Winding mountain roads and rushing water make a perfect combination for adventure seekers in Tennessee. The Smoky Mountains hide some of the most stunning waterfalls in the eastern United States, from gentle roadside cascades to towering giants that require a good hike.
This carefully planned route takes you to ten incredible waterfalls, each offering something different—whether you’re looking for an easy stop or a challenging trek that rewards you with breathtaking views.
1. Cataract Falls (Gatlinburg)
Starting your waterfall adventure doesn’t require much effort at all. Just a quick walk from the Sugarlands Visitor Center brings you face-to-face with this charming cascade. The path is paved and flat, making it accessible for almost everyone, including families with strollers or anyone who prefers an easier hike.
Water tumbles gently over smooth rocks, creating a peaceful soundtrack that immediately tells you you’re in mountain country. The surrounding forest stays cool even on warm days, and the short distance means you won’t break a sweat. It’s the perfect warm-up for the bigger waterfalls ahead.
2. Laurel Falls (Sevierville)
This showstopper draws crowds for good reason—it’s one of the most photographed spots in the entire national park. The waterfall splits into two sections as it drops 80 feet, creating a dramatic double cascade that’s especially impressive after rainfall. Getting there requires a 2.6-mile round-trip hike on a paved trail that climbs steadily but never gets too steep.
Spring brings blooming mountain laurel that frames the falls beautifully, while summer offers lush greenery all around. The trail gets busy during peak seasons, so arriving early in the morning gives you a better chance at enjoying it without huge crowds.
3. The Sinks (Gatlinburg)
Pull over and witness raw power without leaving your car. This roadside waterfall on Little River Road demonstrates what happens when a lot of water funnels through a narrow opening in the rocks. The river drops into a deep pool, creating swirling currents and dramatic whitewater that earned this spot its name.
You’ll find a small parking area right beside the falls, though it fills up quickly during summer weekends. The roar of the water is impressive, and you can feel the spray if you venture close to the edge. Warning signs remind visitors to stay back—the currents here are genuinely dangerous.
4. Meigs Falls (Townsend)
Sometimes the best waterfalls require zero hiking effort. Located along Little River Road between Gatlinburg and Townsend, this beauty appears right beside the pavement at a designated pull-off. Water slides gracefully over layered rock formations, creating a wide curtain that’s particularly photogenic.
The pull-off area accommodates several vehicles, making it easy to stop for a quick photo opportunity or a peaceful moment listening to the water. Unlike some roadside falls that disappoint up close, Meigs delivers impressive volume and a picturesque setting that looks great from multiple angles.
5. Abrams Falls (Townsend)
Hidden within the famous Cades Cove area, this waterfall surprises visitors with its width rather than height. At only 20 feet tall, Abrams Falls compensates by spreading across a broad rock face and dumping an enormous volume of water into a stunning pool below. The 5-mile round-trip hike follows Abrams Creek through beautiful forest.
Don’t let the moderate distance fool you—this trail includes some rocky sections and creek crossings that require attention. However, the payoff is worth every step when you arrive at the powerful cascade. The pool looks inviting but swimming is prohibited due to dangerous underwater currents.
Plan about three hours for the complete hike, and bring plenty of water since the trail offers little shade in summer.
6. Rainbow Falls (Gatlinburg)
Named for the colorful prisms that dance in its mist on sunny afternoons, this 80-foot plunge ranks among the most rewarding waterfall hikes in the park. The trail climbs steadily for 2.7 miles, gaining significant elevation through beautiful old-growth forest. Your legs will feel the burn, but the destination makes the effort worthwhile.
On bright days, afternoon sun hits the falling water at just the right angle to create brilliant rainbows in the spray. The phenomenon gives this waterfall its name and provides spectacular photo opportunities. Even on cloudy days, the sheer drop and powerful flow impress visitors.
Winter transforms Rainbow Falls into a frozen wonderland, with massive icicles forming along the rock face. The trail can be icy then, so proper footwear becomes essential for safe hiking.
7. Grotto Falls (Gatlinburg)
Experience something truly unique—the only waterfall in the entire national park where you can walk behind the falling water. A 2.6-mile round-trip hike on the Trillium Gap Trail brings you to this 25-foot cascade that spills over a rock overhang, creating a natural grotto underneath.
The trail is well-maintained and moderately easy, making it popular with families seeking an adventure beyond typical waterfall viewing. You’ll likely encounter llamas on this path—they carry supplies to LeConte Lodge higher up the mountain. Kids especially love walking through the cool, misty space behind the water curtain.
Bring a rain jacket because you will get wet passing through. The unique perspective from behind the falls offers photo opportunities unlike anywhere else in the Smokies, making this stop absolutely essential for your waterfall road trip.
8. Baskins Creek Falls (Gatlinburg)
Seeking something off the beaten path? This quieter 40-foot waterfall near Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail sees fewer visitors than the famous spots, making it perfect for those wanting a more peaceful experience. The trail runs about 3 miles round-trip and includes some stream crossings that add a bit of adventure.
The waterfall splits into multiple thin streams as it drops over a rocky cliff face, creating an elegant, delicate appearance. Dense forest surrounds the falls, and the secluded location means you might have the whole place to yourself, especially on weekdays.
Trail conditions can be muddy and the path isn’t as clearly marked as major park trails, so bring good hiking boots and perhaps download an offline map.
9. Hen Wallow Falls (Gatlinburg)
Near the quieter Cosby section of the park, this 90-foot ribbon of water drops gracefully down a rock face in a narrow stream. The 4.4-mile round-trip hike follows an old roadbed that makes for relatively easy walking, though the distance means you should budget about three hours total.
The waterfall’s slender profile creates an elegant appearance quite different from the powerful cascades elsewhere on this trip. After heavy rains, the flow increases dramatically, transforming the thin ribbon into a more substantial curtain of water. The surrounding area remains peaceful since fewer tourists venture to this side of the park.
10. Ramsey Cascades (Gatlinburg)
Save the best for last with the park’s tallest waterfall at 100 feet. This magnificent cascade tumbles down a series of rock ledges, creating a stunning finale to your waterfall road trip. However, earning this view requires commitment—the 8-mile round-trip hike is the longest on this list and includes some challenging rocky sections.
The trail passes through gorgeous old-growth forest with massive trees that have stood for centuries. Creek crossings and boulder-hopping keep things interesting, and the final approach involves scrambling over large rocks. Proper hiking boots are absolutely necessary here.
Plan on four to five hours for the complete journey, and start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.