Cataract Falls, Smoky Mountains

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

4.5/5

based on 4 reviews

Save

View all 3 photos

All 3 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

1.09 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by The Outbound Collective

An easy, family-friendly hike along Fighting Creek to a 25-foot cascade.

You will find the trailhead to this gravel path just to the left of the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The easy walk along Fighting Creek is scenic and tends not to be crowded, either.

At the end of the hike you will find a beautiful 25-foot waterfall. Please refrain from climbing on or around the falls.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Download GPX File

Features

Hiking

Family Friendly

Forest

Scenic

Waterfall

Reviews

Kym Baldwin

Cataract Falls, Smoky Mountains

05/01/22

This is a pretty little stroll

4.0

Josh Schraivogel

Cataract Falls, Smoky Mountains

05/06/17

Great hiking trails, the starting point has bathrooms and vending machines. Great sights as the trial follows the stream leading to the waterfall. Great family hike as its decently short and decently flat with steps and bridges over the stream and up the steeper parts.

5.0

Joel Maners

Cataract Falls, Smoky Mountains

02/21/16

This is a great hike for families with young children. The path is paved and many of the plants and trees are marked. The path is smooth so it's easy for younger ones to navigate. The falls are beautiful. Definitely worth a walk.

4.0

Jonathan Serf

Cataract Falls, Smoky Mountains

02/18/16

An amazing place anytime of year! I've been there many spring breaks and there is still more to see! A wonderful place for family and friends!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Gatlinburg Trail

Twin Creeks Trail

Hike to Laurel Falls

This straightforward, yet scenic hike follows a paved trail to the falls, which is among the most popular in the park. This trail can be especially crowded during the summer, so be sure to arrive early. Keep an eye out for a few steep drop-offs on either side of the trail along the way. There have also been black bear sightings in this area.

Quilliam Cave via Courthouse Rock Trail

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

This 6 mile drive is a great way to spend a scenic day in the Smokies. The road is open to cars only (no trucks or RVs) and runs one-way. There are no visitors centers after you head out, so be sure to bring everything you need along. The drive begins at the historic Ogle farmstead, which is also the location of the Rainbow Falls Trailhead (5.4 miles). Further along you will find the Trillium ...

Mount LeConte-Cliff Tops via Rainbow Falls Trail

Begin at the Rainbow Falls trail parking lot. This is very popular area especially in the summer. If the parking area at the trail head is full there is additional parking located just past the main lot. From here the Rainbow Falls trail is just under 14 miles to the summit of Mount Leconte. Elevation gain is steady but relatively steep. The trail opens along a fairly rocky and rooty traverse ...

Cataract Falls, Smoky Mountains

Details

Description

Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Gatlinburg Trail

Twin Creeks Trail

Hike to Laurel Falls

Quilliam Cave via Courthouse Rock Trail

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Mount LeConte-Cliff Tops via Rainbow Falls Trail

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps