Gatlinburg is a tourist spot in East Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains. One amazing view just outside of Gatlinburg is waterfalls that stream over rock faces and cliffs, reminding us of the mountain’s grandeur. More than 30 cascades through the woods surrounding town, each with its own individuality. In this article, we are going to recommend six of the best waterfalls in Gatlinburg.
Despite the fact that there are no recognized hiking paths leading to them, some brave people may go into the woods in search of these hidden jewels stashed away in different regions of Sevier County. Some may be completed in around 20 minutes on foot, while others demand longer time commitments. Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a lovely vacation place for folks who want to enjoy nature while still having a good time. Some of the most stunning waterfalls in the South may be seen in Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Don’t miss out on witnessing some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the nation. Start making plans for a fantastic day of visiting beautiful waterfalls in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains!
1. The Bathroom Sinks
The Sinks is one of the few waterfalls in Gatlinburg accessible by car. Because the falls are so easily accessible, they may become crowded, so get there early to enjoy the finest views of the cascade.
The Sinks is one of the park’s most remarkable waterfalls. The riverbed below the sinks was dynamited to break up a log jam when the Smoky Mountains were logged before to the founding of the national park.
This not only changed the river’s path and produced a unique-shaped waterfall, but it also created a deep pool that’s perfect for swimming. If you intend on swimming at the Sinks, use extreme caution since the region has powerful currents that have killed swimmers who got too near to the falls.
There is no trekking to appreciate this waterfall, however the Meigs Creek Trail begins near the Sinks if you want to take a relaxing stroll through the woods. The 18-foot Meigs Creek Cascades, another beautiful cascade in the park, may be reached by this delightful stroll.
Take the Little River Gorge Road for 13.5 miles from Gatlinburg to Cades Cove. On the left, there will be a parking space for the waterfall.
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2. Falls of the Rainbow
Rainbow Falls is called from the lovely hues generated by the light traveling through the mist of this cascade. This 80-foot waterfall cascades over a cliff face and is much more stunning when it rains. This is one of the most beautiful Gatlinburg falls, nestled on the gorgeous slopes of Mt. LeConte.
To get to the falls, go to the Cherokee Orchard parking lot, which is one of the first stops on the Roaring Fork Motor Trail. The Rainbow Falls Trail is 2.6 miles long and leads to Rainbow Falls. If you have more time and stamina, you may hike another 4.2 miles to Mt. LeConte’s top.
3. Grotto Falls
This well-known attraction allows tourists to stroll under a waterfall. The walk to the falls passes through a tiny grotto created out by erosion and rock falls over the years. Grotto Falls is a great spot to cool down in the summer since the mist from the falls acts as natural air conditioning. The Trillium Gap Route is the hiking trail that leads to this Gatlinburg waterfall.
Drive 6 kilometers into the national park on the Historic Nature Trail. The Trillium Gap Trailhead is located in Cherokee Orchard, although vehicles may reduce their trek by turning right onto the Roaring Fork Motor Trail and driving farther. Grotto Falls is approximately a 1.3-mile walk from here, through a lovely part of woodland with old-growth Hemlocks.
4. Laurel Falls
In the Smoky Mountains, Laurel Falls may be seen. This conveniently accessible waterfall walk in Gatlinburg is undoubtedly one of the national park’s most popular waterfalls.
This magnificent waterfall trek boasts excellent hardwood forest, breathtaking mountain vistas, and a multi-tiered cascade, and for good cause. The amount of mountain laurel that grows along the trailside gives this Gatlinburg waterfall trek its name. Late in the spring, these mountain plants blossom, producing a lovely scene.
Because of the popularity of the trip to Laurel Falls, the park service opted to pave the route to prevent erosion. The slope, however, is steep and rough in spots, making it unsuitable for wheelchair users. Because this hiking path is popular, expect to encounter huge crowds while going in the afternoon or during peak seasons such as the autumn, summer, and winter vacations. It’s advisable to come early in the day to avoid the throng and enjoy some peace on this trip.
From Gatlinburg, take the Little River Gorge Road for 6 miles to Cades Cove. The Laurel Falls Trail parking lot is on the right. The Laurel Falls Trek is a short (1.3 mile one-way) and simple hike in comparison to other Smoky Mountain hikes.
5. Ramsey Cascades
Ramsey Cascades, at 100 feet tall, is the park’s highest and perhaps most beautiful waterfall. To reach the falls, this secluded climb demands an 8-mile round-trip journey that is fairly demanding. Ramsey Cascades is situated in the Excellent Smoky Mountains National Park’s Greenbrier section, and is a great spot to observe enormous, old-growth Hemlocks and Poplars.
Take Gatlinburg’s East Parkway for 8 miles, then turn right onto Greenbrier Rd into the Greenbrier Park Entrance. The Ramsey Cascades Trail may be found by following the signage. Ramsey Cascades is a rough journey that rises 2,500 feet up Mt. Goyot’s drainage, so be prepared for a lengthy, difficult hike if you want to view this waterfall. Rest assured, the effort is well worth the reward of experiencing the Smoky Mountains’ largest waterfall.
6. Abrams Falls
The renowned Cades Cove section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to Abrams Falls. This waterfall, which is located along Abrams Creek, has the highest volume in the Smokies. Despite the presence of a big pool at the foot of the falls and several boulders to climb on, this region is famously hazardous.
The huge amount of water at this waterfall produces treacherous currents for swimmers, while the moss and water from the falls make the rocks slick. The greatest place to see this lovely waterfall is from the safety of an approved hiking route. Take the Cades Cove Loop Road to get to this waterfall. A sign for the Abrams Falls Trail may be seen at the half-way mark. The round-trip trek to the falls is little under 5 miles.
Driving directions: From Gatlinburg, go 33 miles through the national park on the Little River Road to the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road. A sign for the Abrams Falls Trail may be seen around the half-way point on the one-way circle road.
Final words
Waterfalls are one-of-a-kind in their own right. It is not formed by wind and rain erosion, folding and faulting of rocks, as mountains are, and some waterfalls are formed by glacial movement, while others are man-made, such as dams for hydroelectric generation or recreation, but regardless of how they are formed, all waterfalls are breathtaking sights to behold. Visit these best waterfalls in Gatlinburg and you will enjoy the wonderful experiences.
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