The Great Smoky Mountain’s Waterfall Hiking Guide for Families

Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Cascading waterfalls, misty mountains, babbling riverside trails and scenic overlooks can all be discovered in the Great Smoky Mountains. This National Park is gorgeous and there are endless outdoor activities for your family to experience. A visit to this scenic park in Tennessee is a must!

Spruce Flats Falls

If you’re just starting to plan a trip to the beautiful Appalachian region, you’ll soon find out that one of the hardest parts is deciding between all the choices of things to see and do! Be sure to check out the ultimate Guide to Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains, which has the best tips for where to stay, eat and play in the area. One week barely scratches the surface of the numerous waterfalls and trails you can explore, so we’ve narrowed down the choices and selected our best recommendations for waterfall hikes for families.

Best Time to Visit The Smoky Mountains

No matter when you visit, there is beauty to be found in every season. Here is a brief summary of the highlights and appeal during the four seasons.

Spring Spring weather in the Smokies can be quite unpredictable, rain showers will pop up throughout the day. Yet all the rain helps create gorgeous waterfalls and herald in the spring’s colorful wildflowers. Crimson crabapples, purple violets, stunning pink rhododendrons and white mountain laurel begin showcasing their beauty in the spring. Luckily there are plenty of nearby Indoor Attractions in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge that can be visited no matter what the weather.

Summer With hundreds of babbling rivers and roaring waterfalls to cool off in during the heat of the summer, summer break is a great time to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Tubing down the rivers, hiking, splashing in waterfalls, and enjoying air conditioned indoor attractions offer plenty of things to do. The highest rainfall occurs June through September, so waterfalls are at their peak during these months. Although be warned, summer is the busiest season for those visiting The Great Smoky Mountains, so expect greater crowds.

Fall Autumn is a perfect time to experience the beauty of hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains with cooler temperatures in the 70’s and stunning fall leaf color. Scenic overlooks are breathtaking as the trees are clothed in crimson reds, glorious yellows and bright oranges. This is a wonderful time to go horseback riding or ziplining to see the area from a bird’s eye view!

Winter If you desire to visit the Smokies without the crowds, winter is a peaceful time to experience this beautiful area. Snowfall is common, so as long as you layer up you can enjoy the pristine beauty of snow covered mountains. Temperatures usually range in the high 40’s during the winter months.

First Stop: Visitor’s Center

Visitor’s Center in Smoky Mountains National Park

Before you do anything, first stop in at the visitor’s center. There are 4 visitors centers within the park including Sugarlands, Oconaluftee, Cades Cove and Clingman’s Dome. This is an ideal spot to grab trail maps, pamphlets for local attractions and souvenirs. Cell reception was spotty throughout our visit and unreliable so make sure to pick up maps of the area for specific trails and make plans ahead of time if traveling with multiple friends or families.

Also take the time to speak with the rangers, who are a wealth of information, to help choose your hikes. Case in point- originally, we had planned to hike the Porter’s Creek Trail to see the wildflowers, but learned that part of the trail was closed due to flooding in late March during our Spring Break. The knowledgeable ranger helped direct us to the Spruce Flats Trail, which proved to be our children’s favorite hike of the entire trip.

Be Prepared

Before setting out on any hike, make sure you are prepared. Not to scare you, but with 800 miles of wooded forests it helps to plan ahead. Some essentials for your trip include, good hiking shoes, water, snacks, layered clothing, sunscreen, maps, and a rain jacket or poncho. Here is a detailed Daypack Trip Essential Packing List that can help you assemble your hiking daypack with all the key items, especially when hiking with children.

Tips for Hiking in the Smoky Mountains

• Bring extra socks! Countless times while exploring the river trails and waterfalls my children’s feet slipped into the water. Soggy feet are no fun, and listening to children complain about them is even worse! Having extra socks can eliminate some wet feet and discomfort on the return hike.

• Stash an extra change of clothes in your vehicle. If you’re around children for more than 10 seconds near mud and water you know they are guaranteed to get dirty.

• Dogs are not allowed on any of these trails. If you want to bring your furry friend along, there are only 2 trails in the entire park, the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail, which are both located near the visitor’s center.

• Cell phone coverage is spotty so pick up a trail map and make plans ahead of time if traveling in groups with multiple vehicles. Often there is limited parking so you may need to park separately. It helps to designate a meet up place just in case.

• Parking can be quite challenging during peak times. Make sure to pull in your side mirrors if parking along the road or unfortunately you’ll learn the hard way!

Wildlife/ Bears

This area has dense forested land, home to many wild animals including turkeys, wild hogs, deer and black bears. Yes, there are a lot of bears! An estimate 1,500 wild black bears live in the Great Smoky Mountains. It is a common occurrence to see them while visiting. Both times we’ve vacationed in the area, people in our party have spotted bears at a distance.

Wild Black Bears

Bear Safety Basics So let’s review some basic safety precautions. Remember DO NOT FEED THE BEARS and always secure your food. Garbage in past years was a major contributor to bear problems. If you happen to come across a bear, back away slowly and quietly. If a black bear approaches you, stand your ground and try to appear larger and commanding. Do not run or climb a tree, bears can easily out run and out climb you. A great book to read about a ranger’s unique experiences in the Smoky Mountains is Bear in the Backseat: Adventures of a Wildlife Ranger in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Kim DeLozier. It makes a great audio book to listen to while traveling or visiting the scenic loop at Cade’s Cove. Our family thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining book during our Spring Break vacation this year.

BEST DAY HIKES IN THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS

Spruce Flats Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains

With over 100 waterfalls and 800 plus miles of trails contained in the Great Smoky Mountains the trail possibilities are endless. Assuming you have a small amount of time to explore, we’ve highlighted some of the most popular trails and waterfalls, plus some personal favorites. We’ve visited the Great Smoky Mountains area several times. First when our children were babies and toddlers and then in 2023 with older children ranging from 4-10 years of age. Choosing the right trails for your family can be quite a daunting task. Since it’s impossible to see everything in a week’s time, we’ve compiled The Great Smoky Mountains Waterfall Guide for Families. Make sure to pin and save for later! Here we’ve compiled our favorite waterfall hikes, including both popular hikes and hidden gems. We share our personal experience and tips while exploring at some of the most popular trails featured in the park, as well as some lesser known spots since crowded areas can make it less desirable.

Spruce Flats Trail

Distance 1.9 roundtrip, out and back, rated moderate

Trailhead/ Parking Tremont Visitor’s Center at 9275 Tremont Road, take Lumber Ridge Trail

Highlights

Spruce Flats Trail

Unlike the name of the trail, the Spruce Flats Trail is anything but flat. This trail is an uphill trail for the majority of the hike with an elevation gain of 413ft including a few small switch backs. Luckily, this hidden gem is less than 2 miles in total length which features a beautiful overlook as well as cumulates at the Spruce Flats Waterfall. The trail runs along Little River.

This waterfall trail is not on the main trail map so it’s a lesser known hike. It’s easy to find, even though it’s not on google maps. Park at Tremont Visitor’s Center and then cut across the small gravel service road and takes a left at the Tremont dorms onto the Lumber Ridge Trail. Follow the signs which are well marked. Most of the trail is narrow and uphill, but as you near the falls the trail begins to descend down towards the falls. As you come out of the trees, you’ll be able to glimpse the Spruce Flats Falls, a four tiered waterfall.

Upon reaching the falls, a beautiful 30 ft waterfall comes into view. By climbing over the rocky boulder trail you can make your way to either side of the falls while exploring the area. You can also safely wade in the water at the lower base of the falls. Another option is to climb up higher on the left side of the falls to the upper tier of the Spruce Flats Falls, although this route requires a lot more bouldering and isn’t as easily accessed. This was my children’s favorite hike of the entire trip because they could climb amongst the boulders and fallen logs which felt adventurous, plus it was a more secluded waterfall. Even on a Sunday, there were only a few other hikers on the trail and we were able to explore the area leisurely.

