Are you gearing up for a wonderful trip to the Smoky Mountains? Are you looking for wonderful sights to see while you venture into Great Smoky Mountains National Park? You’re in luck! We have created a list of the five best waterfalls to visit during your stay in the Smokies! There is just something spectacular about Smoky Mountain Waterfalls. The cascading mountain waters are picturesque and utterly stunning to see along a relaxing hike. Book your stay with Heartland Cabin Rentals and stay in a delightful Gatlinburg cabin so that you can be in close proximity to the glorious falls of the Smoky Mountains! Standing before a waterfall in the Smokies will leave you with a calming connection to nature.
1. Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is one of the top favorite waterfall locations inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There is an enchanting mist that arises from cascading waters that creates a whimsical bouncing rainbow formation within the falls. Rainbow Falls stands at 80 feet high and can be found along the Historic Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail just passed the historic Noah “Bud” Ogle Cabin, an original homestead in the Smokies.
2. Laurel Falls
Laurel Falls is an impressive waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This waterfall stands at a height of 80 feet tall with powerful rushing cascades that trickle down over two folds. Laurel Falls was named for the beautiful shrub, mountain laurel, which lines the trail all the way to the waterfall’s location. Laurel Falls can be seen at mile 1.3 along the Laurel Falls Trail, which is the end of the trail making this a 2.6-mile round-trip paved hike. The upper fold of Laurel Falls can be accessed by a walking bridge that feeds into a flat rocky slope next to a collection pool of water from the falls. The lower fold houses the rushing pool water from the upper fold.
3. Ramsey Cascades
Ramsey Cascades is the tallest waterfall of them all! This waterfall peaks with over 100 feet of rushing water that bursts out over rock formations. There is a large pool at the base of Ramsey Cascades, which is known to be home to an abundance of salamanders in the Smoky Mountains.
4. Place of a Thousand Drips
The Place of a Thousand Drips is a magnificent waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The best time to view this waterfall is after a heavy rain. This waterfall sets itself apart from the other waterfalls in the Smokies because it is an ongoing trail of water spouts! Place of a Thousand Drips is located along the entire path of the Historic Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. As you drive through, you will notice rock formations alongside the roadways where the water will be carried, leading you through the trail.
5. Abrams Falls
Abrams Falls is a mere 20 feet high. Though it is little, this waterfall packs a powerful punch! The waters push over the rock formations in such a way that a massive pool has been formed at the base of the falls. Abrams Falls rests inside Cades Cove and provides a 5-mile round trip hike.
For more information, visit the National Park Service’s website to learn even more about waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains here: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/waterfalls.htm
Where to Stay
Be on the lookout for an adventure to remember as you are planning your next stay at one of our Gatlinburg cabin rentals. Include your favorite waterfalls to your must-see list of things to do in Gatlinburg on your upcoming stay in the Smokies with Heartland Cabin Rentals!
