Loved the experience, the park rangers were very nice and also very informative about the park. We walked some of the trails, seen the old cabins and the old churches, even got stopped by park rangers because there was a momma bear and her cubs walking around the area. The gift shop had had so many cool items and books about the family’s who once called cades cove home.

For obvious reasons, this should be 5 stars, but humans really have to ruin it every time. But first with the good stuff. We got SO incredibly lucky and saw 7 bears!!! We arrived at the front of the park at about 805 am. The fog was pretty thick for the first 20 min or so of the drive, but it was amazing watch it become clearer as we drove through. We saw so many deer and about 10 were playing in field that we watched for probably 15 minutes. Now. I absolutely expect that traffic is going to be slow. I get it if someone doesn't pull over and stops for 5-10 seconds to take a picture or quick video of something even though there are signs literally everywhere that say "don't idle". But when we saw the first group of 4 bears, we were stopped for almost 30 minutes. I guarantee you that probably hundreds more people would have able to also seen them if people in front of us had common decency. Like I get it, it's an amazing sight, but seriously the people who selfishly stop for 3 or 4 minutes when they could pull over ahead and walk back is ridiculous. It's literally just about being respectful and decent. So anyway, rant over, it was one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had and I absolutely recommend going early. I think we went at the perfect time to see what we saw.

Just a fun drive and lots of sights ,trails,wildlife and history. The most popular place in the park and for good reason. Trails are all accessible some easy some hard. Various trail lengths. Lots of different historical cabins and on one of the spots there's even a gist mill, that still makes stone ground cornmeal you can buy. Enjoy this scenic drive at Great smoky mountains National Park

Did the loop on a beautiful late morning. Only saw turkey, but it's a lovely drive with several historical sites to visit. During warmer months, the NP closes the loop to motorized vehicles giving bicyclists a chance to enjoy nature without having to worry about being run off the road. Dogs are allowed in the park, but aren't allowed on most trails.

If you like driving in a circle following thousands of ppl in a line of cars hoping to see wildlife in a meadow to your left,... then this is your place. The mountain views were beautiful but not as dramatic as other locations at the park. We did see 1 deer but we see those all the time at home. I would skip this if I ever came back and go for something less populated.

I’m a lover of Mother Nature and this self guided driving attraction was breathtaking. Pictures don’t do it justice. I was looking for the bears none showed up. Nonetheless I absolutely loved this experience. Be prepared with enough gas, drinks or snacks. Make sure to use the bathroom before entering the cove. Expect to be in long line for about about 2 hrs driving time including traffic. It’s free, there is a gift shop at the end of the tour, the ice cream is delicious.

This is an amazing place to cruise and see wildlife. We actually saw the horses, several deer, turkeys, two bears!! There are lots of places to pull off the road if you want to explore or if you’ve got a speed demon on your tail! LOL! I love to go through very slowly and see all that we can, while others are in such a rush. What’s the point of going through if you don’t take time to enjoy the scenery!

This major landmark just over state line of Tennessee from North Carolina located in the Great Smoky mountains national Park is a 360° concrete Tower on the pic of the highest point in the area there is a half mile trail and curving concrete ramp up to the tower from the parking lot this is not a very accessible walk for elderly people or people with health conditions such as long or heart ailments however the views from the parking lot at the base of the ramp up to the tower or spectacular and are worth the drive and the weight even if you don't make it up to the tower also there are very many overlooks on the way up to the parking lot from the entrance to the national Park that offer amazing views also

Breathtaking place to see on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. I visited November 2nd. There was no problem finding a parking spot. Weather was cold and freezing on top. Good to see 360 degree view of mountains. Climb is ok. Not too hard. Better to walk slowly to observation tower. Because it gets cold and windy up there. Seeing snow covered trees was spectacular.

Awesome view. We'll worth negotiating the windy road leading to it and the 1/2 mile uphill trek up to the tower.

A must visit place. The views are incredible. Took some amazing pictures. The trail is paved and easy to walk on. However, it is steep and requires some effort.

