You’ll find more than just mountains in the Smokies! The Smoky Mountains are home to some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the country. These must-visit natural wonders have a way of putting the mind at ease and make for great photos. Whether you’re an avid outdoor adventurer or just looking for a peaceful spot to relax, you’ll love seeing Smoky Mountain waterfalls up close. Here are 7 of the most stunning waterfalls in the Smokies:

1. Abrams Falls

Despite being just 20 feet tall, Abrams Falls produces one of the most powerful water flows in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! This waterfall is located along the Cades Cove Loop, which is one of the most gorgeous areas of the national park. To get to Abrams Falls, you’ll have to hike about 5 miles round trip.

2. Grotto Falls

Grotto Falls is one of the most unique waterfalls in the park because it’s the only one that you can walk behind! That’s right, get up close with Grotto Falls and feel the mist fall over your head. It requires about a 2.6-mile round trip hike along the Trillium Gap Trail to reach this 25-foot-tall waterfall, surrounded by plenty of greenery and wildlife.

3. Rainbow Falls

Named after the stunning rainbows the mist of this waterfall produces on sunny days, Rainbow Falls is one of the tallest of all the waterfalls in the Smokies, checking in at 80 feet. The 5.4-mile round trip hike to Rainbow Falls is challenging but the rewarding views are well worth it. During extended periods of cold, you can even see ice formations that emerge around the waterfall.

4. Ramsey Cascades

Now for a waterfall that’s even taller than Rainbow Falls, let’s talk about Ramsey Cascades! Reaching this 100-foot-tall waterfall is an adventure in itself. It requires a strenuous 8-mile round trip hike that traverses through old-growth forests and stunning wildflowers. The reward is a multi-tiered waterfall that’s sure to make you smile!

5. Hen Wallow Falls

If you’re looking for a less popular waterfall that’s equally as beautiful, check out Hen Wallow Falls! Located in the Cosby area of the national park, this hidden gem features a 90-foot cascading waterfall. Hen Fallow Falls is about a 4.4-mile round trip hike that’s considered moderate difficulty and there’s even a small cave just to the right of the falls.

6. Indian Creek & Tom Branch Falls

For an easier hike with multiple waterfalls, check out Indian Creek and Tom Branch Falls in the Deep Creek portion of the park. Both are just a short walk from the parking area, making them easy to reach. Indian Creek Falls is a 25-foot waterfall that rushes water into a pool below. Tom Branch Falls towers 60 feet featuring water that cascades into Deep Creek.

7. Cataract Falls

Another waterfall that only requires a short hike to reach is Cataract Falls. This narrow, 40-foot waterfall is just a short trip from Sugarlands Visitor Center, requiring only about a mile round trip hike. It makes a great choice for families wanting to enjoy the natural beauty of the Smokies without needing too strenuous of an adventure.

You can’t leave the area without first checking out some of these stunning waterfalls in the Smokies. Either before or after your adventure, be sure to stop by Tennessee Cider Company! If you’ve never visited us before, learn about some of the top ciders to sample your first time at our cidery!

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