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Waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains are Relaxing and Beautiful!

Waterfalls in the Smoky MountainsThere are many waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains. Every stream in the mountains has them. To see the most beautiful falls in the park, you must hike a trail. Along the way you will see the beautiful forest vegetation, spectacular mountain flowers and on occasion some wildlife. The trip is always worth the effort as some of the most beautiful waterfalls in America are in the Smoky Mountains.




Smoky Mountain Rivers & Streams




Below is a list of some of the most popular waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains:

Waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains Abrams Falls Trail is a moderate hike that is 5 miles round trip. Abrams Falls has the largest water volume of any waterfall in the park. It has a large volume of waterfall that cascades over the falls into a deep pool of water. It is considered one of the most photogenic falls in the Smoky Mountains.

Rainbow Falls is a moderate to strenuous hike 5.5 miles round trip. This trail passes through a hardwood forest and is loved by wildflower and mushroom enthusiasts. It is a small creek but the falls plunges 80 feet, spraying a fine mist on the rocks below. It is the highest plunge of water in the entire park.

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Grottos Falls is a moderate trip, only 2.4 miles round trip. It is unique in that it is the only falls that you can walk behind. The trail runs through a hemlock dominated forest, crosses three streams and is located off the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. The cool moist environment of the falls is perfect for salamanders and to cool off.

Waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains Ramsay Cascades is the highest waterfall in the park. While Rainbow Falls makes a single plunge down 80 feet, Ramsay Cascades falls over rocks 100 feet to the bottom. It is definitely one of the most beautiful cascading waterfalls in the Smokies. Be careful not to climb to the top of the cascades as several visitors have fallen to their death in the attempt.

Laurel Falls is the easiest trail of the waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains on the Tennessee side. It is an easy hike that is only 2.5 miles round trip. It follows a paved trail that cuts through a series of cascades to the falls which is 60 feet high. The trail is famous for the mountain laurel which blooms in mid May.





The Hen Wallow Falls Trail is one of the less visited waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains because of its location. The trailhead is near Crosby Campground, south of Crosby, Tennessee. This 45 foot fall is worth the trip and you can usually avoid the crowds. It is a moderate hike, 4.4 miles round trip. Hen Wallow Creek is only 2 feet wide at the top of the falls but fans out to a width of 20 feet at the base.

Waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains Mingo Falls is actually not in the National Park but is mentioned because of its spectacular view. The falls can be reached by taking the Pigeon Creek Trail out of Mingo Falls Campground which is located on the Cherokee Reservation south of the park. A longer side trail that can be accessed about halfway through your trip will take you to the top of the falls. Mingo Falls has a spectacular drop of 120 feet.

Here are some tips for hiking waterfall trails:

1. Fishing is permitted in the Park with the appropriate fishing license.
2. Purify water before drinking it.
3. Keep off slippery rocks around the waterfalls.
4. Closely watch and control your children.
5. Park only in designated parking areas.
6. Be sure to stay on the designated trails.

You can pick up a trail map at any of the many visitor centers or you can download one here. (PDF file – 1.4 MB in size)

Click Here For Trail Map



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