Three Waterfall Hikes in the Smokies
As a local to the area I’ve been all over these mountains for years. I grew up going to the Smokies and still go today. Below you will find three of my favorite waterfall hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains. They’re all pretty easy to get too, and one of them you don’t even have to hike to get to it.
If you want more waterfall hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains and just more info in general on the Smokies and surrounding areas, check out my Great Smoky Mountains Guide.
Grotto Falls
It’s my favorite waterfall hike in the Great Smoky Mountains. It’s actually the only waterfall in the park that you can walk behind. The trail is considered moderate and is only 2.6 miles roundtrip. But, it’s really not a hard hike. I found it pretty easy and I’m not an avid hiker.
To get to the trailhead follow the Historic Nature Trail in Gatlinburg into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Take Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. It’s a one-way road and you will find the trailhead along it at stop number 5.
The trail is worn and not overgrown. It’s also a popular choice, so there will be other people on the trail with you. I suggest going early to avoid the heavier crowds and get a parking spot right at the trailhead.
Once you arrive there is plenty of space to enjoy the 25ft high waterfall!
Laurel Falls
It is the most popular waterfall hike in the Great Smoky Mountains. Personally, I like Grotto Falls better, however, this one is beautiful too! The trail is considered easy and it is only 2.5 miles roundtrip. At times, you will see it listed as wheelchair and stroller friendly. But, it really isn’t. Parts of it are paved, but the pavement in those parts are busted and uneven.
The waterfall is 80 feet high and has an upper and lower section that is divided by a walkway. To get to the trailhead start at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Turn towards Cades Cove on Little River Gorge Road. Drive about 3.5 miles and you will see the trailhead. There are parking areas on both sides of the road.
There isn’t as much space at this waterfall as there is at Grotto and it can get congested. Since it is the most popular waterfall in the park it does get very crowded. And, the parking lots tends to fill up quickly. Once the parking lots are full there isn’t any parking available for this trail. You can’t park on the side of the road and walk to it. So, go early to get a spot and avoid heavy crowds.
The Sinks
It is one of the only man-made waterfalls in the park. It’s right off the side of the road, and you don’t have to hike to it. The waterfall is small at only 15ft high, but it’s very powerful!
In the 1800’s this river was used by loggers. One day the logs got stuck and jammed the river. So, the loggers used dynamite to try and blast it back open. Thus, the waterfall was born. There is a map at the fall so you can see how it once looked before the blast occurred.
The parking area to view it is also along Little River Gorge Road. If you’re staying in Townsend, it’s close to the Townsend entrance to the park.
DO NOT swim in this waterfall or around it. It’s, unfortunately, a very popular swimming hole. Although the waterfall itself is small, as I said earlier, it is powerful. It has very strong currents and an undertow. Because of this, there have been multiple drownings here.
The parking lot is small and fills up fast at times. Try to go early to get a spot!
Parking Passes for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
As of March 2023, parking passes are required. If you are parked anywhere in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for more than 15 minutes, you must have one on your vehicle. The only exception to this rule are those with a handicap tag or placard.
If you do not have a parking tag and are parked for longer than 15 minutes, your vehicle will be towed. Don’t shoot me, I’m just the messenger haha! You can buy them at visitors centers or online, click here for more information.
