Chase cascades through some of the most stunning scenery in the eastern U.S.
If waterfalls are your thing, Great Smoky Mountains National Park should be at the very top of your bucket list. The park is home to over 100 named waterfalls — more than almost any other area in the country — tucked into lush hollows, tumbling over ancient rock, and surrounded by some of the most beautiful forest in the eastern United States.
I had the chance to explore many of them on my trip to the Smokies, and these four stood out as absolute must-dos.
The 4 Best Waterfall Hikes in the Smokies
1. Rainbow Falls Trail
Difficulty: Moderate | Length: 5.4 miles | Elevation Gain: 1,594 ft.
This was our very first hike of the trip, and it set the bar high. Rainbow Falls is the tallest single-drop waterfall in the entire Smokies, and the moderately strenuous climb to reach it only makes the payoff feel more earned. The falls are especially magical on sunny mornings when the mist catches the light — hence the name. It’s a popular trail, so get there early to secure parking and enjoy a more peaceful experience on the path.
Check out the Rainbow Falls Trail route on AllTrails.
2. Laurel Falls Trail
Difficulty: Easy | Length: 2.5 | Elevation Gain: 396 ft.
There’s a reason Laurel Falls draws more visitors than almost any other trail in the park — the waterfall is simply stunning. The paved trail makes it one of the more accessible hikes in the Smokies, welcoming a wide range of ages and ability levels. Don’t let the pavement fool you though; the falls are genuinely impressive and the forested walk to reach them is lovely. Like Rainbow Falls, an early start is strongly recommended.
Check out the Laurel Falls Trail route on AllTrails.
3. Buckeye Trail to Spruce Flats Falls
Difficulty: Moderate | Length: 1.7 miles | Elevation Gain: 429 ft.
If you’re looking for a waterfall experience without the crowds, this is your trail. Spruce Flats Falls is one of the hidden gems of the park — a genuinely stunning cascade that most visitors never find because they’re busy queuing up for the more well-known spots. The trail winds through a beautiful stretch of woodland before revealing the falls, making the whole experience feel like a real discovery. It’s also a shorter hike, so if you’re trying to squeeze in a lot in a day, it’s easy to add to your itinerary.
Check out the Buckeye Trail to Spruce Flats Falls route on AllTrails.
4. Abrams Falls Trail
Difficulty: Moderate | Length: 5.1 miles | Elevation Gain: 646 ft.
Save some energy for this one — Abrams Falls is among the most spectacular waterfalls in the entire park. The falls drop 20 feet into a wide, deep pool, and the rocky scenery surrounding them is absolutely stunning. It’s a moderately challenging hike, but the trail itself is enjoyable throughout, winding through dense forest with a lovely creek for company along the way.
Check out the Abrams Falls Trail route on AllTrails.
Tips for Waterfall Hiking in the Smokies
- Go early. The most popular waterfall trails — Rainbow Falls and Laurel Falls especially — fill up fast. Aim to be on the trail early. We tried to get to the trail parking lots by 8 a.m.
- Download AllTrails offline maps before you leave home. Cell service is unreliable in many parts of the park. This app will also tell you if the trail is closed for maintenance or due to weather.
- Wear sturdy footwear. Wet rocks near falls can be slippery — trail runners or hiking boots are a much better choice than sandals (and yes, I saw people trying to do some of these hikes in flip-flops).
The waterfalls of Great Smoky Mountains National Park are among the finest in the country, and these four trails offer a perfect cross-section of what the park has to offer — from accessible and iconic to wild and wonderfully off the beaten path. For more from our Smokies adventure, read my full trip guide, and visit Lily Travel for more destination inspiration.
