Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to over 100 beautiful waterfalls! Of all the waterfalls in the park to choose from, we believe these are considered the top 3 waterfall hikes in the Smokies and are the best in show.

3 Waterfall Hikes

LAUREL FALLS

Named for the mountain laurel shrubs that line the hiking trail, Laurel Falls has a paved trail leading to an upper and lower observatory with a walkway, and natural pool. This waterfall is 80 feet tall.

RAINBOW FALLS

Rainbow Falls is named and famed for its prismatic rainbow that occurs in the mist during particular conditions. This waterfall is 80 feet tall, offers a steady stream, and is the highest single-drop waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

GROTTO FALLS

Placed within an old-growth hemlock forest. Grotto Falls is the only waterfall that you can walk behind in all of the park! You can walk behind the waterfall to continue along the Trillium Gap Trail.