Cades Cove Scenic Loop 

Mountain’s surround the valley in Cade’s Cove

Cade’s Cove sits in a valley with scenic mountains surrounding the 11 mile loop. This one-way paved road can be biked or driven on and is a popular area for wildlife sightings. It’s a common occurrence to see black bears, turkeys and deer in the valley. Rich with history, the remains of settlements can be viewed with old churches, a gristmill, and homes dated back to the 1800’s. Halfway around the loop is the trail head for Abram’s Falls. This 5 mile trail leads alongside the river, over bridges and showcases the beautiful Abram Falls.

There is also the Cade’s Cove Visitor Center which has restrooms and an information center. Cades Cove Campground features a small shop with drinks, ice cream, and deli sandwiches are available. On Wednesdays it is motor vehicle-free days from May to September, so people can safely hike and bike the area. It is the perfect time to rent bikes at Cades Cove. Plan for at least a half day to drive and hike this popular area. The drive is slow, especially when there are animal sightings along the path.

Abrams Falls Trail

Distance 5 miles roundtrip, moderate

Allotted Time 2.5 hours, plan extra time because the drive around the scenic 11 mile loop is slow

Trailhead/ Parking Parking lot in Cade’s Cove Loop

Highlights

Log Bridge on the Abram Falls Trail

While visiting Cade’s Cove, take the time to hike this popular trail which begins in an open meadow. At a distance of 2.5 miles to reach Abrams Falls, this waterfall sees some of the most visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Abrams Falls trail is considered moderate with gradual inclines/declines. This 2.5 mile out and back trail follows along side Abram’s Creek for the majority of the hike, which provides interesting features and views throughout. With multiple log bridges to cross, small cricks to explore, and several spots providing access to Abram’s Creek your families interest will be peaked throughout the hike. 

The trail begins just after the trail sign, where you will cross the bridge and take a left.  The first part of the trail follows alongside the creek and is a flatter section.  As the trail continues the steeper grade increases, then levels off as you reach Abrams Falls. This gorgeous waterfall reaches 20ft in height and you can actually climb right next to the falls and feel the powerful spray from the cascading water.

Feeling the Spray from Abram’s Falls

Although this is one of the more popular waterfalls, the rocky area around the falls is open and spacious enough so people can spread out and sit and enjoy the view without feeling crowded. Plus it’s a great spot to relax at the base of the falls and have a snack break or picnic lunch. The river creates one of the strongest flowing waterfalls in the park, heed the signs posted and avoid swimming next to the falls due to the strong currents. This popular falls can often be quite busy, so heading out earlier during the weekends.

Check out our Instagram reel of hiking Abram Fall.

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Porter's Creek Trail

Great Smoky Mountain Waterfall

Distance: 4 miles, out and back to the falls, can continue on for additional mileage.

Allotted Time: 2 hours

Parking: From highway 321 from Gatlinburg. Take a right turn onto Greenbrier Road, at the fork follow Porters Creek Road to the trailhead.

The Porter’s Creek Trail winds along a historic gravel road and then follows a trail alongside a creek to view the Fern Branch Falls. This out and back trail is about 4 miles total. With beautiful wooded trails featuring waterfalls, wildflowers, bridges, creek side hiking and old remnants of buildings to explore, the kids will be entertained throughout. In the spring certain portions of the trail can be washed out so check with the rangers at the visitor’s center. The trail rewards your exertion with the beautiful Fern Branch Falls. We explored this trail back in 2015, but it was closed as of March 2023 due to flooding.

Laurel Falls Trail

Distance 2.6 miles roundtrip, moderate hike with steep grade.

Duration 2 hours to hike to the waterfall and back with time to explore and have snack breaks.

Trailhead/ Parking: From Sugarland’s Visitor Center, turn toward Cade’s Cove on Little River Road and drive 3.5 miles to the trailhead where there are parking areas on both sides of the road and along the road. Parking is limited and difficult so you may need to walk a distance. We dropped half our group off while the driver parked and walked the 5 minutes back. TIP Make sure you push in your side mirrors, we spotted an ill fated truck with a smashed in side mirror because the roads are tight.

Highlights

Laurel Falls in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Laurel Falls Trails is one of the most popular waterfall trails located near Gatlinburg. Laurel Falls is a beautiful trail that runs along the river providing scenic views and overlooks. With a shorter distance, only 1.3 miles to the falls, this draws larger crowds. This steep trail is technically paved, but many parts are broken by tree roots and uneven. This trail is definitely is not for strollers or wheelchairs; we saw several abandoned strollers along the trail. Definitely babywear your little ones.

Lower Falls at Laurel Falls in Great Smoky Mountains

The trail is named after mountain laurel, which often blooms in May and can be seen along the path. We also spotted tons of Rhododendron buds which begin blooming in May. Small sections of the trail have steep drop offs, especially as you near the last portion descending to the waterfall area. Laurel Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls, but definitely one of the most crowded due to the trail’s length and popularity.

Keep younger children close by and be prepared to hold their hands as you near the last section descending to the falls. This beautiful waterfall has both an upper section and a lower section. The small area at the the upper falls is easily accessed by crossing a short bridge walkway. Due to the small space to view the falls it can get quite cramped in this section. We spent minimal time at the actual falls due to the smaller viewing area. The lower falls is a bit trickier to gain access to and requires a steep climb down boulders. If you’re daring enough you can climb down among the large boulders to enjoy the river below the falls and explore. The rocks can be extremely slippery so proceed with caution.

Rainbow Falls Trail

Distance 5.4 miles, moderate

Duration 3-4 hours

Trailhead/ Parking Rainbow Falls trailhead is located off the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

Highlights

Another trail that is quite popular in the national park is the Rainbow Falls Trail. Due to the fact that the trail is located near the Gatlinburg area, it can attract many visitors. A roundtrip distance of 5.4 makes this a great hike for families with older children. It does have steeper inclines, which leads along a creek and ends at the cascading Rainbow Falls. After trekking along the trail you will be rewarded with the view of the impressive 80 foot waterfall! On sunny days, visitors may may be rewarded with a stunning rainbow created by the water’s mist. Rainbow Falls claims the title of the tallest waterfall in the Smoky Mountains National Park.  Try to hit this trail early in the morning to find a parking spot.

Clingmans Dome

Distance 0.5 miles

Time Allotted 45 minutes

Directions/Parking From Newfound Gap, follow the 7 mile Clingmans Dome Road to the parking lot at the end.

Highlights

Although this trail does not have a waterfall, it holds a spectacular view of the area. Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Kids will especially love to brag about the feat of summitting the highest point in the park, at a height of 6,643 feet. Although it’s only a 1/2 mile, the trail is quite steep. Don’t be scared though! Thankfully, the path is paved and there are benches along the path. Another exciting feature is that you will intersect the Appalachian for a time. Look for the posted signs near the tower and hike a while to experience the AT.  If you’re lucky enough to have a clear day you can see for hundreds of miles at the tower summit, although fog often is present and can cloud your view.  Be prepared to experience a temperature change of 10-20 degrees at the top and bring additional clothing, including layers or a rain coat because weather is known to be quite fickle. Rated moderate due to the steep incline and the air being thinner with the elevation change. Make sure to bring snacks and water.

Final Thoughts

Well that’s a wrap on waterfall hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains! This is not an extensive list, but a great start for planning your trip. The Appalachian area is full of adventures for every type of explorer. Whether you’re spending a couple days or a week, you’ll easily fill your time with these incredible hikes. So why not make the Great Smoky Mountains the destination for your next family trip and experience one of the most scenic places in the United States! If you’re trying to decide where to stay, eat and play in Gatlinburg, here is a Full Guide to Visiting the Great Smokey Mountains and Gatlinburg for Families. We know you’re bound to feel restored and refreshed as you enjoy the natural beauty of the Smokies with mountains, caves, waterfalls and rewarding views.

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