A small hike that leads to an amazing view point. On the observatory, one can see a 360 degrees view of the mesmerising mountains. The stretch of green is soul satisfying provided there is no fog and clouds blocking the view. We had a good time until the mist began to cascade the ranges and envelope the entire mountains.

Thrilling experience! A must visit. Half mile hike till the dome. The path is paved and somewhat steep, but it is pretty easy.. once you reach the top, you will be blown away by the mesmerizing views of the mountains. Perfect for capturing landscape photos/videos and enjoying fresh cool breeze.

What a view!! It's worth the trek up the hill! It is all up hill, it's not easy but it is paved. There are lots of places to stop and rest. It's beautiful in the Dome! Make the hike!!

This was breathtaking! The drive is beautiful with rock outcroppings, waterfalls, rapids, and pull offs to enjoy all the above. We rented a jeep for the day, and there is no other way I would have wanted to experience this adventure. We stopped at several different waterfalls and places where the river was rushing and creating some amazing rapids. Towards the end is a wonderful little mill with a gift shop full of beautiful pottery and souvenirs that you won't find on the Parkway! This drive is a must if you are in the area. It also offers trailhead for hiking!

My absolute favorite place to go for a ride since I moved to Pigeon Forge. We Rent a Unit from American Patriot UTV Rentals and enjoy the scenic ride around the loop we always see at least one Bear and Turkey when we go. A perfect way to decompress from everyday and enjoy life.

Nice relaxing drive. A lot of great views and scenery. Can't beat it for free!!

Always love driving the loop.

Beautiful but very few parking spaces for the volume of traffic driving thru this one way trail.

Love this nature drive! You can stop as much as you want around this one way narrow road. Multiple sites of historic homes and outbuildings. Several hiking trails go to waterfalls.

You'll see it all on this drive, waterfalls, historic buildings, beautiful peaks, and the relaxing creek. It's a lot shorter then Cades Cove, so if you are pressed for time this is the one to do!

Incredible place to go by car, bike, or motorcycle. Super easy, one-way, 6 miles, with great views and a river. For people with walking difficulties, it's an excellent option! Highly recommended! We would go again. It's just a few miles from the town entrance.

This is a really pretty ride which is almost in downtown Gatlinburg. It is not a long drive but can be very slow with the traffic as it is narrow and one way. If you want to see all that the area has to offer you really will not want to travel though too fast. Yes some people can tend to get agrivated as they act like they are trying to break a speed record. We were there in the fall and the colors were georgious. There are pull off areas, streams, walking trails etc. It is well worth the time.

We enjoyed driving along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. It wasn't overly busy on a Thursday morning. We made several stops and explored. My daughter enjoyed splashing and playing in the water. We saw a bear in the woods which was very exciting. The mill and store at the end is a nice place to stop. We found a few treasures and they have a penny press.

Our GPS brought us to the wrong location to start the loop + we were going the wrong way. Signs would have been really appreciated. We were not the only people driving in the wrong direction. Once we found the entrance things went a lot smoother. There was not a whole lot to look at and I felt like it was a bit long for for a drive through the woods but it was still quite a nice afternoon and, it was nice that there were places to pull off and go take small hikes and pictures and such. Unfortunately people park in crazy ways, so that got a little hairy now and then. All in all it was a very nice day and it was completely free and worth the time.

This was absolutely beautiful! We enjoyed doing this drive more the Cades Cove. If you love nature, then this one's for you! Fall is always gorgeous in the mountains during fall, but this was exceptional!

If you’re in the Smoky Mountains you need to take time to see nature. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a nice one lane drive. Lots of sharp corners and elevation changes. It has some over looks with nice views. We stopped at Ely's Mill at the end.

This is a MUST!! it’s so easy to drive through! A ton of spots to pull over and park so you can explore! You get the best of both worlds! From amazing Mountain View’s to being in the forest and seeing beautiful waterfalls. There are also a ton of trails along the route if you wanna go hiking as well! I loved it so much!!

It's a fairly easy hike. The fall was nice. Many people went with their children. Parking near the trail is a mess. Very less spots available. Had to wait for a long time to get parking.

