15 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains

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15 Impressive Waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a beautiful and serene nature escape.

Not only are there towering peaks and plentiful wildlife, but there are also waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains to admire.

Whether you’re looking to mosey around or you’re up for a challenging hike, you’ll find a thunderous waterfall to photograph and fall in love with.

Here are fifteen of the most gorgeous waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains, with details on how to access them and what you can expect to see.

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What Makes These Smoky Mountains Waterfalls So Great?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best national parks on the East Coast, and it’s the most visited national park in the States. 

Located in the Southern Appalachians, there is something undeniably magical about the waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains.

With their majestic cascades, starry mist, and vibrant colors, these natural wonders help to make this part of the Appalachian landscape genuinely spectacular.

The cascades are also a haven for a wide range of local wildlife. With so much water flowing through at once, many different species have found a perfect habitat here that helps to support their unique needs.

What truly makes these waterfalls so great is how they play with light and shadow, and the hike to get to some of them provides breathtaking mountain views.

The shifting sunlight creates ever-changing reflections on the paths of rushing water below, creating a visual experience that leaves visitors breathless.

Whether you admire the falls from up close or from farther away, they will delight and amaze you, making them one of the most fantastic attractions in this beautiful mountain range.

READ MORE: America’s 12 Prettiest National Parks on the East Coast

How Many Waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains?

The Great Smoky Mountains have over 2100 miles of streams and rivers and are home to more than 100 waterfalls.

What Is the Biggest Waterfall in the Smoky Mountains?

The Ramsey Cascades is the Smokies’ tallest waterfall at 100 feet tall.

The hike to get there is through an old growth hemlock forest, and it’s beautiful!

Tips for Chasing Waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains

When you’re exploring the best waterfalls in the Smokies, there are a few helpful tips that you should keep in mind.

Dress Smart

First and foremost, it’s essential to make sure that you dress appropriately.

This means wearing hiking boots or sturdy sneakers that will help you navigate any rocky terrain.

Make sure you check the weather before you go because temperatures can vary significantly depending on the time of year.

For the love of all things outdoorsy, don’t wear flip-flops. Or Crocs.

Pack Sunscreen and Bug Spray

Additionally, be sure to pack sunscreen and eco-friendly bug repellent.

The bugs in the Smokies can be pesky, and you’ll want to make sure that you’re protected from both the sun and the insects.

Bring Water and Snacks

Another key thing to remember is to stay hydrated by bringing along an insulated water bottle.

There aren’t water refilling stations near some waterfalls, so it’s best to have water on hand.

Further, it’s good to bring along snacks like energy bars or trail mix to help keep your energy up as you hike around the falls.

Be Careful

I cannot emphasize this enough, but stay alert and look for hazards like slippery areas or falling rocks.

Always stay on the designated paths and paved trail to avoid getting lost or injured.

Don’t climb on the rocks, and keep back from the edge at all times.

The rocks can be very slippery and one wrong step could result in a severe injury.

Now that you know what to expect let’s dive into the list of waterfalls!

If you’re hiking with kids, take extra caution and take your time.

Download Offline Maps

Make sure you download offline maps before you head into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park because you’ll have minimal service.

I also recommend buying this Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self Driving Tour. You can download it to your phone and this guide will take you to all the best spots within the national park. 

Buy your Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self Driving Tour.

Beware of Bears

Finally, it’s important to remember that the Smoky Mountains are home to a wide range of wildlife, including black bears.

While encounters with these wild animals are rare, you should always remain alert and follow basic safety instructions if you encounter one.

Here’s a helpful article from the National Park Service about how to stay safe around bears.

Black bear spottings are pretty common along the Laurel Falls trail and Abrams Falls trail.

Pick the Right Trail

Another key factor when exploring the waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains is choosing the right trail for your skill level and ability.

If you’re new to waterfall hikes, it might be best to start with a short trail that is less steep and less strenuous than other routes.

That way, you can take in all of the splendor while also getting plenty of rest breaks if needed.

Map of the Best Waterfalls in the Smokies

15 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Smoky Mountains

Now, let’s get to the fun part! But, before you go, check out my guide on where to find the best views in the Smoky Mountains!

Here are fifteen waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains that you won’t want to miss in no particular order.

Grotto Falls

• Distance: 2.6 miles
• Trail Type: Out and back
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Grotto Falls is a popular waterfall in the Smoky Mountains.

The easy to moderate, out-and-back hike to the falls is only 2.6 miles long, and it takes the average hiker two or three hours at a casual pace.

To get to Grotto Falls, get on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and then follow the Trillium Gap Trail to the falls.

