If you love waterfalls, twisty mountain roads, and easy hikes with big views, you’re gonna be obsessed with this Great Smoky Mountains waterfall road trip.
This isn’t just one stop and done.
It’s a full-on waterfall adventure through the Great Smoky Mountains, packed with cool photo spots, short hikes, and surprises around every bend.
Some of these falls are huge and loud, some are peaceful and tucked away, and a few might just make you feel like you’ve stepped into a movie scene.
1. Abrams Falls, TN
Abrams Falls is a 20-foot-tall waterfall with a massive flow of water that crashes into a deep, splashy pool.
Keep in mind that swimming is strongly discouraged due to slippery rocks and strong currents.
It’s located in Cades Cove, inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and you’ll need to hike the 5-mile round-trip Abrams Falls Trail to see it (watch for wild turkeys and black bears along the way!).
Even though the waterfall isn’t super tall, it’s one of the park’s most powerful falls, thanks to Abrams Creek rushing through like it’s late for something.
2. Meigs Falls, TN
Next up is Meigs Falls, which feels like a secret bonus stop because you don’t even have to hike to see it.
All you have to do is pull over along Little River Road, about a 25-minute drive from the Sugarlands Visitor Center (look for “Lr Pullout Parking @ Mp 7.838” on Google Maps).
This waterfall drops nearly 30 feet and peeks out from behind the trees, so keep your eyes sharp or you might miss it while driving by.
It’s quieter and less crowded than the big-name falls, making it a perfect spot to chill for a few minutes and snap a photo without fighting for elbow room.
3. Laurel Falls, TN
Laurel Falls is the crowd favorite, and it’s easy to see why.
This 80-foot stunner tumbles in two tiers and has a cute little footbridge crossing right in front of it.
The trail is only 2.6 miles roundtrip and paved all the way to the falls, making it a great option if you’re not up for a super intense hike.
It’s one of the most popular spots in the park, so go early in the morning if you want some quiet time with the falls before the selfie sticks show up.
🚨Please note: At the time of writing, access to Laurel Falls is fully closed for an 18-month rehabilitation project starting (January 2025) so be sure to check for updates online before planning your visit.
4. Cataract Falls, TN
If you’re short on time or just want a quick waterfall fix, Cataract Falls is your go-to as it’s just a short hike from the Sugarlands Visitor Center.
This little 25-foot waterfall might not be the tallest, but it’s tucked into a shady, mossy corner of the forest that feels like a real-life fairy tale.
The path is flat, easy, and loaded with cute wooden bridges and bubbling creeks, making it perfect for kids, casual walkers, or anyone just looking for a peaceful stroll.
5. Rainbow Falls, TN
Ready to earn your waterfall view with a bit of a leg workout?
Rainbow Falls is a 5.4-mile roundtrip hike with about 1,500 feet of elevation gain, but the prize at the top is an 80-foot waterfall that throws off rainbows in the mist when the sun hits just right.
The trail starts near the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and winds through old-growth forest, massive boulders, and creek crossings that make the journey just as fun as the destination.
6. Hen Wallow Falls, TN
Hen Wallow Falls is tucked away in the Cosby section of the park and feels like a hidden gem you have to work a little to find.
The hike is 4.4 miles roundtrip with about 900 feet of elevation gain, leading you to a skinny, 90-foot-tall waterfall that fans out like a giant curtain after it rains.
Keep an eye out for salamanders near the base as they love the cool, damp rocks and sometimes outnumber the people!
7. Mouse Creek Falls, NC
Crossing over into North Carolina, Mouse Creek Falls is an adventure with big rewards and way fewer crowds.
It’s a 4-mile roundtrip hike along the Big Creek Trail, where you’ll follow an old railroad bed next to a super clear, rocky creek all the way to a 45-foot waterfall that tumbles down in a gorgeous, lacy stream.
On hot days, pack a swimsuit and stop at Midnight Hole along the way for a dip in the emerald-green waters beneath a small cascade.
If you do decide to swim at Midnight Hole, just be careful as the water can be cold and the currents can be strong, especially after it rains.
8. Soco Falls, NC
Just a short drive from Maggie Valley, Soco Falls is a double waterfall that drops side-by-side into a rocky gorge, and it’s just as cool as it sounds.
You’ll find it right off Highway 19, with a quick walk from the parking area and a viewing platform that gives you a front-row seat to all the splashy action.
If you’re feeling brave, there’s a steep, muddy path down to the base (with ropes to help), but fair warning—it’s slippery, so wear good shoes and channel your inner mountain goat.
🚨Just a heads-up: At the time of writing (mid-2025), Soco Falls remains closed for trail improvements and is expected to reopen soon—so it’s best to check online for the most up-to-date info before planning your visit.
9. Mingo Falls, NC
Mingo Falls is tall, dramatic, and totally worth the short stair climb to see it.
This beauty towers at 120 feet and is one of the tallest waterfalls in the southern Appalachians.
It’s located on the Qualla Boundary near Cherokee, NC, and the hike to the waterfall is only 0.4 miles, but you’ll need to tackle about 160 stairs to get to the wooden viewing bridge.
Once you’re there, the view is wild.
Water cascades down a craggy rock face like a silver ribbon, framed by thick forest that makes it feel like you stumbled into a hidden jungle.
10. Juney Whank Falls, NC
Last but not least is Juney Whank Falls, where the waterfall actually flows underneath a wooden footbridge, so you’re standing right on top of the action.
It’s just a 0.8-mile loop trail, and while it’s a little steep at first, the short climb pays off with a 90-foot waterfall split into two pretty sections.
The name “Juney Whank” has two possible origin stories.
One is that it comes from a local man, Junaluska “Juney” Whank, who is believed to be buried nearby.
The other is that Juney Whank is a Cherokee phrase meaning “place where the bear passes”.
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