This trail was recommended to us as a family friendly trail that my 5 year old could hike and I agree! It was perfect for us as a family and as beginners. It’s paved and took us around 2 hours total. The waterfall was beautiful and worth the hike. There are some spots towards the end that you need to be extra cautious if you have children but overall it was a fun and rewarding trail!

Loved this trail. Turned out to be easier than we thought. Can definitely be done with young kids and elderly as well. Took about 35 min to the waterfall and 25 or so back. Walk down to the base of the fall to great a great view!

So beautiful easy hike it is pretty steep at some points and can be a little slippery so be careful. It is a beautiful place and a must see if you visit the Smokeys. After the rain it is even better!

It is all up hill on the way up. It is paved but can be challenging for new people! Lots of places to stop and rest. Gorgeous views and the falls are wonderful.

Hard to find parking, nice little trail, it took me about 35 minutes walking at a medium to slow pace. The path is paved all the way, although towards the end, the pavement have eroded a bit. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes . The waterfall area was very crowded, but eventually we were able to get in and enjoy (there isn't too much space to get under the water, but you can lean against the rocks and get your back wet). This review was based on a sunny Saturday afternoon in August.

Beautiful waterfall. Trail is basically paved (some areas trail is crumbling) but pretty easy trail for an average hiker. No dogs allowed on this trail (or most trails in the Smoky Mountains).

Helpful rangers, nice gift shop, easy kiosks to purchase parking passes. Parking can be difficult during busy periods. There is a nature trail connected to the visitor center, and also a quick hike to Cataract Falls.

Always a clean area getting out and going in. Courteous professionals are around if you need assistance with something too. Support the Mountains and conservation efforts by buying some lil something IF you're able. It'll go to maintaining going forward and with hopes of things getting better instead of always impeding on more acreage our animals have to have. Ty for all yall do there.

It is a very nice well equipped visitor center inside the Great Smoky mountains National Park. All of the accommodations were acceptable and the gift shop was above average. The people here were amazingly nice and helpful.

This is the starting point for your drive through the smokey mountains. I urge you to stop at the center to walk through the gift shop, watch a short film, speak to the park rangers, and get a map. Right behind the center is a short trail that takes you to cataract falls.

Jerry was so helpful is helping us map out our hikes. What a wonderful person. Everyone who works there was just amazing.

Love the National Park Service! Rangers gave great advice on where to go and where NOT to go and why based on experience or inexperience.

Rangers are very helpful and are patient despite how busy the place is

Grotto Falls was amazing!! It’s a very popular place so plan to get there early. Parking is always full. The hike itself was mostly uphill and the path was pretty clear with some rocks and roots in the ground. There were little waterfalls and other beautiful scenery all along the way.

This is a beautiful waterfall and the hike isn't too bad. It is uphill, but all my kids were able to make it without complaining (from 10-21). Walking behind the falls is amazing and unique. Our oldest son proposed to his girlfriend there in October. Parking is very limited, we had to drive the loop twice and pile the 12 of us into one car once we were able to get to a larger parking lot & leave 2 vehicles there, this was 9am in the morning. Luckily, there was one parking spot available the 2nd time around. So go very early!

Great hike with beautiful scenes. The waterfall and little pools at the top were incredibly. The water was very cold! It was a great experience! Parking was totally full. We were praying for a spot to open up for us...and it did!

Grotto Falls is a gem in the Smokies, offering a unique opportunity to walk behind a cascading waterfall—a rare and magical experience. The hike via Trillium Gap Trail is about 2.6 miles roundtrip and moderately easy, with gentle inclines and shaded paths that make it suitable for families and casual hikers. Along the way, you’ll pass through lush greenery, cross small streams, and spot wildflowers and wildlife, especially in spring and early summer. The trail is well-maintained, and the forest canopy provides a cool, refreshing atmosphere even on warmer days. The waterfall itself is stunning, especially after recent rain when the flow is strong. The ability to walk behind the falls adds a playful and memorable twist to the hike. It’s a great spot for photos, quiet reflection, or simply cooling off. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes, as the rocks near the falls can be slippery. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful nature escape, Grotto Falls delivers a rewarding experience that blends accessibility with natural beauty.

