This was my third time being at Cades Cove in Tennessee. I've had the opportunity to see several black bears on each occasion. I got within 20 feet of one this time and got some great videos along with photos. There are also several deer along with other wildlife. The backdrop of the smoky mountains all around you is worthy of the trip as well. This is an 11 mile loop that you can drive at your own pace with several locations to pull off for photo opportunities.

This was so much fun. Definitely bring snacks and drinks if you are going through in your car. It was such a cool experience to see how they lived. I loved getting out and going through the houses. It was also a great view of the mountains and wildlife. While we were driving through, there was a bear behind the fence, and it was awesome to see it so close. Another great thing is that a park ranger went to where the bear was spotted and made sure everyone and the bear was safe.

One of my favorite places to go, to meditate and pray after a long week. Whether I see bears or not, I love the landscape and scenery, especially the clouds against the mountains.

A great drive though nature with beautiful sights at every turn. The loop is spectacular with trees, rapids filled streams and flowers where ever you look. The store and bicycle rental is convenient and fun to look through. They have a wide range of souvenirs and items for sale. A very peaceful place to visit or to camp.

Beautiful place to vacation year-round, Me and my family have been going as a tradition since the early 1950s from the hiking trails to the wildlife to having a peaceful ride around the loop, there is some thing for everyone, and I look forward to coming back every year!

I wanted to see a bear so bad but I don’t think they are out too much yet. We did see lots of deer and turkey! It was a beautiful drive plus we managed to hit a quiet time so there wasn’t a ton of traffic yet either!

Many very nice sights to see! The views of the mountains are unbelievable! There are many smaller structures some dating back 200 years! Small pull offs and trails all along the way! We saw many deer, unfortunately no bears tho. The loop is one way with many sights to see! Definitely worth the drive!

When exploring the Smoky Mountain National Park, don't miss Cades Cove. It's 11-mile loop provides access to a variety of homesteads and churches that give insight to life in the mountains 150 years ago. Take your time. Enjoy the views. Read the signs. Look for wildlife. Allow yourself to be transported back in time to a much younger America.

This is another must visit attractions in great smoky mountains national park. This a very scenic 11 mile one way loop road that offers amazing views of the nature and wildlife. You can slowly drive along the loop road or even do biking. Cars are not allowed on Wednesday but you can bike or walk down the loop. Rest of the days cars are allowed. One can easily spend 2 to 4 hours depending on the slowness of traffic. Most of the times traffic slows down if they see any wildlife. There is a visitor center located half way the loop road where there is restroom and a small gift shop. Most of the times one can see bears, deers, turkeys, etc.,. There is also a information center at the start of the loop. This is definitely recommended.

Amazing views and chance to see wildlife! Get there early before traffic backs up too much and stop at restrooms at campground before you depart, could be long time till next restroom at visitors center.

It was wonderful. We made the circle 3 times. In the first lap we enjoyed the nature and saw 2 coyotes, we started the second lap around 6:30 pm and we managed to see a black bear and lots of roe deer, and the third lap was magical because the meadows were full of fireflies. We haven't seen fireflies for a long time in our country, barely one a year and this was really magical for us. We enjoyed it, it was like being in a fairy tale. The road is 11 miles long and goes only one way, but since there is always a lot of cars, and everyone wants to see and take photo of both the scenery and animals, the first lap with few stops lasted 2 hours. We drove for almost 4 and a half hours and we are not sorry. We enjoyed it to the max. Must see for everyone.

I've been wanting to go for years and it was great! Don't go in expecting to be out in under an hour. The loop is not meant to drive through fast and if you want to finish in under that, just don't go. You may see some wildlife but if people see a bear, they act ridiculous. If you're expecting to see a bear, you may want to just try a nature trail or short nearby trail. Bear sitings aren't always guaranteed.

We had an awesome time driving through here! I came in the off season so it was slightly less crowded than usual, but still pretty busy. We saw two bears, some wild turkey, and a fox which was cool. Overall this was a super scenic drive that I would definitely recommend to anyone in the area!

Nice, fun loop to drive through. Daily access is super cheap and there's plenty of rest stops and bathrooms along the way. There's beautiful landscapes all around and plenty of critters abound. Just keep an eye out for the black bears, as when they show up, everyone is going to stop in their tracks and take pictures as they travel.

