Waterfalls are both graceful and powerful natural formations to admire. There are some waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains that you just have to see! From being able to walk behind them to waterfalls that drop water over 100 feet, there’s a lot to explore! We’ve put together a list of several waterfalls that are each unique to see.
1. Grotto Falls
Grotto Falls is one of the best waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains to see! If you are looking to get out in the Smokies, but not hike for miles then this trail is perfect! The hike up to the waterfall is 2.6 miles roundtrip. The trail is not too steep and is also wide with some rocky sections so closed toe shoes are recommended. Grotto Falls is 25 feet tall. What makes this waterfall so special is that it’s the only one one in the park that you can walk behind! This gives you a great opportunity for some pictures!
2. Abrams Falls
Cades Cove is easily the most visited place in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. When you travel along the Cades Cove Loop, you will come across the trailhead for Abrams Falls. Abrams Falls is 5 miles roundtrip, and generally considered moderate in difficulty. Abrams Falls is 25 feet tall. However, don’t let the short height fool you. What makes this waterfall so spectacular is the large volume of water that goes rushing over the falls. After a heavy rain the waterfall is very impressive!
3. Laurel Falls
Laurel Falls is one of the most popular hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Round trip the trail is only 2.6 miles, and the path is paved the entire way! This is an excellent trail if you have small children or achy knees. Laurel Falls is special because it is an 80 foot tall, two-tiered waterfall that you get to walk over! A small footbridge allows hikers to travel from one side of the waterfall to the other without getting in the water.
4. Mingo Falls
Mingo Falls is on the Cherokee Indian Reservation side of the Smokies and worth the drive if you are coming from the Gatlinburg side! At 120 feet tall, Mingo Falls is a waterfall in the Smoky Mountains that you just have to see! The hike is short at less than one mile round trip. You can expect a few stories of stone stairs to climb during this hike though. However, once you reach the falls the spectacular view of it will make the climb worth it!
5. Cataract Falls
Cataract Falls is another fantastic hike to go in if you have small children or can’t physically make the climb up a mountain. The trailhead is located directly behind Sugarlands Visitor Center. The trail is relatively flat, very peaceful, and just under a mile roundtrip. The waterfall is 25 feet tall, and is very open at the bottom. Be careful for slippery rocks, but otherwise this is a great spot to sit and admire the waterfall.
There is no shortage of beautiful sights to see in the Smokies! Waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains are beautiful, naturally formed wonders that visitors to the park should take the time to admire. After you’ve seen some beautiful waterfalls in the park we invite you to explore some of the most stunning and unbeatable views of the Smoky Mountains next!
