One of the best things about our restaurant is the location! We are situated right on the outskirts of Gatlinburg, just minutes away from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! At the national park, you can explore the natural scenery of the Smokies, including mountain views, tons of flowers, and even some breathtaking waterfalls. Here are 4 of the best waterfall hikes in the Smoky Mountains:
1. Abrams Falls
If you are looking for the most incredible waterfalls in the Smokies, you have to check out Abrams Falls. Although the falls itself is only 20 feet high, it more than makes up for its lack of size with the incredible volume of water that gushes over the waterfall. In fact, it is the most voluminous waterfall in the Smokies! As the water pours over the cliff, it collects in a long, deep pool below which creates a must-see sight. In total, the round-trip length of this trail is 5 miles, and it only has a total elevation gain of roughly 340 feet.
2. Grotto Falls
At only 2.6 miles roundtrip, Grotto Falls is one of the most popular waterfall hikes in the Smoky Mountains for beginners and families with kids. As you kick off the hike, you will travel through an old growth forest where you can enjoy all sorts of local plants, trees, and shrubs. In the spring, you can also see a ton of blooming wildflowers, plus some ginormous hemlock trees! As for the waterfall, Grotto Falls is 25 feet tall. The thing that makes this hike unique is that you can actually walk behind the waterfall to get an up-close view of the rushing water.
3. Laurel Falls
There are many things to love about the hike to Laurel Falls! First off, this is one of the few trails in the Smokies that are fully paved, making it easy for all hikers to enjoy. Also, the trail is just 2.3 miles round trip, which means it can easily be completed in just a couple of hours. Once you get to the waterfall, you will be treated to an 80-foot waterfall that is split into two sections by a small footbridge! This makes it easy to get a wonderful picture of your family with the gushing waterfall in the background. If you love hiking, this is one of the trails to add to your itinerary.
4. Cataract Falls
For those looking for a short and simple hike, Cataract Falls is a great option. In total, this trail covers just 1.1 miles. Although it’s short in length, there is still plenty to see, including the 25-foot-tall waterfall. After making your way through the forest, you will go under a bridge and up a small flight of stairs to reach the spectacular falls. In addition, you can enjoy plenty of other nature along the way, including moss growth on the trees, amazing flowers, and a famous hollow tree that is sure to catch your eye.
There are so many ways to enjoy the scenery in the area, including by enjoying one of these hikes in the Smoky Mountains! Be sure to learn about some of the other things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park before your next trip. We look forward to seeing you soon!
