Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and refresh your mind with these easy waterfall hikes in the Smoky Mountains. In this Smoky Mountains vacation guide, discover the stunning beauty of nature as you hike along gentle trails and admire cascading waterfalls, surrounded by lush greenery and fresh mountain air.
Perfect for all skill levels, these hikes offer a peaceful and rejuvenating experience for anyone seeking a break from the stress of modern life.
Let the beauty of the Smoky Mountains and the soothing sounds of waterfalls wash over you and leave you feeling renewed and refreshed.
Check out these easy waterfall hikes in the Smoky Mountains.
What is The Shortest Waterfall Hike in The Smokies?
The shortest waterfall hiking trail in the Smoky Mountains is the Juney Whank Falls Trail. It is an easy 1.0-km loop hike that is suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
The trail follows the Juney Whank Branch and passes through a lush forest of hemlock, white pine, and rhododendron.
Along the way, hikers will encounter several small waterfalls and cascades before reaching the main attraction, Juney Whank Falls.
Perfect for families with children because this hike only takes an average of 21 minutes to complete. You’d have to leave the pups at home, though, as they don’t allow pets on this trail.
The Juney Whank Falls hiking trail is located in the Deep Creek area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is accessible year-round.
It is recommended to wear your best hiking shoes like my favorite Salomon X-Ultra and bring plenty of water and snacks for the hike.
Check out our reliable hydrating backpack for kids and these best camping snacks that you can easily make and bring on the go.
Easy Waterfall Hikes in Smoky Mountains
Discover the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with these easy waterfall hikes. Whether you're a beginner or just looking for a leisurely stroll, there's a trail for everyone. Explore some of the best waterfall trails in the Smokies with this guide.
When visiting The Great Smoky Mountains, please be reminded that parking tags are required beginning March 1, 2023, for those staying for more than 15 minutes.
Tag durations available for all types of vehicles and sizes:
- Daily: $5
- Weekly: $15
- Annual: $40
Visit their website for more Parking Tag basics.
Laurel Falls Trail is one of the popular waterfall hikes in Gatlinburg. The trail is rated as easy and suitable for families with young children.
Bears are also active in this area, so it's best to prepare accordingly.
- Parking: Located on both sides of the road at the Trailhead
- Features: 80-foot Laurel Falls at the end of the trail
- Skill Level: Easy
- Length: 3.9-km out-and-back
- Time to Hike: About 1 hr. and 6 mins.
- Stroller-Friendly? YES (but it does have points that are narrow and bumpy)
- Pet-Friendly? No.
PRO TIP: Do not climb on the rocks around the waterfall. They are slippery! For more tips and information on hiking trails, visit AllTrails!
Check out the shortest waterfall hike in the Smoky Mountains– Juney Whank Falls Trails. This 1.0-km trail near Bryson North Carolina is a kid-friendly hike that would only take you 21 minutes to complete.
The best time to visit is from March through October.
- Features: Juney Whank Falls, wildflower, wildlife
- Skill Level: Easy
- Length: 1.0-km loop trail
- Time to Hike: Approximately 21 minutes
- Stroller-Friendly? NO
- Pet-Friendly? NO
PRO TIP:
- Be ready for an uphill hike to get to the waterfall (only about 0.3 mi) and downhill on the way down.
- You can add the other nearby waterfalls (Indian Creek Falls & Tom Branch Falls) to make the hike longer.
- Please watch children all the time.
- For more tips and information on hiking trails, visit AllTrails!
Cataract Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which spans the border of Tennessee and North Carolina.
This breathtaking cascade is named for its powerful, thundering flow of water that tumbles over a series of jagged rocks, creating a mesmerizing spectacle for visitors
- Parking: Park at the Sugarlands Visitor Center
- Features: Wildflowers, waterfall, wildlife
- Skill Level: Easy
- Length: 1.8-km out-and-back
- Time to Hike: About 21 mins.
- Kid-Friendly? Yes
- Stroller-Friendly? Yes, but may need assistance in the steeper sections
- Pet-Friendly? No
For more tips and information on this hiking trail, visit AllTrails!
The Deep Creek Waterfall Loop is a stunning hiking trail located in the southern region of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in North Carolina.
This 3.9-km loop trail takes hikers through a beautiful forest, across picturesque streams, and past three spectacular waterfalls - Juney Whank Falls, Tom Branch Falls, and Indian Creek Falls.
- Parking: Park at the Sugarlands Visitor Center
- Features: Wildflowers, waterfall, wildlife
- Skill Level: Easy
- Length: 3.9-km out-and-back
- Time to Hike: About 1 hr. & 8 mins.
- Stroller-Friendly? No
- Pet-Friendly? No
PRO TIP: Start with Juney Whank falls for your ascent. For more tips and information on hiking trails, visit AllTrails!
The Gatlinburg Trail is a beautiful hiking trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
This easy-rated trail follows the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River and offers picturesque views of the forest, river, and historic buildings, making it a great choice for a family-friendly hike or leisurely walk.
- Parking: Park at the Sugarlands Visitor Center
- Features: Waterfall, Wildflowers, Wildlife
- Skill Level: Easy
- Length: 6.3-km out-and-back trail
- Time to Hike: About 1 hr. 17 mins.
- Stroller-Friendly? Yes
- Pet-Friendly? Yes, but must be leashed
For more tips and information on this trail, check out AllTrails!
Fun & Cool Hiking Clothes
Download Our FREE Spring Packing List for the Smokies!
Related Smoky Mountain Resources
- Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide
- Gatlinburg Vacation Guide
- 125+ Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Vacations Facebook Group
MORE RELATED RESOURCES
Hiking with kids is fun! It is a great way to get them excited about the outdoors. Check out our top picks for the best Smoky Mountain hikes for kids.
Also, here are some scavenger hunt printables from Four Around The World that you guys can use!