Waterfalls Great Smoky Mountains

<p>Planning a possible trip this weekend to Gatlinburg and taking 441 thru Cherokee. Would like to know if there are any waterfalls that are not more than a mile hike off of 441 and non strenuous? Any waterfalls in Cades Cove?<br>

Thanks in advance.<br>

<br />Gina</p>

<p>Gina, here's the link to the NPS guide to waterfalls in the Smokies. Most them require some hiking to get to. I don't recall any waterfalls in Cades Cove, but it's still worth the trip. Caveat: if you're at the tail end of a long line of cars going through Cades Cove, and someone up ahead spots a bear, you'll be stalled for a while... ;-)<br>

Enjoy!<br>

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/waterfalls.htm</p>

 

<p>The only waterfall in Cades Cove is Abrams Falls, half way around the loop road, it is very popular as it is an easy trail so expect lots of people especially this weekend as the weather should be very nice. Cades Cove is not very close to Gatlinburg, estimate a 2 hour drive each way plus God knows how long around the loop road, 11 miles = 2-4 hours if a bear is spotted. Closer to Townsend is the Spruce Flats Falls which is behind the G.S.M.I.T. campus, this is a rugged trail that takes about an hour to get to the falls. If you go past G.S.M.I.T. to the end of Tremont road there is a nice cascade about 1/2 mile past the parking area, easy trail. All along Tremont road are many nice small cascades and water scenes. The wildflowers should also be very nice. G.S.M.I.T. has their Spring Photo Workshop this weekend so expect lots of photographers out and about. At Gatlinburg is the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (Road) that has Rainbow Falls and Grotto Falls, both require several hours of hiking each way. Grotto is very popular this time of year. Good luck, carry lots of water and a few snacks, the hikes can be tiring</p>

<p>There are many water falls their some of then are:<br>

1 Grotto falls<br>

2 Laurel falls<br>

3 Abrams fall<br>

4 Ramsey cascades<br>

all these are the smoky mountain waterfalls.</p>

<p>Gina, Laurel falls are some of the closest to Gatlinburg and the easiest to walk on a paved trail, around 2 1/2 miles round trip. Mingo Falls are some of the tallest falls in the area , well over 100 feet and a relatively short walk, probably less than 1/2 a mile from the parking lot. Mingo Falls are right outside the park on the North Carolina side of the park off 441 that cuts across the Smokeys. Abrahms Falls are a 5 mile round trip hike starting at the far end of the Cades Cove 11 mile loop. The 1 1/2 to 2 hour trip from Gatlinburg to the back of the Cades Cove loop and then the 2 1/2 mile hike may not be what you looking for. The trail though easily negotiable does have some slippery rocks at the back steeper end of the trail. You need a good set of sneakers or good hiking shoes and to figure in your hike time since you want to shoot later in the day to avoid specular highlights through the forest canopy and take advantage of diffuse lighting. Still its worth the hike if you have the time. If you have only two days to shoot and want to focus on falls I would pick two falls and work one each day you are there. It will decrease the stress level and allow you more time to enjoy your experience. Gatlinburg is fun but I personally enjoy the Townsend entrance to the park after growing up in East Tennessee. You can Google these falls and get a pretty good idea about them prior to going. Good hunting.</p>

<p>Gina, how was your trip?</p>

<p>Hi Randy, Thanks for asking...Unfortunately we didn't make it to Gatlinburg this weekend for my birthday.. We only had one day to do something so we went to Amicacola State Park which was very nice and we had a nice hike through the forest and saw the beautiful waterfall but hopefully we can go to Pigeon Forge in June or July and go to Cades Cove. I want at least 3 days there to take lots of pictures. I hope it is before then but we will see. I have saved all the information everyone posted for me...<br>

Thanks again...</p>

Gina, June is a good time of year for waterfalls in the Smokeys.