Open Waterfall Hikes Near Gatlinburg (Post-Hurricane Guide – 2025)

Looking to hike the Smoky Mountains during your stay in Gatlinburg, TN? Several beautiful waterfall hikes are currently open and ready for exploring—even after recent storm damage. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or a full week of outdoor adventure, these trails deliver breathtaking views, natural cascades, and serene forest surroundings.

🌿 1. Grotto Falls (via Trillium Gap Trail)

• Distance: 2.6 miles round trip
• Trailhead: Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
• Highlights: The only waterfall in the Smoky Mountains you can walk behind! A must-see for families, couples, and photographers.
• Status: ✅ Open

🌿 2. Abrams Falls Trail (Cades Cove)

• Distance: 5 miles round trip
• Trailhead: Cades Cove Loop
• Highlights: A powerful 20-foot waterfall feeding into a large, swimmable pool. The trail offers riverside views and rich forest scenery.
• Status: ✅ Open

🌿 3. Baskins Creek Falls

• Distance: 3 miles round trip
• Trailhead: Roaring Fork area
• Highlights: A peaceful and lesser-known trail with a double-drop waterfall and a historic cemetery. Great for those looking to escape the crowds.
• Status: ✅ Open

🌿 4. Ramsey Cascades Trail (Tallest Waterfall in TN)

• Distance: 8 miles round trip
• Trailhead: Greenbrier area
• Highlights: One of the most challenging hikes near Gatlinburg, leading to a stunning 90-foot waterfall through old-growth forest.
• Status: ✅ Open

🌿 5. Bullhead Trail (Weekend Access Only)

• Distance: 5.9 miles one way
• Trailhead: Cherokee Orchard Loop
• Highlights: A scenic and less-crowded route with great views, connecting to Rainbow Falls.
• Status: 🚧 Open on weekends only (closed weekdays for maintenance)

❌ Closed Waterfall Trails (as of August 2025)

To help plan your trip, here are popular trails still closed due to hurricane damage:

• Laurel Falls Trail – Closed through mid-2026 for full restoration
• Big Creek Trail – Closed beyond 2 miles due to bridge washouts
• Cataloochee & Balsam Mountain Trails – Including Gunter Fork, Caldwell Fork, Swallow Fork, Boogerman Trail, and more

These closures mostly affect the North Carolina side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Stick to Tennessee-access trails for the best hiking experience right now.

🧭 Gatlinburg Waterfall Hiking Tips

• Start Early: Trailhead parking fills quickly, especially for Grotto and Abrams Falls.
• Buy a Parking Pass: A valid parking tag is required for most trail access.
• Stay Safe: Watch for slippery rocks near waterfalls, and avoid entering fast-moving water.
• Plan Around Weekdays: Trails like Bullhead may be closed midweek for maintenance.
• Best Seasons: Visit in spring for waterfalls and wildflowers, or fall for cool temps and colorful leaves.

🚶 Plan Your Waterfall Adventure from Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is the perfect basecamp for hiking in the Smokies. These open waterfall trails offer something for every skill level—from quick scenic strolls to all-day adventures.

TrailDifficultyDistanceWaterfall HighlightStatusGrotto FallsModerate2.6 miWalk-behind waterfall✅ OpenAbrams FallsModerate5.0 miWide falls + swimming hole✅ OpenBaskins Creek FallsModerate3.0 miSecluded double drop✅ OpenRamsey CascadesDifficult8.0 miTallest falls in Tennessee✅ OpenBullhead TrailModerate-Strenuous5.9 miScenic forest route to LeConte🚧 Weekends only

🏕️ Stay, Hike, Repeat

With trails like Grotto Falls, Abrams Falls, and Ramsey Cascades currently open, now is the time to rediscover the best hikes near Gatlinburg. Whether you're looking for a quick photo op or an epic waterfall journey, these trails deliver the beauty of the Smokies—without the post-hurricane hassle.