Nice short hike! Good for the family. Parking filled up quickly on a Friday morning. I'd recommend going early if you don't want to add extra milage to your hike. You can walk behind the falls which is fun. The trail does continue up to a mountain path for those interested in a hike longer than 3 miles.

A Peaceful and Rewarding Hike! I absolutely loved the scenic trail that leads to Grotto Falls. The walk through the forest is peaceful and beautiful, and the reward at the end—a stunning waterfall you can actually walk behind—is totally worth it! I recommend bringing water and a few snacks, especially if you’re hiking with kids or taking your time. Don’t rush—soak in the beauty around you. It’s not just about the destination, the journey is just as breathtaking. Highly recommend!

Absolutely beautiful trail. Moderate level. There were plenty of children hiking it. It was a great short trail to do on our last day. There and back took about an hour and 20 minutes. The waterfall is breathtaking. So worth it.

This is where we went on our first vacation together and it is also where I asked the love of my life to marry me. Amazing place and so many great memories and now we have our special moment from here.

“Where Heaven Wears Flannel and Hikers Flex Their Calves” Let me start by saying this: if you haven’t screamed “I CAN SEE TENNESSEE!” while dramatically pointing at absolutely nothing in particular, have you really been to Newfound Gap? Newfound Gap is where Mother Nature decided to show off and the Smoky Mountains said, “Hold my moonshine.” Perched high up on the Appalachian spine like a front-row seat to the world’s most scenic episode of Bob Ross, this spot delivers panoramic views so breathtaking they’ll slap the Wi-Fi signal right out of your phone—and honestly, that’s a gift. As you roll up the winding road (and pray your brakes are in a good mood), you’ll hit the parking lot and realize: this is a place where jean shorts meet hiking poles, and no one bats an eye. It’s part overlook, part Appalachian Trail launchpad, and part outdoor fashion show featuring everything from tactical REI gear to confused tourists in Crocs. Stand on the North Carolina–Tennessee state line and instantly feel like a powerful diplomatic figure mediating between barbecue styles. Look left: rhododendrons. Look right: slightly different rhododendrons. Look up: clouds hugging the peaks like nature’s own weighted blanket. Look down: probably someone regretting hiking in flip-flops. And don’t skip the Rockefeller Memorial. That’s where you learn that even rich people sometimes put their money toward good things—like making sure the rest of us can stand on a mountaintop, take a deep breath, and feel like we're in a Lisa Frank painting minus the neon leopards. Bring a jacket—it gets cool up here, both literally and spiritually. And maybe a snack, because staring into the vast, misty wilderness tends to awaken your inner philosopher and your inner squirrel at the same time. In short: Newfound Gap is a place to take photos, contemplate life, and maybe cry a little if the wind hits your face just right. Go there. Bring someone you like. Or don’t. Either way, the view won’t judge you—but the squirrels might.

Gorgeous drive!!! Worth the time it takes and the main scenic viewing area doesn't disappoint. Bring a picnic lunch and eat at 5040 feet! Plenty of places to stop and take photos. Friendly other people around you will be happy to take your photo if you're tired of selfies. There are trails you can walk if you want and a restroom, too. Wear sneakers and take your hiking poles- this is a beautiful place to stretch your legs.

Varies outlook to enjoy the sunset. Or you could just drive through to see the golden light shining over the mountain trees.

Still open while 441 is under construction! Plenty of parking is available. Great views. Passes are available for sale via machines.

Gorgeous views worth the stop, we did stop after visiting the clingman’s dome early morning!

Took a scenic drive south on Hwy 441 seeing many beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains. We live in Colorado and have our own beautiful Rocky Mountains. But we so enjoyed the beauty of the Smoky's. They are two very different types of mountain terrain.

Cool experience and worth a visit. If you have the time and visit during the summer months. Take advantage of the near by waters for a relaxing day of swimming. Pack a picnic for you & your family and take your time hiking and exploring this area. Go early for a chance to spot some bears....

Plenty of parking and restrooms available, which makes it a great place to stop during your Cades Cove drive. Just a heads-up there’s no cell service out here, so plan ahead. The gift shop has lots of cool national park knickknacks, stickers, and souvenirs. There’s also plenty to see and do as you walk around, including historic buildings and beautiful open fields. The mountain views are absolutely stunning. A must-stop if you’re exploring the area!

