Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Stunning Waterfalls

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park features a diverse collection of cascades and falls shaped by high annual rainfall and ancient geology. This selection ranges from the 100-foot Ramsey Cascades, situated within old-growth forests, to the 80-foot Rainbow Falls, known for its prismatic mist. Notable highlights include Grotto Falls, which allows passage behind the water curtain, and the high-volume Abrams Falls in Cades Cove. Many sites, such as Laurel Falls, are accessible via established hiking trails or roadside viewing points.

Stunning Waterfalls — Map

Nick gates / CC-BY-SA

A

Laurel Falls

An 80-foot waterfall named for the mountain laurel that blooms nearby in May. A footbridge bisects the upper and lower sections of the falls.

B

Cane Creek Twin Falls

A double cascade located near the Elkmont area where Cane Creek joins the Little River.

Nick gates / CC-BY-SA

C

Abrams Falls

Though only 20 feet high, this waterfall is distinguished by its high water volume and the large, deep pool at its base. It is located at the end of a 2.5-mile trail in Cades Cove.

Nick gates / CC-BY-SA

D

Rainbow Falls

An 80-foot single-drop waterfall where afternoon sunlight often creates rainbows in the mist. During winter, impressive ice formations frequently build up around the base.

Eric Hart / CC-BY-SA

E

Juney Whank Falls

This 90-foot cascade is divided into upper and lower sections. A footbridge crosses the stream directly in front of the falls, providing a close-up view of the descent.

F

Mannis Branch Falls

A multi-tiered waterfall visible from Little River Road. It drops approximately 150 feet down the mountainside across the river from the road.

Eric Hart / CC-BY-SA

G

Tom Branch Falls

A 60-foot cascade that flows over tiered rocks into Deep Creek. It is easily accessible via a flat path from the Deep Creek campground area.

H

Grotto Falls

A 25-foot waterfall distinguished as the only one in the national park that visitors can walk behind. The Trillium Gap Trail passes directly under the overhanging cliff.

Tim Ross / Public domain

I

Mingo Falls

Only a short drive of the town, almost 200 steps and there it goes - spectacular waterfalls.

J

Thousand Drips

A seasonal roadside waterfall located at the end of the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. The water weaves through numerous small channels over the rock face.

K

Ramsey Cascades

The tallest waterfall in the park at 100 feet. The water drops over a series of rock ledges into a pool surrounded by a large old-growth hardwood forest.

L

Crooked Arm Cascades

A 25-foot cascade located near the Cades Cove entrance. It is accessible via the Crooked Arm Ridge Trail.

M

Lynn Camp Falls

A series of multi-tiered cascades located along the Middle Prong Trail. The site features wide drops over rock formations in the Tremont area.

N

Huskey Branch Falls

A 20-foot cascade that flows directly under a small footbridge on the Little River Trail.

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park Essentials Smoky Mountain Peaks Great Smoky Mountains Camping Scenic Viewpoints Historic Cemeteries