Waterfalls

 

Water recreation is not recommended in Great Smoky Mountains National Park due to numerous hazards and dangers.

Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in the park. Countless injuries have resulted from people swimming and riding inner tubes in park waters. Plan ahead and learn more about water safety.

 

Every year, over 200,000 visitors hike well-worn trails to view Grotto, Laurel, Abrams, Rainbow, and other popular waterfalls in the park. Large waterfalls attract the crowds, but smaller cascades and falls can be found on nearly every river and stream in the park.

The Great Smoky Mountains abound with the two ingredients essential for waterfalls—ample rainfall and an elevation gradient. In the Smokies high country, over 85" of rain falls on average each year. During wet years, peaks like Mt. Le Conte and Clingmans Dome receive over eight feet of rain. This abundant rainfall trickles and rushes down the mountain sides, from high elevation to low, sometimes dropping more than a mile in elevation from the high peaks to the foothills at the park's boundary.

Please download an official trail map or purchase one from any visitor center before hitting the trails to these waterfalls. Additional information about hiking to waterfalls is in various publications available online and at the park's bookstores.

 

 

 

Meigs Falls in winter. During extended cold spells, a heavy coating of ice can form on waterfalls.

Kristian Plaas Photo

Drive to a Waterfall

Meigs Falls

The pulloff to view Meigs Falls is along Little River Road, 13 miles west of Sugarlands Visitor Center (7 miles east of Townsend). The falls is tucked away on the far side of Little River and can be easily missed while driving.

The Sinks

This waterfall is short in stature, but its volume includes the entire flow of Little River. The parking area to view the falls is along Little River Road, 12 miles west of Sugarlands Visitor Center.

Place of a Thousand Drips

During wet periods, this waterfall is dramatic as the flow of water splits into numerous small channels cascading around rocks and creating "a thousand drips." From the parkway in Gatlinburg, turn at traffic light #8 and follow Historic Nature Trail into the park. Take Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (closed in winter). The waterfall is at stop #15.

 

Waterfalls of the Smokies
Over 2,000 miles of streams flow through the Smokies, dotted with sparkling waterfalls and cascades. This guide will lead you to over 40 of the best. It includes maps, photographs, and detailed directions to the falls with trailhead information, hiking distances, and difficulty ratings.

 

Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park's official online store for books, maps, and guides to the park. Operated by the nonprofit Smokies Life, proceeds generated by purchases at the store are donated to educational, scientific, and historical projects in the park.