5 Smoky Mountain Waterfalls You Can Hike To
When you come to visit the Smoky Mountains for a sporting event here at Rocky Top Sports World, you will have the opportunity to enjoy some of the incredible natural beauty of the area. One of the best ways to do this while also getting some exercise, is to hike to some of the gorgeous Smoky Mountain waterfalls located throughout the area. From longer and more strenuous hikes that can serve as excellent workouts, to easy strolls that are great for shorter outings, here are some of the best Smoky Mountain waterfalls that you can hike to:
1. Abrams Falls
Located at Cades Cove, Abrams Falls is a great choice when it comes to viewing Smoky Mountain waterfalls. Not only does Abrams Falls have the greatest volume of water of any waterfall in the Smoky Mountains, its convenient location in Cades Cove will allow you to bundle it together with other adventures, like checking out the historic buildings in Cades Cove and spotting wildlife. The hike to Abrams Falls is 5.2-miles roundtrip, and it is considered moderately difficult.
2. Grotto Falls
Grotto Falls is among the easier Smoky Mountain waterfalls to hike to, as it is only a 2.6-mile roundtrip hike. You can access the waterfall by following the Trillium Gap Trail from the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Young athletes will especially love the chance to walk behind the waterfall itself, making this a unique Smoky Mountain waterfall. Plus, with tons of greenery along the trail, you will have plenty of shade and beautiful plants and flowers to see along the way.
3. Laurel Falls
Another Smoky Mountain waterfall is Laurel Falls. This 80-foot waterfall is named for the mountain laurels that bloom along the trail, making it one of the most popular waterfalls in the area. The hike is a 2.3-mile roundtrip and is relatively easy because the trail was partially paved to prevent erosion. Laurel Falls is the most popular waterfall in the park, so parking is often limited at the trailhead. Get there early to ensure a spot!
4. Rainbow Falls
One of the most photogenic Smoky Mountain waterfalls is Rainbow Falls, named for the shimmering rainbow that appears in the mist of the falls on sunny afternoons. This 80-foot waterfall can be accessed by following the Rainbow Falls Trail, a 5.4-mile roundtrip hike that is considered moderately difficult. Additionally, this trail offers access to the summit of Mount LeConte, which features breathtaking panoramic views. Rainbow Falls is also the site of many marriage proposals!
5. Ramsey Cascades
For those looking for a bit more of a challenge, check out Ramsey Cascades Trail, an 8-mile strenuous hike. The effort you put into this hike will be well rewarded, however, as Ramsey Cascades is one of the most impressive Smoky Mountain waterfalls, standing at 100 feet tall! Just be sure to wear good hiking shoes, carry drinking water, and adhere to all park safety rules while hiking this trail.
Hiking some of these incredible Smoky Mountain waterfalls will help you make incredible family memories while you are in the area. You can also take in some of the natural beauty Great Smoky Mountains National Park has to offer. And if you are looking to enjoy even more time exploring the Smokies, here are some of the most fun activities for young athletes at Smoky Mountains National Park!
