The Smoky Mountains are a top destination during the summer months for a reason. The shaded canopy of lush forests and gorgeous mountain vistas provide a delightful escape from the heat of the day. And the ancient Smokies deliver an abundance of waterfalls to cool off in. We’ve researched the best waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains and put together a list of the ones you don’t want to miss. Read on to discover the top 10 waterfalls to beat the heat this summer.
Ramsey Cascades
Towering 100 feet in height, Ramsey Cascades is the tallest waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the hike to it passes through an awe-inspiring old-growth forest. You’ll take the Ramsey Cascades Trail for 4 miles and gain 2,000 feet in elevation along the way. It’s an intense hike, but the trek is so worth it when you hear the rushing water as it flows over a line of glistening rocks. Don’t forget your camera!
Rainbow Falls
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail teems with an abundance of waterfalls, and Rainbow Falls is one of the most popular. The 80-foot waterfall gets its name from the endless mist that envelopes it. On a sunny afternoon, the sun’s rays meet the mist for a spectacular display of colorful rainbows. Take the 5.4-mile round-trip Rainbow Falls Trail from the trailhead near Roaring Fork to reach this awe-inspiring cascade. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, head to the summit of Mount LeConte – another 4 miles past the falls – for breathtaking Smoky Mountain views. (Bonus Tip: If you visit Rainbow Falls in the winter, you may get treated to a spectacular ice formation that occurs during longer cold spells.)
Grotto Falls
Another must-see waterfall on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is the 25-foot Grotto Falls. Take the Trillium Gap Trail, a moderate 3-mile round-trip hike that passes through an old-growth hemlock forest. Follow the trail into the hidden Grotto behind the cascading curtain of water. Take a moment to cool off in the waterfall’s mist – the perfect refreshment on a hot summer afternoon. Explore the area for salamanders before heading back on your return trip.
Abrams Falls
Cades Cove is another exciting area for discovering picturesque waterfalls, and Abrams Falls is definitely one of the most spectacular. It may only be 20 feet tall, but what it lacks in elevation it makes up for in drama. A massive amount of water rushes over the rocks in a thrilling cascade that lands in a deep and mysterious pool of water at the bottom. The sheer volume of water makes this a dangerous area. So, no wading or rock climbing here. Just admire the awe-inspiring sight from a safe distance. Take the popular Cades Cove Loop Road for a moderate 5-mile round-trip hike through a shady pine-oak forest to get to this unique Smoky Mountain waterfall.
Laurel Falls
Before you get to Cades Cove, take a quick detour on Little River Road for a glimpse of the gorgeous Laurel Falls. At 80 feet tall, this stunning waterfall is named for the mountain laurel shrub that blooms nearby in May. You’ll find the trailhead about 3.8 miles west of the Sugarlands Visitor Center, and it’s a 2.6-mile round-trip moderate hike. The upper and lower sections of the falls are divided by a walkway that crosses the stream. Enjoy the cooling mist along the walkway but stick to the path. The rocks are slick with water and algae – no wading or climbing.
Mingo Falls
Just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park – on the Cherokee Indian Reservation – you’ll find the tallest and most impressive waterfall in the entire southern Appalachians. Cascading over 120 feet, this gorgeous waterfall will take your breath away. Take the Pigeon Creek Trail off of Big Cove Road. It’s a moderate 0.4-mile hike to the falls with a bridge at the bottom, giving you a chance to get up close and personal with this powerful force of nature.
Mouse Creek Falls
If crowds aren’t your thing, escape to the less traveled Big Creek area of the Smoky Mountains, where the only noise you’ll hear is the rushing water of 45-foot tall Mouse Creek Falls. Take Big Creek Trail for a moderate 4-mile round-trip hike with gorgeous scenery along the way. When you reach the falls, sneak down the short side trail on the left. You’ll discover a bench that’s perfect for resting your legs and soaking up the beauty of the falls.
Midnight Hole
On the same trail as Mouse Creek Falls, you’ll pass by one of the most refreshing swimming holes in the Smokies. Midnight Hole is aptly named for the deep, clear pool of water that reflects a spectacular display of blues and greens that are fed by 6-foot waterfalls. The perfect spot to cool off with an invigorating dip before continuing on your hike.
Hen Wallow Falls
In the Cosby area, you’ll find another less-visited spot tucked away in an enchanting forest of hemlock, rhododendron, and old-growth hardwoods. Hen Wallow Falls looms large at 90 feet tall and is home to curious salamanders that thrive in the cool, moist environment. Take a short 2.2-mile hike on the spur off of Gabes Mountain Trail to get to the base of the falls, where you’ll be rewarded with a cool mist and the peaceful sounds of birdsong amidst the rushing water. (Hen Wallow Falls puts on a glistening show during winter, too, when its flowing waters freeze into a curtain of shimmering icicles.)
Deep Creek Falls
In the Deep Creek area, you’ll discover three awe-inspiring waterfalls. Kick things off at the Deep Creek trailhead with an easy 0.7-mile hike to the spot where the trail intersects with Indian Creek Trail. Along the way, explore the 60-foot Tom Branch Falls and the creek below, or just rest your feet on a nearby bench and take in the views. Keep going for incredible views of Indian Creek Falls as the water plunges 25 feet down. You can even take a foot trail down to the bottom of the falls for a different angle. Juney Whank Falls is the third fall on Deep Creek Trail. To find this beauty, you’ll start at the trailhead but hike back down the road about a quarter of a mile to the Juney Whank Falls Trail. Follow the trail to a log footbridge that divides the upper and lower sections of this powerful 90-foot cascading waterfall. As you stand on the bridge, soak up the cooling mist and marvel at the unforgettable majesty of nature that you can only find in the Great Smoky Mountains.