The visitor center is full of information about the history of Cades Cove. The store has so many books about history and nature. This is a good place for souvenirs too. The grounds are a walk into the past from the home to the barn, grist mill and more. It’s a very peaceful and relaxing place for a walk.

We were there Friday, Oct 14, 2025 around 11:30 am. It was an 11 mile bumper to bumper snail’s pace drive. No wildlife other than a few deer, scenery wasn’t nearly as beautiful as the scenery on the drive to get there. We recommend driving up there, then turn around and drive back…plenty of places to pull off for pics and amazing views. Skip Cades Cove, very disappointing and took forever to get through because drivers were literally stopping foe minutes at a time, we have no idea what for.

We've been the smokies 4 times now and have made a trip here every time and it never gets old driving through the cove hopefully one day we can get down there when the leaves have changed we did get to see a mama bear and 3 cubs but it was quick

We've been avoiding this place due to traffic. While it was definitely Beautiful going 2-3 mph bumper to bumper is not the best way to view Cades Cove. We even went on Tuesday.

Cute little place to visit half way through the scenic loop drive. There isn’t much there but great to see the old buildings from years gone by, visit the store and have a leg stretch.

Well maintained trail and glorious views along the way. Not too busy either. Will be greeted by a few bridge crossings over rapids. Then long steep stairs and peaceful streams. Then open views of the mountains and finally the chimney. FYI, the trail to the rock formation is closed and overgrown and not well maintained but there's a nice view of it at the top.

Good looking trail. Crowded at prime times. Some steep parts. Good views along the way.

Wow!! Absolutely a beautiful hike. A must visit for the nature/hiking lover. The only tip I have is to make sure your phone is charged, you have water, and wear appropriate clothing/shoes. I would not recommend bringing any food here because I'm nearly positive there are bears. After you finish the hike here and head back to your car, make sure you keep driving up the mountain for more great views.

Nice trail, didn't make it all the ways up. Closed due to fire.

A well marked and kept trail, but despite the name’s implication, it does not get you to the Chimney Tops (though a sign at the trailhead warns of the closure). The elevation gain is slightly difficult (compounded by alternating steep trail, stone steps, and wood retention steps), the overlook at the end is worth the hike. Though the parking at the trailhead was packed, the hike was peaceful and the other hikers were spread out (some enjoying the water at the beginning, some resting at benches along the trail, and a bunch catching their breaths and enjoying the view at the overlook). Though there’s no scrambling or unimproved portions of the trail, it could be difficult for children or individuals with movement limitations to complete the hike.

This is a steep incline with many rock or garden tie steps. It does tell you at the beginning that the last 1/2 mile is closed due to the damage from the fires. Just over a 1300 ft elevation climb. View is pretty at the top. Take your time, and you can do it!

Intense hike that is well worth the trek!

The entire trail top to bottom is great. All of the improvements are from the trail head to the falls. Beyond that, it's pure back country as you'd hope for. The final mile is a killer gradient that is extremely rewarding, but a humbling experience!

Hard hike! You are an incline all the way to the falls. A beautiful hike with lots of wildlife

Moderately challenging hike (1500 feet of gain over approx 2.8 miles) but if you take your time, I believe the view of the falls is worth the challenge. We saw plenty of families with children doing this hike, so I would say it is family friendly. Trail has several sections that are very rocky, so good trail shoes are needed for the experience.

It’s very good for hiking but the scenery is not that worth it… make sure plan must be the way, you must reach before sunset… no food is allowed… it’s better to keep bear spray and parking is available

Beautiful trail that is a good 5.5-6 miles. The waterfall at the end is a nice refreshed to look forward to at the end.

Beautiful trail! It’s definitely more of a 6 mile round trip. Lots of roots and large rocks on the trail to trip you up. Most would label it moderate since it is up hill to the falls. We saw a bear digging under a log about 15 yards off the trail. It had zero interest in us. Parking is tight but there were several lots and people coming and going enough that a little patience got us a spot. Bathrooms right at the trailhead was nice too. Take plenty of water!

