The Great Smoky Mountains are known for breathtaking mountain views, incredible hiking trails, and beautiful waterfalls. You’ll want to explore the national park and see all of these natural features, but waterfalls are some of the most popular destinations. Most of the falls are accessible by hiking trail, and there’s a wide range of difficulty levels, so there’s one everyone can see! Here are the top 5 Smoky Mountain waterfalls you will want to see:
1. Laurel Falls
One of the most popular waterfalls in the Smokies is Laurel Falls. This is an 80-foot-tall waterfall that you can find at the end of an out-and-back trail that is 2.3 miles roundtrip. Many people enjoy hiking this trail because the path is paved, making it easier to get to the falls. Once you reach the waterfall, you will cross a footbridge and be able to stand in front of the upper tier of the waterfall. The lower tier flows down under the footbridge. This is an incredible waterfall to see in person!
2. Abrams Falls
Abrams Falls is another Smoky Mountain waterfall people love to see. The trailhead for the falls is located about halfway along Cades Cove Loop. This is an easy to moderate trail with a roundtrip length of 5 miles. You’ll make your way through old forest growth with huge trees, and it’s possible to see wildlife along your hike. As you near the falls, you’ll see Abrams Creek first. Abrams Falls is 20 feet tall, but even though it isn’t the tallest waterfall in the Smokies, the sheer amount of water that gushes over the side is incredible!
3. Baskins Creek Falls
A more hidden waterfall you may want to find is Baskins Creek Falls. The path to get to the falls is also considered easy to moderate, and it is 3.1 miles roundtrip. The trail starts out with an easy climb, and then flattens out where you can see mountain views and a pretty good view of downtown Gatlinburg. The last portion of the trail to the waterfall is what makes the hike moderate, because on the way back to the trailhead, you’ll have to climb a rocky incline. Baskins Creek Falls is 40 feet tall, and it has 2 tiers.
4. Spruce Flats Falls
Spruce Flats Falls is a great Smoky Mountain waterfall to see if you want to avoid more crowded areas of the park because it’s not technically on any of the official park maps. However, the 1.8-mile roundtrip trail is hiked frequently by many people, so it is easy to follow! As you come up on the waterfall, you will see the 4 tiers, and Spruce Flats Falls is 30 feet tall. Many people say this is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the entire national park!
5. Fern Branch Falls
If you want to see a waterfall but are also looking for an easy trail, you should hike Porters Creek Trail. This trail is 4 miles roundtrip, and you’ll see some historic buildings before you reach the falls. About 2 miles in, you will come up on Fern Branch Falls. It is a single-tier waterfall that stands at 60 feet tall! You’ll have a great time hiking to this waterfall!
You will want to spend your entire vacation seeing all of these wonderful Smoky Mountain waterfalls! There’s nothing like being in nature and getting to enjoy these natural wonders. Are you ready to get away and explore in the national park? Start planning your next trip by booking one of our condos in Sevierville TN!