My husband and I hiked the Abrams Falls trail. The trail was absolutely beautiful and we had a wonderful time. The drive there, however, was a bit stressful. They have signs on the scenic loop saying not to stop. We got behind several people who stopped every time they saw a deer or sometimes for no reason at all. There are many areas that allow you to pull off the road to stop and look, but many people just stop in the road and no one can pass. The road is a single one way lane. We ended up taking about 30+ minutes to drive the short distance to the trail head. Leaving was even worse. So if you go, please be courteous and pull over if you want to stop to look.

Beautiful view. Go well fed, bring snacks for the kids, use the bathroom before you go. It's a one way loop with other cars and pulloffs. Don't stop in the road. Do stop at the visitor center, look up hours of operation and expect to spend more than an hour to make it through.

Breathtakingly beautiful scenery. We were hoping to see bears on our visit, but we didn't spot any this time. We enjoyed seeing deer and turkeys. The untouched vast landscapes are phenomenal. I'd highly recommend this drive to anyone.

A must see scenic route! If fortunate, you’ll see wildlife. Note: sometimes it’s possible to not see any, but still give it a shot! You won’t be disappointed regardless because the scenery is breathtaking!

I’ve been going here my entire life and it never gets old. Amazing views of scenery and wildlife. Ignore the review from the guy who said there were no restrooms on the loop, there are multiple restrooms along the loop. Check this place out.

One of our favorite places to go while visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park. An easy to drive scenic loop full of beautiful nature, wildlife and history. If you are lucky you might even get to see a black bear.

I don’t understand the hype about driving through this valley. There are so many other beautiful areas of the park with breathtaking vistas. It is a good location if you want to see some old wood cabins and churches built by the first European settlers.

Just visited in the beginning January and it was still absolutely beautiful. We even got to see some deer. Plan on spending 2 to 4 hours to see the whole loop And probably worse when it is busy. There is only one restroom I noticed on the whole loop. Definitely worth the visit.

Beautiful park and very friendly staff at the park store. We didn't see any bears because they were hibernating. We did see plenty of whitetail deer, though. Can't wait to go back in April when the bears are out.

Always enjoy seeing the deer, foxes, bears, etc . Also, there are many rustic cabins, churches, and an old mill. Many trails to explore, a waterfall, an old cave, and many other things to see. During the warmer months, they have entertainment such as rustic music, srup, or molasses making at the visitors center at the halfway point

This place is a gem! If you end up going, don’t stop in the middle of the road!! There are places to pull off the road literally everywhere, yet folks were still stopping smack dab in the middle. It’s a one-way loop, and when you stop, you hold everyone up. Don’t be that person.

Cades cove always delivers awesome beautiful trip sad I didn't see a bear but very beautiful also if you visit please don't allow your children to write on things

Beautiful place to visit especially if you have kids who love exploring and seeing animals. I do recommend going during the week and at lunchtime or later afternoon. Those have been the slowest times and we were able to explore without feeling rushed!

Visited in early April the traffic was terrible. Took forever. Eventually made it and parking was full. Had to wait for spots. The view was great was slightly overrated after the large climb. The tower was about 50 feet high.

Clingmans Dome is the highest located observation tower in great smoky mountain national park. It offers some amazing breathtaking 360 degree views of the smoky mountain ranges. The trail to Clingman's Dome is paved but strenuous as one need to hike uphill (steep) to access the observation point but it’s all worth the effort. The trail is about 0.5 miles but feels like a mile long. There are benches along the way to stop and rest. Appalachian Trail is also located at the top of one is interested. Most of the times it may be cool at the top and even chilled. Plenty of parking space available. There is a visitor center located just at the start of the trail. One can also experience some amazing views from the parking lot. Restroom is available near parking lot.

Even on a rainy/snowy April day, the walk up to Clingmans Dome is beautiful, and the view from the round observatory is gorgeous. The walk up itself is pretty steep, but on a paved roadway with benches to rest on every so often.

This park is amazing to visit. The drive up is fantastic then there is a moderate hike to the top. The hike is only a mile round trip but it is a pretty constant grade that can be challenging. We will definitely be back!

This is a must-see if you're in the area. It takes about an hour to get up the mountain stopping at the scenic pull-offs along the way. The walk from the parking lot is approximately a half mile. It is steep and will wear you out. There are a lot of places to sit along the way and rest though. Just remember as you're climbing it's worth it!!

One of the best sites you will see in the park. Great place for sunrises and sunsets. It gets busy. Visitor center with bathrooms. Please consider liking my review/pictures and follow along on all my adventures. Jeff Mullins Photography. It's All About the Adventures!