This lush waterfall is surrounded by old-growth forest, so it’s a truly beautiful sight that you won’t want to miss!

Along the way, you’ll have the chance to see a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bears, and wild turkeys.

The highlight of the hike is Grotto Falls itself, a 25-foot tall cascade that plunges into a dark pool of water.

This is the only waterfall within the national park where you can walk behind the falls for a unique perspective.

If you want to do a longer hike, you can continue hiking from Grotto Falls along Trillium Gap Trail to reach the 6593-foot summit of Mount LeConte!

Cataract Falls

• Distance: 1.1 miles
• Trail Type: Out and back
• Difficulty: Easy

The hike to get to Cataract Falls is one of the easiest hikes in the entire national park, which makes it perfect for families.

Cataract Falls Trail is located ten minutes outside of downtown Gatlinburg and the trailhead is located to the left of Sugarlands Visitor Center.

You’ll come across several bridges that cross over Fighting Creek, which you’ll follow most of the way. It’s calm despite its name.

Cataract Falls is a low-flow stream that descends 25 feet into a small pool below.

You’ll want to get to this falls early because it’s one of the most popular destinations in the national park.

Abrams Falls

• Distance: 5.5 miles
• Trail type: Out and back
• Difficulty: Moderate

Abrams Falls is another sought-after waterfall in the Smoky Mountains.

Located in the Cades Cove area, the trail follows Abrams Creek most of the way to the 20-foot Abrams Falls waterfall.

You’ll access the hiking trail at past stop #10 on Cades Cove Loop Road, and there is a sign indicating the trailhead.

It takes three to four hours to hike the trail and come back, so make sure you do this hike earlier in the day so you’re not hiking back in the dark.

Abrams Falls is named for a Cherokee chief, Oskuah, who once lived in the area and then changed his name to Abram.

Abrams Falls is the most voluminous waterfall in the Smoky Mountains. Even though swimming in the falls looks fun, don’t do it!!

The base of Abrams Falls has strong currents and an undertow which makes it very dangerous to swim! Again, don’t swim here!!

Laurel Falls

• Distance: 2.4 miles
• Trail type: Out and back
• Difficulty: Easy

The Laurel Falls hike is the most popular because of how easy it is to complete and the trail is paved the whole way.

Laurel Falls Trail is the perfect hike for kids and older people, which makes it one of the more popular waterfalls in the national park.

After an hour of hiking, you’ll be rewarded with epic views of the mighty Laurel Falls.

Laurel Falls is 80 feet tall and divided into two tiers by a ledge. It got its name from the mountain laurel that blooms in the area around the falls in May.

To get to Laurel Falls, head towards the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Once you pass it, turn right onto Little River Road. After that, you’ll drive around three and a half miles to the trailhead.

Ramsey Cascades

• Distance: 8.1 miles
• Trail type: Out and back
• Difficulty: Hard

Ramsey Cascades is the tallest waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains at a whopping 90 feet.

Don’t let the first few miles of the hike fool you. It turns from gradual to steep within the last couple of miles.

The trail is very picturesque as it follows several streams and rivers while gaining over 2000 feet in elevation before you reach the trail.

As you progress along the hike, you’ll be surrounded by towering trees giving it a fairytale-like feel.

This hiking trail is not recommended for people who don’t have experience hiking in rough terrain.

Ramsey Cascades is a great waterfall to visit during the fall season because of how vibrant the fall foliage is.

To get to Ramsey Cascades, enter Great Smoky Mountains National Park and follow the signs to the trailhead. It’s about four and a half miles into the national park.

READ MORE: USA: Fall Trips: 12 of the Best Autumn Trips for Fall Foliage

Indian Creek, Juney Whank and Toms Branch Falls

Located in the Deep Creek area, these three waterfalls are very close to one another and can be seen in one easy hike.

These falls are located on the North Carolina side of the national park and are the least visited area, which is a shame.

The first waterfall you’ll see is Juney Whank Falls. You’ll take Juney Whank Loop Trail to get there.

After Juney Whank Falls, keep walking and you’ll end up at Deep Creek Trail. This hiking trail will lead you to Indian Creek Falls and Tom Branch Falls.

You’ll stumble upon Tom Branch Falls first after you hike ten or so minutes from Juney Whank.

After you soak in the views at Tom Branch Falls, head to Indian Creek Falls. It’s a short walk.

Once you reach Indian Creek Falls, you’ll take a few stairs down to the viewing platform.

After you finish seeing Indian Creek Falls, head back to where you started to complete this short and sweet hike.

To get to these hiking trails, put them into your GPS and you’ll be taken straight there.

