5 Easy Waterfall Hikes in the Smokies
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In recent years, Mike and I lived in both Asheville, NC & Greenville, SC, so we took numerous daytrips and weekend roadtrips to the Smokies. What I love most about living in Appalachia is the easy access to nature. Both cities are an easy drive from the national park. I would say the drive is highly worth it considering all the beautiful hiking trails and tourist attractions in the region. We usually stay in a cabin in the woods as Gatlinburg can get pretty busy. It’s a bit too gimmicky/touristy for my liking but there are a lot of themed restaurants and quirky museums & attractions if that is your thing.
I recommend exploring some trails while you are here instead of wasting all your money on tourist traps. The Smoky Mountains National Park is home to over 100 waterfalls. Fortunately, many of these are easily accessible via an easy-moderate hike of no more than a few miles. The park used to be free but they now charge 5 bucks for parking which still isn’t bad compared to most places.
According to the NPS, ample rainfall (the area sees over 55 inches per year) and elevation gradient creates the perfect conditions. Spring is a great time to plan your visit as the temps are moderate, crowds are less intense than the busy summer season, and the waterfalls are typically at their highest volume as a result of heavy rainfall/snowmelt. Depending on where you are staying and how far you would like to hike, there are number of great options.
In my guide, I will cover a few of my favorite easy-moderate options which are perfect for first time visitors and anyone else looking to take it a bit easier on vacation.
1. Laurel Falls
Location: Gatlinburg
Distance: 1.3 miles out-and-back
This beautiful 80 foot tall waterfall is accessible via one of the park’s only paved trails. While the hike is only 1.3 miles out-and-back, it’s quite steep. You will definitely get in a great workout on this one! There is no loose gravel though so no need for a hiking stick.
As one of the park’s most popular trails, there is always a lot of traffic on this one no matter when you visit. Your best bet is to set out early in the morning in order to score parking close to the trailhead. If you arrive too late, you may have to park a bit further away and walk along the road for a bit. You can find more details about parking options on the NPS site.
This trail is lush with lots of greenery. A few peaks of the mountains along the route gives you something to look at until you reach the falls.
Keep your eyes peeled as bears frequent the area. As the Smokies is home to over 1900 black bears, it is not at all uncommon to see one on a hike. I saw my first bear ever while hiking here – see my pic. I have been hiking regularly for over 10 years and never saw any evidence. I’ve heard that bear sightings here are pretty frequent which is cool and a bit scary. Do keep your distance at all times.
Despite the heavy foot traffic, this is one of the most attractive falls in the Smokies. Bonus – the fantastic Sugarlands Visitor Center is located just down the road.
Note: This trail closed for an 18 month refurbishment in January of 2025. It is schedule to reopen in mid 2026.
2. Cataract Falls
Location: Gatlinburg
Distance: 0.7 miles RT
This easy trail begins at the Sugarlands visitor center. The trail is just under a mile long with little in the way of elevation gain, so it is a good choice for families with kids and beginners.
While it stands a mere 25 feet, it’s quite scenic and requires little effort on your part to see. In fact, it’s probably the easiest trail I’ve hiked in the area thus far. Lots of interesting plant life and creek views make this quite an enjoyable trail despite the oftentimes heavy traffic. I would consider this one more of a nature walk than a rough and tough hiking adventure.
There are lots of interpretative signs along the way, making this hike a great place to start your Smokie’s adventures. Because the trail starts at the visitor center, you can take a browse around, pick up a few souvenirs, or fill up your water bottle conveniently before your hike. Note that this waterfall is definitely at its’ best following a big storm. Visit after a dry spell and you could arrive to a mere trickle.
3. Tom Branch Falls
Location: Bryson City
Distance: 0.6 mile loop
This mesmerizing 60 foot tall waterfall is located in the beautiful Deep Creek region of the Smoky Mountains in Bryson City. This quaint town is located on the NC side of the Smokies so it tends to receive a lot less traffic then the TN side.
There are numerous waterfalls here and a historic Main Street so lots to do to justify an overnight stay or daytrip. My favorite is Tom Branch Falls. The greenery surrounding this waterfall makes it especially picturesque. If you are looking for a beautiful fall foliage hike, this is one of the more scenic options. Take a break and enjoy the view, as well as some much needed R&R in nature. In a busy area, I appreciate the quietness of this trail.
This hike by itself is extremely easy at just 0.6 miles round-trip – I would recommend it to any hiker. For a longer trek, you can combine it with Indian Creek Falls for a total distance of 1.6 miles. Or better yet, also add in Juney Whank and see 3 waterfalls via moderate effort (2.5 miles total). These trails combine to make up one of the region’s best trails: The Three Waterfalls trek.
4. Indian Creek Falls
Location: Bryson City
Distance: 0.8 miles out-and-back or 1.5 combined with Tom Branch
This waterfall can be combined with Tom Branch for a total hike of just over a mile and a half. I highly recommend combining the 2 if you are able to do so for a longer trek in nature. Both falls are beautiful and the forest scenery is very green and beautiful.
While quite smaller at just 25 feet, this visually appealing waterfall appears much larger and more powerful. On busy days, you may have to wait to take your picture as the observing deck only has room for a few people.
From the parking lot, Indian Creek is about a 0.8 mile walk. You will pass by Tom Branch Falls about a quarter of a mile in. During the summer months, you will notice a lot of tubers enjoying a much needed cool down. Luckily, they are not allowed near the falls so it remains quiet.
The trail is mostly flat, and thus, I would say suitable for most families and casual walkers. Note that there is one rather steep staircase leading to the falls.
5. Juney Whank Falls
Location: Bryson City
Distance: 0.8 mile loop
This picturesque 90 foot waterfall is another beauty in the Deep Creek area. For anyone who wants to get in a great workout and spend some quality time in nature, it’s a perfect choice. It’s just under a mile (0.8 loop) although quite steep in some spots.
The cool aspect about this one is you can really get up close and personal via the foot bridge. If you have the time, take a break and enjoy the view via the handy bench conveniently located in the middle of the foot bridge.
This one can be combined with the Tom Branch Falls/Indian Creek loop for a total distance of just under 2.5 miles. This triple falls hike is one of the best bang-for-your-buck experiences in the Smokies.
Location/parking info
The Smokies now charges as a small fee ($5 daily or $15 weekly) for parking. A bit disappointing as they were one of the only free national parks. Nevertheless, these trails are all beautiful and highly worthy of the small fee in my opinion (the museum and tourist traps will cost you much more).
Laurel Falls: Little River Rd.
Cataract Falls: 07 Park Headquarters Rd.
Tom Branch, Indian Creek, Juney Whank: 1090 W Deep Creek Rd. Bryson City, NC
