You’ll find many hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with incredible natural beauty, from mountain views to rushing streams to waterfalls. Since people love hiking to Smoky Mountain waterfalls year-round, here are the top 5 waterfall hikes in the Smoky Mountains you should try during your next trip:
1. Laurel Falls
One of the best easy waterfall hikes near Sevierville TN and also the most popular waterfall hike in the Smoky Mountains, Laurel Falls is a paved trail that’s 2.6 miles roundtrip. In the spring, you will see a ton of mountain laurel, which is where the trail and the waterfall got their names. In the fall, you can enjoy the beauty of the changing leaves. The beautiful waterfall itself is 80 feet tall with two tiers and a bridge to get up close for photos. It’s definitely a sight you’ll want to experience!
NOTE: Laurel Falls Trail is closed as of January 6th 2025 for 18 months of rehabilitation work.
2. Abrams Falls
Abrams Falls is another one of the best Smoky Mountain hikes with waterfalls. It’s a great trail for kids, teens, and adults to enjoy together! The trailhead is located about halfway along the Cades Cove Loop, and the hike is around 5 miles roundtrip, The old-growth forest is peaceful, and there are gorgeous wildflowers to take in during the spring and summer. Abrams Creek is a common area for fishing, and you should definitely keep an eye out for salamanders once you reach the falls. While it’s 25 feet tall, the amount of water that gushes over Abrams Falls is impressive.
3. Grotto Falls
You’ll take the Trillium Gap Trail for this waterfall hike in the Smoky Mountains. The trail to Grotto Falls is a roundtrip length of 3 miles and is considered moderate. If you start early in the day during the week, you might see the llamas that take supplies to the summit of Mount LeConte! About 1.5 miles into the hike, you will come up to Grotto Falls. This waterfall is 25 feet tall, and it’s the only waterfall in the Smokies you can walk behind. Water pours into a pool, and you will see fish swimming in the water. You might even spot salamanders in the water, as well as turtles!
4. Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is an impressive waterfall in the Smokies that you will definitely want to see. This moderate 5.4-mile roundtrip hike takes you through trees and along winding creeks, with wildflowers along the path in the spring. Rainbow Falls is 80 feet tall and the largest single-drop waterfall in the national park. Of all the waterfalls near Pigeon Forge TN, this one has to be one of the most stunning!
5. Ramsey Cascades
Probably one of the hardest Smoky Mountain waterfall hikes to do, but arguably the most impressive waterfall to see, Ramsey Cascades is a whopping 100 feet tall, with a large pool of water at the bottom. At 8 miles roundtrip, the trail to reach the falls is difficult, but you’ll have a pleasant view the entire hike, as most of the trail follows the creeks and river.
We know you won’t want to miss out on any of these waterfall hikes in the Smoky Mountains. Read more about the best summer hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains for more hiking trail recommendations!
Want to know what you can do around town in addition to hiking in the national park? Look through our Adventure Power Pass to see what kinds of deals you’ll get on local attractions when you book one of our cabins!
