Waterfall Park and Hikes in 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."

"Located in the less-visited Tremont section of the park, Spruce Flats Falls is not on the radar of most park visitors. Because of this fact, you might have this special place all to yourself when you come to visit. These falls aren’t just great for escaping the crowds — they’re also perfect if you’re short on time, as the trail leading to the waterfall is just a two-mile round trip."

"The trail to get to Spruce Flats Falls is considered moderate and has a roundtrip length of 1.8 miles. This trail isn’t on the official Great Smoky Mountain National Park map, but the waterfall is visited often because of its scenic beauty. Before you reach the falls, you’ll cross streams and continue uphill then go downtown."

"Technically, this is not an official park trail and often the falls are not found on any park maps. Thus making it one of the Smokies' true hidden gems. Though, don’t be surprised if you encounter other hikers due to its close proximity to the Tremont Visitors Center."

"Whether you consider yourself a semi-professional photographer or you are just looking for ways to enhance your family’s photo album, it is always a good idea to learn about how you can take better pictures of the Smoky Mountains. Check our tips of how to take the best pictures during your Smoky Mountain vacation:"

"There are several amazing waterfalls throughout the Smoky Mountains National Park. For that reason, we are combining them all into one entry on this list. Remember though, waterfalls aren’t in the middle of a parking lot and will require some hiking to get to."

"Mingo Falls is not technically within the park but rather on the Cherokee Indian Reservation. However, it is still very close and worth the visit, as it is one of the tallest and most stunning waterfalls in the Southern Appalachians. To access the trail leading to the falls, drive south from the Oconalufteee Visitor Center on US-441 toward Cherokee and take the second left onto Big Cove Rd."

"At 120 feet tall, the waterfall is one of the tallest and most spectacular in the southern Appalachians. The trail to the base of the falls is very steep, but well worth the effort."

"Hikers will reach Indian Creek Falls via the Deep Creek Trail, which was one of the first trails constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s. In addition to visiting the 45-foot waterfall, hikers will also pass by the 80-foot Toms Branch Falls along the way. This is another great hike for early spring wildflowers."

"The first item on this list is probably the most difficult to find. Rainbow Falls Cave is a little-known cave in the wilderness of the Smokies that has a waterfall falling into it. The only way to reach the cave is to go off official trails on a footpath to an area that used to serve as homesteads for the former residents of the National Park."

"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."

"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."

"Located in the less-visited Tremont section of the park, Spruce Flats Falls is not on the radar of most park visitors. Because of this fact, you might have this special place all to yourself when you come to visit. These falls aren’t just great for escaping the crowds — they’re also perfect if you’re short on time, as the trail leading to the waterfall is just a two-mile round trip."

"The trail to get to Spruce Flats Falls is considered moderate and has a roundtrip length of 1.8 miles. This trail isn’t on the official Great Smoky Mountain National Park map, but the waterfall is visited often because of its scenic beauty. Before you reach the falls, you’ll cross streams and continue uphill then go downtown."

"Technically, this is not an official park trail and often the falls are not found on any park maps. Thus making it one of the Smokies' true hidden gems. Though, don’t be surprised if you encounter other hikers due to its close proximity to the Tremont Visitors Center."

"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."

"While many of the best hotels and attractions of The Great Smoky Mountains are located in Tennessee, there is still plenty to see and do on the North Carolina side of the park. The Swag is a luxurious boutique hotel located on a summit of The Great Smoky Mountains in Waynesville, North Carolina. There are many rooms, cabins, and suites available to choose from, and both in-house dining and packed picnics bring joy to guests daily."

"One of the most challenging and rewarding day hikes in the park is the ascent up Mt LeConte, the third-highest peak in the Smoky Mountains. Several trails wind their way up, passing rushing rivers, waterfalls, log bridges and precipitous views before reaching the summit at 6593ft. At the top, you can pay a visit to the rustic lodge that's been in operation since before the creation of the national park in 1934."

"Mount LeConte is the third highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!. There are 4 sub peaks above 6,000 feet on the mountain: West Point, High Top, Cliff Tops and Myrtle Point. At Myrtle Point, you’ll have panoramic views, and it’s the best spot on Mount LeConte to watch a sunrise!"

"At 6,593 feet, Mount LeConte is the third-highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the perfect spot to view Smoky Mountain sunsets and sunrises. You can get to Mt. Leconte from a variety of different trails, but the shortest and most popular is the Alum Cave Trail."