Best Hiking Trails near Bryson City

"Although Abrams Falls is only 20 feet high, the large volume of water rushing over the sandstone cliff more than makes up for its lack of height. In fact, Abrams Falls is the most voluminous waterfall in the park, easily making this the most scenic waterfall in the Smokies. As a result, the moderate 5.2-mile roundtrip hike to the waterfall is one of the more popular hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains."

"Abrams Falls is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Standing at only 20 feet high, it definitely isn’t one of the tallest waterfalls in the park, but the large volume of water rushing over the falls more than makes up for its lack of height. You will definitely want to bring a camera with you when you complete this hike."

"Abrams Falls was named after a Cherokee chief who lived just a few miles downstream. Although only 20 feet in height, it is the falls’ massive volume of water that makes it an incredible sight. The deep, long pool at the falls’ base is also picturesque."

"Grotto Falls is accessible via the Trillium Gap Trail, the trailhead of which can be found on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. On the 3-mile round trip, which is of moderate difficulty, hikers will traverse old hemlock forests in a peaceful atmosphere until they reach the falls. The trail actually leads directly behind the cascading water of Grotto Falls, offering a unique and gorgeous point of view for visitors, and the 25-foot-tall waterfall is a cool and beautiful destination."

"We thoroughly enjoyed our hike to Grotto Falls, and excitingly on this hike we had our first bear sighting, at a safe distance off the trail and there was a ranger nearby. The hike is a 1.3 mile round trip and our kids handled it easily. And the cool thing about this waterfall is you can walk right behind the falls."

"Access trail: Trillium Gap Trail on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Hiking to Grotto Falls is a unique experience as it’s the only waterfall in the Smokies you can stand behind. Tumbling 25-feet, the falls are an enjoyable place to visit not only for the views but for the exploration available."

"On this hike you get the benefit of seeing two Smoky Mountain Waterfalls. The first is the 80 feet high Toms Branch Falls. The park service has installed benches so you can sit and admire the falls."

"If you’d prefer to see a waterfall without even getting out of your car, Meigs Falls is a great choice. You can stay in the comfort of your vehicle and pull off the road to enjoy the falls, which are located roughly 500 feet away and can be seen through the trees. During the late fall and winter, when all the leaves are gone, the falls become even more visible, making the view even more dramatic."

"Grotto Falls is accessible via the Trillium Gap Trail, the trailhead of which can be found on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. On the 3-mile round trip, which is of moderate difficulty, hikers will traverse old hemlock forests in a peaceful atmosphere until they reach the falls. The trail actually leads directly behind the cascading water of Grotto Falls, offering a unique and gorgeous point of view for visitors, and the 25-foot-tall waterfall is a cool and beautiful destination."

"We thoroughly enjoyed our hike to Grotto Falls, and excitingly on this hike we had our first bear sighting, at a safe distance off the trail and there was a ranger nearby. The hike is a 1.3 mile round trip and our kids handled it easily. And the cool thing about this waterfall is you can walk right behind the falls."

"Access trail: Trillium Gap Trail on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Hiking to Grotto Falls is a unique experience as it’s the only waterfall in the Smokies you can stand behind. Tumbling 25-feet, the falls are an enjoyable place to visit not only for the views but for the exploration available."