Mingo Falls

• Distance: 0.3 miles
• Trail type: Out and back
• Difficulty: Moderate

Mingo Falls is actually located just right outside of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina on a Cherokee Indian Reservation (Qualla Boundary).

It’s a mammoth of a waterfall at 120 feet tall making it one of the tallest waterfalls in the southern Appalachians.

You’ll take Pigeon Creek Trail to reach the waterfall, and be prepared to climb around 160 stairs during the first half of the hike.

After that, it’s a quick and easy walk to the base of the falls.

Rainbow Falls

• Distance: 5.1 miles
• Trail type: Out and back
• Difficulty: Moderate

At 80 feet, Rainbow Falls has earned the title of being the tallest single-drop waterfall in the Smokies.

The water tumbles over a wide ledge and as the water hits the pool at the base, it creates a mist that sometimes catches the sunlight and creates a rainbow — which is where it got its name from.

Sunny afternoons are gorgeous in the national park, and they’re even better at Rainbow Falls.

Set aside four to five hours to complete this hike and head back to the parking lot.

If you’re a seasoned hiker, the summit of Mount Le Conte is only about another four miles from the falls.

Hen Wallow Falls

• Distance: 4.4
• Trail type: Out and back
• Difficulty: Moderate

There are so many incredible waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains and Hen Wallow Falls is one of them.

The 90-foot-tall waterfall is only two feet tall at the top, but it spreads out to twenty feet at the base.

The access point for the trail is the Gabes Mountain Trail and will take three or four hours to hike to the waterfall and back.

Mouse Creek Falls

• Distance: 4 miles
• Trail type: Out and back
• Difficulty: Easy

Mouse Creek Falls is a beautiful 45 foot waterfall that’s surrounded by thick hardwood forest and cascades over a few mossy tiers before it drops into Big Creek.

The access trail is Big Creek Trail and it’ll take around two to three hours to hike to the waterfall and back.

On the way back, stop at Midnight Hole — a scenic pool nestled at the foot of a six-foot waterfall.

Midnight Hole is a gorgeous swimming hole where you can cool off after your long hike.

What Waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains Can You Drive To?

If you’re not into hiking at all or you’re short on time, there are three waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains that you can drive to.

The Sinks

Old State Hwy 73 Scenic, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Located along the Little River Road, the Sinks is a 15-foot waterfall that’s mighty.

It’s named after the large whirlpool that forms at the base of the falls that swirls like water going down a sink drain.

It’s a great spot to get out of the car, stretch your legs, and go for a dip.

Just make sure you don’t get close to the falls because you don’t want to be swept away into the “sink.”

Meigs Falls

Old State Hwy 73 Scenic, Townsend, TN 37882

Tucked away on the far side of Little River, Meigs Falls is another quick roadside waterfall to check out.

Pay attention to your map and slow down when you’re approaching Meigs Falls.

You’ll find a parking area right along the road and you can stop there and get a glimpse of Meigs Falls.

Place of a Thousand Drips

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37783

Not only does this waterfall have a cool name, but it’s also fascinating.

It got its name from the fact that during dry periods, the waterfall is barely noticeable and only creates a few trickles.

But when the water is flowing heavily, it creates a full and continuous drip.

It’s really one of the best waterfalls to see in the Smokies because it has this cool phenomenon that you can only witness during certain times of the year.

Waterfalls in Smoky Mountains Checklist:

• Grotto Falls
• Cataract Falls
• Abrams Falls
• Laurel Falls
• Ramsey Cascades
• Indian Creek Falls
• Juney Whank Falls
• Toms Branch Falls
• Bingo Falls
• Rainbow Falls
• Hen Wallow Falls
• Mouse Creek Falls
• The Sinks
• Meigs Falls
• Place of a Thousand Drips

Final Thoughts About Waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains

The 15 waterfalls listed above are some of the best waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains.

These Smoky Mountain waterfalls can be accessed by hiking trails of varying difficulties, and range in size from 20 feet tall to over 100 feet tall.

Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a beginner, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an excellent destination for waterfalls and outdoor adventure.

No matter which waterfalls you decide to visit, they’re sure to leave a lasting impression.

Have you been to any of these waterfalls in Smoky Mountains? If so, which one was your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!

Waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains Related Posts

• America’s 13 Prettiest National Parks on the East Coast
• 12 Gorgeous National Parks on the West Coast
• Weekend Trip to Nashville: 16 Fun Things to Do in Music City
• 12 Best Views in the Smoky Mountains: Breathtaking Landscapes from These Amazing Lookouts

Jaw-Dropping Waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains 

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