Waterfalls Near Gatlinburg — Laurel Falls, Grotto Falls & More

The Smoky Mountains get more rainfall than anywhere in the continental US outside the Pacific Northwest — which means waterfalls everywhere. Here are the best ones accessible from Gatlinburg.

Laurel Falls (2.6 miles round trip, easy)

The most visited waterfall in the park. An 80-foot cascade split into upper and lower sections, reached by a paved trail through hardwood forest. The pavement makes it accessible for families and older visitors, but it also means crowds — go before 9 AM or after 4 PM. The falls are beautiful year-round: surrounded by mountain laurel blooms in spring, lush green in summer, golden foliage in fall, and partially frozen in winter.

Grotto Falls (2.6 miles round trip, moderate)

The only waterfall in the Smokies you can walk behind. A 25-foot curtain of water falling over a mossy rock overhang, with space to walk behind the cascade. The trail passes through old-growth hemlocks and you’ll often see salamanders on the wet rocks. Trailhead is on Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. This is the most magical waterfall experience near Gatlinburg.

Rainbow Falls (5.4 miles round trip, strenuous)

At 80 feet, Rainbow Falls is one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in the park. On sunny afternoons, the mist creates rainbows — hence the name. The trail is rocky and steep with 1,500 feet of elevation gain, but the payoff is worth it. In winter, the falls freeze into a massive ice column that attracts photographers from across the Southeast.

Ramsey Cascades (8 miles round trip, strenuous)

The tallest waterfall in the park at 100 feet — a multi-tiered cascade tumbling over massive rock formations. The trail is the most difficult waterfall hike near Gatlinburg, gaining 2,200 feet over 4 miles through old-growth forest with some of the largest trees in the Eastern US. Save this for a day when you’re ready for a full-day adventure.

Cataract Falls (0.2 miles, easy)

A quick roadside waterfall on the Sugarlands Visitor Center nature trail — just 0.1 miles from the parking lot. It’s small (25 feet) but beautiful, and it’s the perfect waterfall for families with young children or anyone who doesn’t want to hike. The Sugarlands nature trail loop is flat and paved.

Vacation Deals

View Gatlinburg Timeshare Promotions →

More Gatlinburg Content

• Gatlinburg Fun Things To Do — Complete Guide →
• Gatlinburg Timeshare Promotions →
• All Destination Deals →