Waterfall Park and Hikes in Gatlinburg

"Although Abrams Falls is only 20 feet high, the large volume of water rushing over the sandstone cliff more than makes up for its lack of height. In fact, Abrams Falls is the most voluminous waterfall in the park, easily making this the most scenic waterfall in the Smokies. As a result, the moderate 5.2-mile roundtrip hike to the waterfall is one of the more popular hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains."

"Abrams Falls is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Standing at only 20 feet high, it definitely isn’t one of the tallest waterfalls in the park, but the large volume of water rushing over the falls more than makes up for its lack of height. You will definitely want to bring a camera with you when you complete this hike."

"This 5-mile round trip trail ends at the 18-foot high Abrams Falls named after a Cherokee chief whose village was downstream. The pool at the bottom of the falls has an undertow, so don’t swim there."

"Grotto Falls is accessible via the Trillium Gap Trail, the trailhead of which can be found on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. On the 3-mile round trip, which is of moderate difficulty, hikers will traverse old hemlock forests in a peaceful atmosphere until they reach the falls. The trail actually leads directly behind the cascading water of Grotto Falls, offering a unique and gorgeous point of view for visitors, and the 25-foot-tall waterfall is a cool and beautiful destination."

"Grotto Falls is a terrific hiking trail for seeing wildflowers and a truly unique waterfall. In fact, the Trillium Gap Trail passes underneath the falls – a great way to cool off in the heat of summer. If you have enough time, this hiking trail also continues to the summit of Mt. LeConte."

"Grotto Falls is one of the more unique waterfall hikes in the Smoky Mountains. The trail starts out on Trillium Gap Trail, and with a roundtrip of 2.6 miles, it is considered moderate. To get to the waterfall, you’ll have to cross some small streams."

"Located in the less-visited Tremont section of the park, Spruce Flats Falls is not on the radar of most park visitors. Because of this fact, you might have this special place all to yourself when you come to visit. These falls aren’t just great for escaping the crowds — they’re also perfect if you’re short on time, as the trail leading to the waterfall is just a two-mile round trip."

"The trail to get to Spruce Flats Falls is considered moderate and has a roundtrip length of 1.8 miles. This trail isn’t on the official Great Smoky Mountain National Park map, but the waterfall is visited often because of its scenic beauty. Before you reach the falls, you’ll cross streams and continue uphill then go downtown."

"Technically, this is not an official park trail and often the falls are not found on any park maps. Thus making it one of the Smokies' true hidden gems. Though, don’t be surprised if you encounter other hikers due to its close proximity to the Tremont Visitors Center."

"Whether you consider yourself a semi-professional photographer or you are just looking for ways to enhance your family’s photo album, it is always a good idea to learn about how you can take better pictures of the Smoky Mountains. Check our tips of how to take the best pictures during your Smoky Mountain vacation:"

"There are several amazing waterfalls throughout the Smoky Mountains National Park. For that reason, we are combining them all into one entry on this list. Remember though, waterfalls aren’t in the middle of a parking lot and will require some hiking to get to."

"This is a great hike for novice hikers as this trail is relatively smooth, and is a gradual climb of only 605 feet over the course of the two miles to the 45-foot Mouse Creek Falls. The Big Creek Trail follows an old railroad grade, built by the Crestmont logging company in the early 1900's to haul lumber out of the mountains during the logging boom. The trail was improved by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the 1930s when it was converted for hiking use."

"Mouse Creek Falls is another recommended option for visitors who want to enjoy nature without the crowds. The trail leading to this 45-foot cascade is a moderately difficult, four-mile round-trip hike along the Big Creek Trail, which passes another smaller waterfall along the way at Midnight Hole. This trail, which was originally a route to transport logs in the early 20th century, was converted into a hiking trail in the 1930s."

"Mouse Creek Falls is a 45 foot high waterfall that tumbles over moss covered rocks. It’s a natural, scenic sight and a bench is even available for you to sit down and admire its beauty."

"The first item on this list is probably the most difficult to find. Rainbow Falls Cave is a little-known cave in the wilderness of the Smokies that has a waterfall falling into it. The only way to reach the cave is to go off official trails on a footpath to an area that used to serve as homesteads for the former residents of the National Park."

"Mingo Falls is not technically within the park but rather on the Cherokee Indian Reservation. However, it is still very close and worth the visit, as it is one of the tallest and most stunning waterfalls in the Southern Appalachians. To access the trail leading to the falls, drive south from the Oconalufteee Visitor Center on US-441 toward Cherokee and take the second left onto Big Cove Rd."

"At 120 feet tall, the waterfall is one of the tallest and most spectacular in the southern Appalachians. The trail to the base of the falls is very steep, but well worth the effort."

"This water hike in the Smoky Mountains is only 1.1 miles roundtrip, making it the perfect nature walk for anyone!. The trail is marked, so it is easy to navigate the path. You’ll walk past streams and across a foot bridge."

"If you're reading this in time, make this next destination an immediate, top priority. During the first few weeks of July, a dazzling sunflower display explodes at Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area . This seasonal sea of yellow swaying in the breeze is one of Knoxville's most stunning unsung sights."

"A few more Sunflower photos because they are in bloom and looking spectacular right now. You might like to see this Adorable Sunflower and dog photo session"

"A photo posted by Scott Groth (@scott.groth) on Oct 30, 2016 at 8:34pm PDT. The 87-acre Sequoyah Hills Park is a runner’s dream come true, perched on the river with scenic views along its paved surface’s entire length. What makes it great : The Sequoyah Greenway, which is unpaved, runs alongside the park and branches off past Kingston Pike, offering lengthier stretches for those who want to get a few miles in, and for visitors who’d rather get on the water than lace up their running shoes, the park offers two put-ins at the river’s edge."

"Here’s another place on the water, and it comes with some impressive views. This West Knoxville park is right on the water. It’s all about staying active at Sequoyah – they have an exercise area, and trails for running and biking."

"Boasting beautiful pieces from some of the area’s most esteemed artists, Master’s Editions on the Island brings fine art to Pigeon Forge. Top artists highlighted in this store include Jess Wathen, Abraham Hunter, and Rod Chase."

"The Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre stages zany comedies that are reminiscent of the Carol Burnett Show and Monty Python’s Flying Circus. The Iris Theater at the Gatlinburg Space Needle is another wonderful destination for live entertainment in Gatlinburg. The Iris is currently hosting Impossibilities: An Evening of Magic, Mindreading, and Mayhem."

"Unlike the other venues on this list, whose comedy nights are likely found by people on the Facebook events tab, shows at the Bijou Theatre are advertised on marquee signs. The theater has a seedy past, once acting as a place to see pornographic films, but has since classed up. It now hosts a variety of major comedy acts including Fred Armisen, Aziz Ansari and Michelle Wolf, all within the past six months."

"But inside is a 700-seat auditorium that is one of Knoxville’s premier performance spaces, with big-name musicians and comedians selling out shows in the historic theater."

"Check out one of Knoxville’s famed theaters, which host movies, symphonies, stage plays, operas, and more contemporary musical performances. The beautifully restored Tennessee Theatre is one of the best, as it’s home to the Knoxville Symphony and opera company and shows classic movies. It was built in 1928 and was considered Knoxville’s first skyscraper."

"The Tennessee Theater was once called a movie palace upon its opening in 1928. Since then, its iconic nature has only grown, making it one of the places to visit for entertainment and architecture!. It’s also on the National Register of Historic Places."