Beautiful waterfall trail. It had surprisingly a lot of elevation gain. The trail itself is pretty short, but the elevation gain makes it a lot harder. Most of it is in the woods except for a few views and small waterfalls, but the waterfall at the end makes it all worth it. You can also walk behind the waterfall. The rainbow caused by the waterfall was pretty visible but less visible on camera, so there’s an edited picture attached to help you see it better.

We hiked the Alum Cave Trail yesterday and it was amazing! Parking was very difficult ,we arrived around 9 AM and had a hard time finding a spot, so I recommend getting there closer to 8. The trail itself is a bit challenging and mostly uphill, so make sure to wear good hiking shoes and bring some snacks and water. The views along the way and at the top are absolutely incredible and totally worth the effort!

Our favorite trail in gatlinburg so far!! You get beautiful views on the way up and get to hike along the creek. It's a steady climb so not too difficult until the very top. Or toddler loved this

Awesome trail, well maintained. Besure to wear good hiking shoes and take plenty of water and some snacks. It's gets steeper as you get to the top. But so worth doing your best to get there.

Pretty easy hike up to the Alum cave. Our 5 year old made it without complaining. Beautiful views

Went Easter Sunday. I had read that parking was hard to come by so we went at 11am hoping to grab spots as the earlier folks were leaving, but evidently everyone else was doing the same. We ended up parking a mile away and walking to the trailhead, which was ok but not ideal for my kids. The trail itself was well maintained and beautiful. Most of the trail was shaded and the sound of the water was wonderful throughout the hike. The steps toward the end were brutal but the views were worth it.

Awesome trail if you make it the end i reccomend keep going to mtn leconte. Stay on trail almost slid of a cliff when i took a wrong turn at alum cave.

I loved this hike so much! It had incredible views and lots of cool things like the caves and bluffs and the inspiration point.

Lots of picnic tables spread out nicely! Also parking for rugged nature trail.

I love this spot! It's one that my family and I go to every time we visit Gatlinburg just because we love the beautiful, huge stream of water that runs through it! This place is just so peaceful and beautiful! This time we decided to do the hike inside the park. It was not super difficult. It was a nice little hike. The restrooms were actual toilets with running water, which was a nice change up from the other toilets at some of the other locations throughout the Smokeys.

Perfect Spot for a Family Picnic and Nature Adventure! We had an amazing day at Chimneys Picnic Area! It’s such a peaceful and scenic spot tucked away in the Great Smoky Mountains. We found a nice shady picnic table right by the creek — the sound of the water flowing made the experience even more relaxing. After lunch, the kids played near the stream and even went for a little swim in the shallow, crystal-clear water. It was cold but refreshing and completely safe with adult supervision. The rocks and little pools make it a fun spot for them to explore nature. We also took a short walk along one of the nearby trails, which was not too difficult and gave us even more beautiful views of the forest and water. The air felt so fresh and clean, and everything around us was so green and alive. The area was clean, well-maintained, and there were plenty of picnic tables and grills available. Parking was easy, and the bathrooms were basic but clean enough. It was one of our favorite stops during our trip to the Smokies — peaceful, fun, and perfect for families. Highly recommended if you’re looking for a budget-friendly nature outing with kids or just a relaxing day surrounded by beauty.

Great place to picnic by a creek. They have restrooms. Nice picnic tables. Grills available.

It's one of my favorite places. I recommend trying to go on an off day, which is very hard to do in the park. But even when it's crowded, there are usually several spots open. Make sure to dip your feet in the ice-cold water.

Pretty cool place to check out some nature. The water level in the creek was down so we were able to run around in the creek and climb on the rocks and get some adventures in. Was very fun and a cool place to visit. Scenery was beautiful and everybody loved the place. Definitely worth going and checking out to get some pictures and to mess around.

This is a great place to picnic and take in the beautiful scenery. The river flowing over the rocks is very relaxing... There's even a trail to explore that isn't too difficult to hike...

