Best Waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Free Smokies guide

Best Waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains has more waterfalls than almost anywhere else in the Southeast — but not all of them fit every trip. This guide breaks them down by effort level, so you can pick the ones that actually match who you’re traveling with.

Best waterfalls in the Smokies overview

No hike required

Roadside Waterfalls

See these without leaving the car, or with barely a few steps from the parking area — perfect for a quick stop or a rainy day.

Roadside waterfalls in the Smokies, no hike required

Minimal walking

Least Walking

A short, easy stroll instead of a full hike — good for anyone who wants a real trail experience without much distance.

Waterfalls with the least walking required in the Smokies

Beginner-friendly

Easy Waterfalls

Short, scenic, and beginner-friendly hikes — great for families and first-time visitors. (Note: the famous Laurel Falls Trail is closed for a major rehabilitation, with reopening expected mid-2026 — check nps.gov/grsm for current status before planning around it.)

Easy waterfall hikes in the Smokies

Worth the hike

Moderate Waterfalls

A bit more effort, but well within reach for most active families and first-time hikers.

Moderate waterfall hikes in the Smokies

Longer hikes, bigger payoff

Harder Waterfalls

Best for stronger hikers who want a challenge and a bigger reward at the end.

Harder waterfall hikes in the Smokies

Family pick

Best Waterfalls for Kids

If you’re traveling with young children, these are the waterfalls most likely to keep everyone happy.

Best waterfalls for kids in the Smokies

Save for a future trip

Waterfalls to Skip with Toddlers or Grandparents

Beautiful, but not the best fit for little legs or limited mobility — worth seeing on a future trip instead.

Waterfalls to skip with toddlers or grandparents in the Smokies

Planning Notes

  • No entrance fee to visit any of these — but a $5/day parking tag is required if you park longer than 15 minutes.
  • Laurel Falls Trail is currently closed for rehabilitation, with reopening expected mid-2026 — check the NPS closures page for the latest.
  • Start early — parking at popular waterfalls fills quickly during spring, summer, and fall.
  • Wear sturdy shoes and bring water, even for the short walks — rocks near waterfalls are often slippery.
  • Always check current trail and road conditions at nps.gov/grsm before you go.

$0 to visit — every waterfall on this list

Pair this guide with our 3-Day or 5-Day Smoky Mountains itinerary for a full trip plan.

🎒 What to Pack for Waterfall Hikes

Rocks near the falls are slippery and stream crossings are common — water shoes, a dry bag for your phone, and trekking poles for wet, uneven terrain are the three that matter most here. See our full packing list for exactly what we bring on every Smokies trip.

See the Full National Park Gear Guide →