With no entrance fee (until March 2023), accessible trails, and the back drop for popular tourist areas like Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Townsend, Tennessee, it's no wonder why Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited National Park in America.
Whether it's your first time visiting the Smoky Mountains, you're a seasoned waterfall hike fanatic, or you're just looking for hikes near Gatlinburg or waterfalls near Pigeon Forge, here is the ultimate 2 day guide for hiking waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Find out what to do, where to stay, and how to make the most of your time with our full weekend waterfall hike itinerary.
Trip Duration: 2.5 Days (Including Travel Time)
Best Time to Visit: May - October
4 Must See Waterfall Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains
Waterfall hikes are the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day in the great outdoors. Ranging from easy to moderate, these four waterfall hikes are among the best things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
1. Laurel Falls
Laurel Falls is the most popular waterfall hike in the Great Smoky Mountains. This easy, 2.4-mile out-and-back trail is partially paved, and offers stunning views of upper and lower Laurel Falls. The trail is mostly shaded, but offers a few look out spots to see the surrounding mountains. The lower falls features a small swimming hole, though the trek down to the lower falls is very steep.
Being the most visited waterfall, parking fills up quickly! Make sure to get their early to get parking close to the trail head and avoid big crowds.
2. Rainbow Falls
Rainbow falls is a 5.1-mile out-and-back trail, moderately rated trail that features an 80 foot waterfall. The hike is decent, though does live up to its moderate rating for the Smoky Mountains. If the light conditions are right, you can even see rainbows at the base of the falls!
The terrain is rocky and very moist, so take extra precautions when walking around or near Rainbow Falls. Don’t plan on swimming here, as the pool at the bottom is very small and the water flows rapidly.
3. Grotto Falls
Looking for a great swimming hole? Check out Grotto Falls! This 2.6-mile out-and-back trail is moderately rated, and features a beautiful waterfall that you can even walk behind.
The trailhead is located on a one way road after the Rainbow falls trailhead, so make sure to visit that one first before proceeding to Grotto Falls.
4. Spruce Flats Falls
Located about an hour from Gatlinburg, but only 15 minutes from Townsend, TN, Spruce Flats Falls is a must-do hike!
The moderate 1.8-mile out-and-back trail has several switchbacks, but leads to an incredible waterfall with a large swimming pool. This trail is very popular, so visit early in the morning or closer to sunset (bring bug spray and flash lights incase you get stuck in the dark) to avoid crowds.
Along the way, you'll get some stellar mountain views, see mountain laurels growing in season, and enjoy the sounds of the birds chirping. Don't forget to bring your water shoes and towel!
Where to Stay
In Pigeon Forge: Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Holiday
Near Gatlinburg: Gatlinburg East/Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday
In Townsend: Townsend/Great Smokies KOA Holiday
In Great Smoky National Park: Elkmont Campground
2.5 Weekend Itinerary
Friday
Drive/Fly into Knoxville
Stay at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Holiday or Gatlinburg East KOA Holiday
Visit The Island in Pigeon Forge
Saturday
Hike Laurel Falls
Enjoy Lunch at a Picnic Area
Hike Rainbow Falls
Hike Grotto Falls
Stay at Elkmont Campground or drive to Townsend/Great Smokies KOA Holiday
Sunday
Hike Spruce Flats Falls
Drive Home/Back to Knoxville airport
Ready, set, hike! Laurel Falls, Rainbow Falls, Grotto Falls, and Spruce Flats Falls are among the best hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains. As always, make sure to stay on the trail, leave no trace, wear durable shoes, and stay safe as you explore this beautiful mountain range.
Between its proximity to huge tourists destinations such as Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, family friendly hikes, and accessibility from surrounding states, we can see why Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park in America. If you're looking for a fun weekend trip, waterfall hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains is the place to be!
Are you planning a trip to the mountains soon? Tag us on Instagram @wanderingwenzels so we can see your adventures!
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