The springtime is one of the most magical times to visit the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The waterfalls are flowing at their peak, the weather is perfect, and you can fall asleep to the slow afternoon rumblings of storms passing by. Spring also brings the wildflower super blooms of Tennessee, the wildlife comes out of hibernation, and all the trees are flowering. So if I were to choose the best hikes to visit during my glamping stay, here are the 5 Best Waterfalls to Visit this Spring in the Smoky Mountains. In order from easy to difficult…
Grotto Falls
This easy 2.6 mile hike leads you to Grotto Falls. Gorg aint she?! She falls 25 feet on Trillium Gap Trail off the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail near Gatlinburg accesses. And you can even climb behind it for the perfect place to meditate or get that Instagram photo. It’s a great end of the day hike when its warm outside since the lush trail leads through deep shade of an old hemlock-hardwood forest. Super magical hike.
Juney Whank Falls
Calling all beginner hikers that need a quick 0.6-mile loop waterfall hike (near Bryson City, NC). This trail leads you to three different waterfalls including Juney Whank Falls. The stream and falls are said to be named after a Mr. Junaluska “Juney” Whank, who may be buried in the area. Spooooky. View the Click here to see the AllTrails.com description of where to find this 90 foot beaut!
Mingo Falls
Even though it is only a 0.4 mile round-trip hike to this 120-foot-tall waterfall, the hike is on the strenuous side. You take Pigeon Creek Trail up 160 stairs straight up to a bridge that leads you to Mingo Falls. โMingoโ means โbig bearโ in the Cherokee language, Consider visiting early in the day to avoid crowds since this is a very popular trail near the Cherokee Indian Reservation. Make a day out of it by visiting Cherokee, click here for a guide to the area…
Rainbow Falls
This 80 foot tall waterfall is the biggest in the Smoky Mountains. Plunging from LeConte Creek on the northwestern sides of Mount LeConte, this moderately difficult 5.6 mile hike includes switchbacks and frequent rainbows from the mist coming from the sandstone, and further up the trail is the 6,593-foot summit of Mount LeConte, the third-highest peak in the region.
Mouse Creek Falls
Looking for a moderate trail that is more off the beaten path?! Take Big Creek Trail to Mouse Creek Falls. The 1.4 mile trail passes Midnight Hole (a deep, picturesque pool), an old railroad grade, and then this 45 foot waterfall. Pencil out 2-3 hours to hike to there and back. Learn more about where to find this spring time gem on NPS site here…
Sound like a plan?! We’d love to host you while you explore these 5 Best Waterfalls to Visit this Spring in the Smoky Mountains. We recognize that Tennessee has its reputation, but we want to show you the love and beauty there is to share here. Click here to see our cabins or glamping domes that are within driving distance to these cascading beauties. And make sure to save us to your Pinterest/travel guide as you plan your Smoky Mountain adventures. Welcome to your next adventure!