfalls are even visible from the roads! Talk about a convenience—you don’t even have to get out of your car! All the other waterfalls require hiking and range from easy to strenuous.

There are sixteen main waterfalls (with names included) that draw most of the attention in the park.

Abrams Falls is a five mile round trip hike that ranges from easy to moderate leading to the 20 foot high waterfall. It offers the park's largest volume of water and the most photogenic waterfall and hike. The trail begins at the Abrams Falls parking lot at the west end of Cades Cove Loop Road.

An easier trail with only half the walk of Abrams Falls is Grotto Falls. Grotto Falls is distinctive as the only waterfall in the park one can walk behind. It offers a cool, shady, moist retreat for summer hikers and visitors. It’s located at pull off number five on Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

Mingo Falls requires a moderate hike to get there, but offers a spectacular drop of about 120 feet. The trailhead is located on the Cherokee Reservation, south of the park, on Pigeon Creek Trail outside the Mingo Falls Campground. Mingo Falls has the largest cascade of any of the falls in the park.

Lastly, The Sinks is located off of the Little River Road, almost 12 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Viewing areas are right off the parking lot. This area is a huge tourist attraction in the summer and local residents use this as their swimming hole.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is filled with waterfalls, so bring your camera and family along for a great trip in the mountains! But first call Cabins For You to reserve one of our cabin rentals in Gatlinburg after your trip to the National Park. You will need a place to rest after your day of hiking, bird watching, and wading in the water, so call to rent a great Gatlinburg cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains!