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Planning a Smoky Mountain summer hiking? Discover the best waterfalls near Gatlinburg TN, including easy hikes for families in the Smoky Mountains, with scenic trails perfect for staying cool all season long.
Smoky Mountain Summer Hiking: Waterfalls Near Gatlinburg TN
Mountain days don't really end — they just trade golden light for mist and the steady sound of falling water.
Around Gatlinburg, waterfalls aren't rare discoveries; they're woven into the folds of the Smokies, tucked along mossy creeks, behind visitor centers, and waiting at the end of trails that range from stroller-friendly to proper leg burners.
If you are visiting Gatlinburg and want waterfalls that are genuinely close to town, you'll find several scenic trails and stunning waterfalls near Gatlinburg TN just minutes from downtown.
At Stony Brook, we're all about making your vacation unforgettable. Our selection of vacation cabins and chalets in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Cosby is set against the stunning backdrop of the Smoky Mountains.
For amazing local tips, dive into our destination blog. From delicious local cuisine to indulging in some great shopping, we've got the scoop on the best things to do in the region.
If you're planning Smoky Mountain summer hiking, here are some of the best summer hikes that lead to stunning waterfalls near Gatlinburg TN.
1. Laurel Falls
Laurel Falls is accessible, scenic, and for many visitors, it becomes their first real Smoky Mountains waterfall experience.
What makes it stand out among Smoky Mountain summer hiking options is the paved trail. While there is a steady incline, the surface is smooth and predictable, which makes it one of the more approachable trails for families and seniors. It's not flat, but it's manageable.
The waterfall itself drops in two tiers over layered rock, framed by dense forest. It's exactly the scene people picture when they imagine the Smokies: white water, mossy stone, and thick green canopy.
That said, this is not a hidden gem. During peak Smoky Mountain summer hiking season, the trail gets crowded.
Trail Summary
- Distance: ~2.6 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: ~314 feet
- Rating: Easy to Moderate
- Surface: Paved
Best For
- Families
- Seniors
- First-time visitors to the Smokies
Not Ideal For
- Anyone looking for solitude during peak hours
Heads up!
Laurel Falls Trail began major rehabilitation work in 2024, and updates may continue into 2026. Before visiting, always check the National Park Service website for the most current trail status.
2. Buckeye Trail to Spruce Flats Falls
Buckeye Trail to Spruce Flats Falls is a short hike with a real payoff. Tucked near the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, it leads to a beautiful, multi-tiered waterfall without requiring an all-day commitment.
The trail is relatively short but not flat. Expect steady inclines, narrow sections around trees, and a few steeper drop-offs that require attention, especially if you're hiking with kids.
The path itself is generally clear and well-defined. It's considered one of the better moderate options if you're looking for waterfalls near Gatlinburg TN without tackling a long or strenuous route. Restrooms are available at the Institute at Tremont gift shop area near the trailhead.
The path itself is generally clear and well-defined. It's considered one of the better moderate options if you're looking for waterfalls near Gatlinburg TN without tackling a long or strenuous route. Restrooms are available at the Institute at Tremont gift shop area near the trailhead.
The waterfall at the end is the highlight: layered rock, a broad cascade, and plenty of boulders where you can sit and take it all in. Many hikers spend time exploring around the base. Plan roughly two hours total if you include time relaxing at the falls.
Trail Summary
- Distance: ~2 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: ~450 feet
- Rating: Moderate
- Surface: Natural (dirt, roots, narrow sections)
Best For
- Families with older kids or teens
- Hikers wanting a shorter trail with a strong waterfall payoff
- Visitors looking for scenic waterfalls near Gatlinburg TN without a full-day hike
Not Ideal For
- Anyone uncomfortable with narrow paths or mild drop-offs
- Those seeking a completely flat, paved trail
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3. Grotto Falls (Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail)
Grotto Falls stands out for one simple reason: you can walk behind it.
That small detail turns this into one of the more interactive waterfalls near Gatlinburg TN, and it's why families often rank it among the best summer hikes near Gatlinburg. Stepping behind the curtain of water feels different from just viewing a cascade from the front; it's immersive and memorable, especially for kids.
Accessed via the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, the hike follows part of the Trillium Gap Trail. Even though this one is commonly described as family-friendly, it is officially rated moderate due to steady elevation gain. There's a consistent uphill climb, and in summer humidity, you'll feel it. Many hikers use the creek and smaller cascades along the way to cool off.
The waterfall itself is beautiful and reliable, especially after rain when flow increases. Be aware that muddy sections can develop following wet weather.
Trail Summary
- Distance: ~2.6–3.0 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: ~585 feet
- Rating: Moderate
- Surface: Natural trail
Best For
- Families with older kids
- Hikers wanting an interactive waterfall experience
- Visitors combining a scenic motor drive with a hike
Not Ideal For
- Anyone looking for wide mountain vistas (foliage limits views in summer)
- Late arrivals hoping for easy parking
Heads up!
Wildlife sightings — including black bears — are occasionally reported along the motor trail and surrounding forest, so staying alert is important.
4. Abrams Falls (via Rabbit Creek / Hannah Mountain Loop Option)
Abrams Falls is a commitment, but for hikers who want a more immersive Smoky Mountains experience, it's a rewarding one.
The full loop, often combining Rabbit Creek Trail, Hannah Mountain Trail, and Abrams Falls, is challenging. It averages about five hours to complete for strong day hikers, and many backpackers split it into two days, reserving backcountry campsites along the way.
The route is mostly wooded, quiet, and well maintained in sections, particularly approaching the falls. Beyond that, the terrain becomes more rugged, with multiple creek crossings, including deep and swift water that may require wading.
Abrams Falls itself is not the tallest in the park — roughly 20–25 feet — but it may be the most powerful.
Wildlife sightings are common in quieter sections of the loop. Hikers frequently report long stretches of solitude away from the falls, with the waterfall area becoming busier since it's also a popular shorter out-and-back destination (about 5 miles round trip from the Cades Cove trailhead).
Trail Summary
- Distance: ~5.0 miles round trip (standard out-and-back) / ~11+ miles loop option
- Elevation gain: ~629 feet (out-and-back)
- Rating: Moderate (out-and-back) / Challenging (full loop)
- Surface: Natural trail with creek crossings
Best For
- Active hikers wanting a longer adventure
- Backpackers seeking quiet stretches and backcountry camping
- Visitors comfortable with water crossings
Not Ideal For
- Quick outings
- Hikers unprepared for wading through rivers
- Anyone underestimating strong currents near the falls
Heads up!
While people do swim, currents can be strong, especially after rain, and conditions can change quickly. Caution is essential.
5. Cataract Falls (Behind Sugarlands Visitor Center)
If someone in your group asks for an easy hike for families in the Smoky Mountains with a waterfall near Gatlinburg, this is the answer. The trail begins directly behind the Sugarlands Visitor Center and follows a short, mostly shaded path through the woods.
It really is more of a walk than a hike. The waterfall itself is smaller than others in the park, but it's charming, photogenic, and dependable year-round. In summer, the tree canopy keeps the route pleasantly cool.
The trail is generally wide and easy to follow, though you may encounter some exposed roots and uneven spots. It's extremely popular, and crowding is common, especially midday. Arriving early improves the experience significantly.
Trail Summary
- Distance: ~0.75 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: Minimal
- Rating: Easy
- Surface: Mostly paved / packed surface with some roots
Best For
- Seniors
- Toddlers
- Multi-generational groups
- Visitors wanting a very short walk to a waterfall
Not Ideal For
- Anyone seeking solitude
- Peak midday visits during summer
Heads up!
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6. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (Roadside Waterfalls)
While there are easy hikes for families in the Smoky Mountains, not every waterfall requires hiking boots; sometimes, you simply drive.
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a one-way scenic loop just outside Gatlinburg that allows you to access multiple cascades and stream views directly from your vehicle. Several waterfalls are visible from roadside pull-offs, and others require only very short walks from designated parking areas.
This is not a traditional hike. It's a drive-first experience, making it one of the easiest ways to see waterfalls near Gatlinburg TN. Along the route, you'll also pass historic cabins, rushing mountain streams, and dense forest scenery.
In summer, this can be a practical alternative when temperatures are high or energy levels are low. Traffic can move slowly during peak season, but that often works in your favor, giving you more time to scan for wildlife and enjoy the surroundings.
Trail Summary
- Distance: ~5.5-mile one-way motor loop
- Elevation gain: N/A (driving route)
- Rating: Easy
- Surface: Paved roadway with pull-offs
Best For
- Seniors
- Large or mixed-ability groups
- Visitors wanting waterfall views without a hike
- Hot summer afternoons
Not Ideal For
- Anyone seeking a quiet backcountry experience
- Peak midday visits during heavy traffic
Make the Most of Your Visit to the Smoky Mountains
Why not enhance your vacation with the stunning backdrop of the Smoky Mountains in a great rental property like the ones we listed above?
At Stony Brook, we offer an exceptional array of cabins and chalets in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Cosby, ranging from one to 16 bedrooms. As a family-owned service, we guarantee you'll have the best experience in the Smokies.