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The Laurel Falls Trail and its parking lot have been closed since early 2025 for rehabilitation, and Knox News reports the reopening has slipped to 2027. Check current NPS closures before any hike.
Most waterfall hikes in the Smokies take at least a few hours, according to the National Park Service. Any car parked longer than 15 minutes needs a parking tag, and dogs are not allowed on these trails.
The hikes at a glance
| Waterfall | Round trip | Trailhead | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grotto Falls | 2.6 miles | Trillium Gap, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail | Families; walk behind the falls |
| Rainbow Falls | 5.6 miles | Cherokee Orchard Road | Fit hikers; rainbows on sunny afternoons |
| Abrams Falls | 5 miles | End of Cades Cove Loop Road | A Cades Cove day |
| Ramsey Cascades | 8 miles, 2,100+ ft gain | Greenbrier | Experienced hikers; tallest falls in the park |
Grotto Falls
A 25-foot waterfall and the only one in the park with a trail that passes behind it, reached by a 2.6-mile round trip on the Trillium Gap Trail, per the NPS. Expect heavy crowds and limited parking; go early. The trailhead is on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, which closes for part of the year (roughly mid-April through late November, per Gatlinburg.com) and does not allow buses, trailers or motor homes.
Rainbow Falls
A steady climb of 5.6 miles round trip from Cherokee Orchard Road, named for the mist rainbow that often appears on sunny afternoons, per the NPS. It is close to downtown Gatlinburg.
Abrams Falls
A 5-mile round trip from the Abrams Falls Trailhead, between signposts 10 and 11 on the Cades Cove loop, per the NPS. Pair it with the loop drive; Wears Valley is the closest cabin base.
Ramsey Cascades
The tallest waterfall in the Smokies, on an 8-mile round trip with more than 2,100 feet of climbing, per the NPS. Start early and carry plenty of water.
Prefer a guided hike?
Guided waterfall hikes from Gatlinburg start around $89 on GetYourGuide and $95 on Viator, and they handle parking and route choice.
Book a guided waterfall hike
Small-group hikes with local guides, often with free cancellation.
Sources
- National Park Service: hike to Grotto Falls
- National Park Service: hike to Rainbow Falls
- National Park Service: hike to Abrams Falls
- National Park Service: waterfalls
- Knox News: Laurel Falls Trail closure extended to 2027
- National Park Service: Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
- Gatlinburg.com: Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
- National Park Service: Great Smoky Mountains fees and parking tags
- National Park Service: pets in Great Smoky Mountains
- National Park Service: current road and trail closures
- GetYourGuide: Pigeon Forge outdoor activities
- Viator: things to do in Gatlinburg
