Waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Explore the Waterfalls of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to more than 2,000 miles of flowing streams, carving their way through rugged terrain and creating countless scenic waterfalls throughout the park. With cascading waters found at nearly every elevation, visitors can expect to encounter these natural features around almost every bend in the trail.
Many of the park’s most renowned waterfalls are located on the Tennessee side, making Gatlinburg an ideal base for waterfall excursions. While most require a hike, ranging from easy strolls to more strenuous climbs, a few can be viewed with little effort—perfect for families or those with mobility limitations.
Below is a curated list of some of the park’s most iconic and rewarding waterfalls to explore:
Abrams Falls
Distance: 5 miles round trip | Difficulty: Moderate
Located at the end of Cades Cove Loop Road, this wide trail leads through beautiful forested terrain to a powerful 20-foot waterfall that spills into a deep, inviting pool. Known for its high water volume, Abrams Falls is a favorite among photographers and hikers alike.
Grotto Falls
Distance: 3 miles round trip | Difficulty: Easy
This picturesque trail, accessible via the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, winds through a hemlock-rich forest and crosses several streams. Grotto Falls is unique as the only waterfall in the park you can walk behind—making it a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Hen Wallow Falls
Distance: 4 miles round trip | Difficulty: Moderate
Starting near Cosby Campground, this trail leads to a graceful cascade that widens dramatically as it descends nearly 100 feet over sheer rock. A side trail takes you to the base for a closer view.
Laurel Falls
Distance: 2.6 miles round trip | Difficulty: Easy
One of the park’s most accessible waterfall hikes, this paved trail offers a family-friendly journey to a beautiful 60-foot cascade. The falls are particularly popular due to the ease of access and scenic views.
Rainbow Falls
Distance: 5.5 miles round trip | Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Standing 80 feet tall, Rainbow Falls is the tallest single-drop waterfall in the park. The hike is a rewarding challenge with plenty of forested beauty along the way, and the falls are especially striking when sunlight creates a rainbow in the mist.
Spruce Flats Falls
Distance: 3.8 miles round trip | Difficulty: Moderate
This lesser-known trail begins near the Tremont Institute and offers a quieter alternative to the more frequented routes. The waterfall itself is multi-tiered and flows gracefully through a serene woodland setting.
Baskins Creek Falls
Distance: 3 miles round trip | Difficulty: Moderate
This peaceful trail leads to a two-tiered, 40-foot waterfall nestled in a quiet part of the park. The descent is relatively gentle, though the return hike is more demanding due to the uphill climb.
Fern Branch Falls
Distance: 8 miles round trip | Difficulty: Moderate
Found along Porters Creek Trail, this hike offers a tranquil journey through lush forest before reaching the 50-foot Fern Branch Falls—a peaceful retreat ideal for nature photography and reflection.
Cataract Falls
Distance: 1 mile round trip | Difficulty: Very Easy
Located just behind Sugarlands Visitor Center, this short, family-friendly walk leads to a charming 25-foot waterfall. It’s ideal for young children and anyone looking for a quick, scenic outing near the park entrance.
Ramsey Cascades
Distance: 7.5 miles round trip | Difficulty: Strenuous
As the tallest waterfall in the park at 100 feet, Ramsey Cascades is a true natural wonder. The trail winds through ancient hardwood forest and offers a challenging, rewarding experience for experienced hikers.
Waterfalls on the North Carolina Side
Mouse Creek Falls
Distance: 4.2 miles round trip | Difficulty: Easy
This trail, located in the Big Creek area, is great for all skill levels and features a peaceful 45-foot cascade. A popular swimming hole along the way makes this hike especially appealing in warmer months.
Indian Creek Falls
Distance: 2 miles round trip | Difficulty: Easy
Beginning from the Deep Creek area, this level trail leads to a scenic 60-foot waterfall cascading over ledges into a wide pool. It’s a perfect destination for a relaxed outing.
Juney Whank Falls
Distance: 1.5 miles round trip | Difficulty: Moderate
Located near the Deep Creek Campground, this trail ascends through mixed forest to a charming cascade. A wooden footbridge provides an excellent viewing platform.
Chasteen Creek Falls
Distance: 4 miles round trip | Difficulty: Moderate
Starting at Smokemont Campground, this moderate trail meanders through a peaceful forest before arriving at a graceful, lesser-known waterfall—ideal for those seeking a quiet escape.
Whether you’re seeking a quick walk or a full-day adventure, the waterfalls of Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer something for everyone. Each season reveals new beauty, from springtime flows to the vibrant colors of fall, making these waterfalls a must-see during your visit.
For more trails, with and without waterfalls, see our Hiking in the Smokies guide for a Great Smoky Mountains National Park map that shows all the trails, with our listing of some of the best Smoky Mountains hiking trails. It’s all free to explore. And also see our guides to Gatlinburg Hiking Trails, and more outdoor ideas in our Smoky Mountains Activities guide.
Also check out our Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains guide as well, and Things to Do in Gatlinburg With Kids. We have cabins all over the area, so you can plan your stay in our Wears Valley cabins, our Pigeon Forge rental cabins or our Gatlinburg cabins – and if you want to bring the family pet along, check our latest list of pet friendly cabins in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.