Cool little hike for all abilities to see a waterfall. We arrived around 8:30 am and the parking lot was already filling up fast. The easy trail makes it accessible to all levels and therefore it gets busy. The trail leads to other more moderate and difficult trails too which is nice.

The falls were nice. Could have done without some of the visitors. We came here on a Monday early afternoon. The weather was a little bit of drizzle, but the place was a mob scene. We got lucky with a parking spot. You'll need to pay $5 for a daily pass to park anywhere in the Smokey Mountain state park. The trail to the falls is easy, but not easily accessible if you're toting strollers. Also, the people who are bringing strollers leave their disgusting used diapers all over the park which is not cool in the slightest. The site was pretty and there are other trails to follow after you see the falls. This place was good to see once, but I'd rather do a more difficult hike elsewhere if it means not dealing with people who can't respect their environment.

Visited on a weekday with no wait to enter. No need to buy tickets in advance. Cataract Falls is a short, shaded trail that starts just behind Sugarlands Visitor Center. It’s well-maintained and easy to follow, making it a great option for families with kids or anyone looking for a low-effort nature walk. The path is mostly flat, with a few gentle inclines and wooden bridges that add charm without difficulty. The waterfall itself isn’t massive, but it’s a peaceful spot—especially after recent rain when the flow picks up. It’s not a bucket-list destination, but it’s a solid warm-up if you’re easing into the Smokies or just passing through. Good signage, clean surroundings, and a quick payoff make it worth the stop.

Easy trail, we used it as an early morning jog. Not very dramatic but still beautiful and peaceful ❤️ hiker before us said we missed the bear by 5 mins and showed us pictures, he was a good size and beautiful, be on the lookout, went towards laurel falls path.

Nice little 1 mile hike from sugarland visitor center. Very easy and family friendly. The falls were pretty if not a little underwhelming. But I bet they are great in the spring when the water is higher. No dogs allowed 😢

This place is beautiful. I enjoyed my walk and got to the cataract water fall and enjoyed every view walking to it. If you like trail walking it's a beautiful place to go and it's free to walk there all you pay is your pass to park which is very affordable $5 all day parking

Beautiful and very easy hike. perfect for kids and elderly, and for someone who wants hiking experience but don't want to walk too much.

We were not blessed with great views up at the top so I cannot give it 5 stars. However it was a very enjoyable hike up to the top. We took Alum Cave up, which is a generally popular trail so we were sure to start right at sunrise. I would recommend doing that trail up as we had great views along the way.

Climbing a mountain ✅ on my bucket 🪣 list! Very strenuous but worth every drop of sweat! Views are majestic and just breathtaking at times. Bring hiking poles the terrain is difficult. When you are at the top take some time to rest and get a homemade chocolate cookie bar. Thank me later.

Great hike, I got there at 6am and it was a clear morning and we were able to see all the stars in the sky. Started at the Alum cave trail hiked to the Mt Le Conte point which didn't have much of a views but there were plenty of views on the hike up, the Clif top view point was amazing!

Amazing hike! Bring water, and expect your shoes to be soaked along the way as most the trail is wet rocks. You can have a nice lunch at Alum Cave which is close to halfway. Get there before 7am or expect to walk another mile just to get to the trailhead! You'll see why by the end of the day.

Strenuous hike, but mainly for the distance, most parts are not that steep, but there are some steep sections that can get slippery. I would hold onto the cable when you get high up. There is a reason why it’s there. Stay safe. When you get to the top, there is a nice lodge with some snack snacks and gifts. If you go out a little bit further, you can get to the top and hopefully it won’t be too smoky for you. When we got to the top, it was very smoky and we really couldn’t see that much. I will say we saw a lot throughout the entire hike and we had a wonderful time enjoying God’s a wonderful creation! God is so good! I hope God blesses you with a very rad day!

Great views, beautiful trails. Only downside is that since there are 5 easily reachable trails leading up it can be super crowded.

Worth it! The views are amazing, there is several spots your can rest along the way, parking is limited so arrive early, it will take in a moderate pace 3+hours, a lot of wood and rock stairs with support cables for the expose areas. The trail takes 5.3 miles to the cliff bluff overlook. There is potable water at the lodge available to the hikers.