Laurel Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains

The Smoky Mountains National Park is home to over 100 waterfalls. Fortunately, many of these incredible waterfalls are easily accessible via an easy-moderate hike of no more than a few miles. According to the NPS, ample rainfall (the area sees over 55 inches per year) and elevation gradient creates the perfect condition for waterfalls. The lush greenery of the park creates a beautiful backdrop for every hiking trail.

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 best 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. Living in nearby Asheville and Greenville, I enjoyed frequent daytrips to the Smokies. Below I have highlighted 5 of my favorite waterfall hikes to add to your Smokies must-see list.

1. Laurel Falls

Location: Gatlinburg

Distance: 1.3 miles out-and-back

Beautiful Laurel Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg, TN

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! 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 find yourself walking along the road for a bit.

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 1500 black bears, it is not at all uncommon to see one on a hike. Laurel Falls is a hotspot for bear sightings. I saw my first bear while hiking here – see pic below. Despite the heavy foot traffic, this is one of the most attractive waterfalls in the Smokies. Bonus – the fantastic Sugarland’s Visitor Center is located just down the road.

Black bear sighting in the Smoky Mountains
My first black bear sighting!

2. Cataract Falls

Location: Gatlinburg

Distance: 0.7 miles RT

Cataract Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg

This easy trail begins at the Sugarland’s visitor center. The trail is just under a mile long with little in the way of elevation gain. Due to the easy accessibility and flat nature of the trail, this one is perfect for families and beginners. While the waterfall 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 waterfall trail in Gatlinburg. Lots of interesting plant life and creek views make this quite an enjoyable trail despite the oftentimes heavy traffic. 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.

3. Tom Branch Falls

Location: Bryson City

Distance: 0.6 mile loop

Tom Branch Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Bryson City, North Carolina

This mesmerizing 60 foot tall waterfall is located in the beautiful Deep Creek region of the Smoky Mountains in Bryson City. 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. This is one of the Smokie’s most relaxing waterfall hikes.

As one of the most scenic and easier hikes in the Smokies, this is an absolute must-do. This hike by itself is extremely easy at just 0.6 miles round-trip. 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).

4. Indian Creek Falls

Location: Bryson City

Distance: 0.8 miles out-and-back or 1.5 combined with Tom Branch

Indian Creek Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Bryson City, North Carolina

This waterfall can be combined with Tom Branch for a total hike of just over a mile and a half. While quite smaller at just 25 feet, this visually appealing waterfall appears much larger and more powerful. The trail is pretty easy besides a rather steep staircase which leads to the falls. 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, tubers are not allowed near this waterfall so pictures are uninterrupted. The trail is mostly flat, and thus, suitable for most families and casual walkers.

5. Juney Whank Falls

Location: Bryson City

Distance: 0.8 mile loop

Juney Whank Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Bryson City, North Carolina

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. The trail is short at just under a mile (0.8 loop) although quite steep in some spots. The cool aspect about this waterfall is you can really get up close and personal via the foot bridge. If you have the time, relax take a break and enjoy the view via the handy bench conveniently located in the middle of the foot bridge.

This waterfall can be combined with the Tom Branch Falls/Indian Creek loop for a total distance of just under 2.5 miles. If you have the time and energy, the Three Waterfalls trail is a wonderful option. In fact, one of the best bang-for-your-buck experiences.

Location/Parking Info

The Smokies now charges as a small fee for parking. A bit disappointing as they were one of the only free national parks. Nevertheless, the fee is small and the views gorgeous. The daily fee is now 5 bucks.

Laurel Falls: Little River Rd. Gatlinburg, TN

Cataract Falls: 07 Park Headquarters Rd, Gatlinburg, TN

Tom Branch, Indian Creek, Juney Whank: 1090 W Deep Creek Rd, Bryson City, NC

Learn more about Bryson City waterfalls and attractions

Also check out my guide to the top 10 things to do in the Smokies. There is lots to do asides from hiking including great museums, themed restaurants, mini golf, and more.