There and Back Again: Wondrous Waterfalls
Hike through the scenic Great Smoky Mountains to see its breathtaking waterfalls
Backroads transport us to the places in between. This regularly occurring feature takes you to and from southeastern destinations via winding rural roads—and sometimes trails—lined with captivating landscapes, historic structures and, in this particular journey, wondrous waterfalls of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Inspired by a Wandering Smoky Mountains article, we’re hiking through the scenic Great Smoky Mountains to see some of its breathtaking waterfalls. There’s no better time than spring to enjoy this majestic area.
Home base is Gatlinburg. From there, you can hike trails lined with lustrous vegetation to spectacular waterfalls. We recommend booking an overnight stay in Gatlinburg so you can fully enjoy the experience.
We’ve chosen Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg as the starting point to all trails for the purposes of providing distance estimates, but Gatlinburg offers plenty of other accommodations. Learn more at gatlinburg.com/places-to-stay/hotels-and-motels.
The Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg is situated on the west prong of the Little Pigeon River. Rooms on that side of the hotel include balconies so you can enjoy the relaxing sounds and view of the water as it trickles by.
Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg on the River
293 Parkway, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
wyndhamhotels.com
Start and end your waterfall journey in downtown Gatlinburg, where you can choose from various resorts and restaurants.
OK … let’s get started!
Cataract Falls
Sugarlands Visitor Center, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
1420 Fighting Creek Gap Road, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
3.3 miles from downtown Gatlinburg
cms.smokymountains.com/park/hikes/cataract-falls-hike
Considered one of the Great Smoky Mountains’ best kept secrets, the ¾-mile Cataract Falls trail is perfect for families and leads to a beautiful 25-foot waterfall. A canopy of trees provides shade as you meander alongside Fighting Creek.
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