Steep incline hill with several benches to take a few minutes to rest, while going up the hill. Pace yourself going up. The votes back down the hill are amazing! Be sure to check out the overlook near the parking lot.

A beautiful drive! We had to park a ways away for it was very crowded. Nice hike on a paved path. There are several benches along the way. Awesome view from the top.

Couldn't imagine this place in peak season. Mid November wasn't bad and had clear views. Parking and bathrooms on site. Small gift shop with NP stamp. The walk is steep but very doable. Nice path and plenty of benches and views along the way. Nice natural rock scramble for kids at the parking lot. Amazing views and well worth the walk up.

The hike up to Clingman's Dome is challenging but so worth the effort. It’s about half a mile, but steep. The nice part is that it's a paved path and has benches along the way to stop and catch your breath if you need to - so it’s really only challenging if you’re walking quickly. The views are absolutely spectacular. 360 degree views from the highest point along the Appalachian Trail, and the third highest point east of the Mississippi River (literally only 40 feet off the highest). Just stunning. I'd highly recommend. Note that due to the elevation, the temperature is going to be a good bit cooler (and likely breezier) than off the mountain, so dress accordingly.

Best views! Just heads up, no pets on trail. Very busy traffic 7 miles added drive. Temperature is very different. Once parked long uphill, walk to the top of the dome. Benches and spots for breaks. But once you get to top totally worth the breath, fresh air pictures opportunities are awesome.If you can make it for sunset, I hear that's the best. Absolutely must see

Absolutely breathtaking views!! This was my favorite thing we did while in TN. The 1/2 mile hike up there is no joke though, I exercise regularly and struggled especially with breathing at that elevation (you are 6,643 feet). Definitely wear sneakers and comfortable clothing, bring water and a sweatshirt (it was 20 degrees colder up there). There were plenty of places to stop and rest along the way though. Once up there the walkway to the observatory was a little scary being that high up but once you reach the top it was all worth it. The views were like nothing I have ever experienced, I was in awe! If you are afraid of heights this might be difficult for you. The drive up there was a little scary at first for people who are not used to mountain driving. There was plenty of parking once you got up there. There are bathrooms but they are basically permanent portapotties. There is a gift shop there as well.

This was a beautiful spot, it is the highest point in Tennessee and you can see four other states from it on a good day. It is steep, but also pretty short of a walk, so I highly recommend.

Nice little hike to the top. Beautiful views to be had. It was a bit cloudy when we went but it was still really cool to see everything with the clouds rolling through!

Great views overall. Steep but wide and well paved, better sunset view from the bottom/start of the trail vs the top platform - lots of trees close by that take the forefront of photos from the mountains behind

What an amazing place the highest point in the smokey. It's a bit of a walk up the the dome. But so worth it. You will feel like you are in the clouds. Love this place more then words can say. It is a must!!

Amazing views, The hike is challenging, quite the incline... Even at 0.5 miles. It's still quite doable with some stops . There is places for sit and enjoy view and some rest. We visited during fall season in October but it was quite a cold during these days. Really enjoyable after reach to topmost point🙏🏻🙏🏻🎉🎉👌👌👌

We went here on a gloomy, rainy day without any expectations to see a sunset. There were a couple of warnings while driving from Gatlinburg about dense fog in the area. And that fog was visible from Clingmans. There is a steep uphill climb from the parking lot to the start of the dome which might not be easy for everyone. When we went there was absolutely no one on the trail, no one in the parking lot and it was drizzling. If you’re here to see the sunset, plan to be in the parking 40 minutes in advance to enjoy best views and give enough time to climb half a mile uphill.

Couldn’t have picked a better day for the first time to visit. Went on Easter Sunday and it was pretty busy. Parking was dicy and had to wait awhile (20min maybe?) then had a 0.5 mile walk- I don’t think I knew how steep it was! At least there are benches along the way to stop for breaks. Completely believed the view was worth it. Even if you can’t hike to the dome, the view from the parking lot is pretty amazing! They have a nice little gift shop too. Although I did hear a worker say there is nowhere around this area to refill a water bottle- so fair warning. There are bathrooms!

Great experience. The .5 mile walk for my 73 years old mother was tough, but she took many breaks. The incline was tough. Once you make it up to the top, it was amazing views. Free parking in the parking lot. It was a cloudy day, but I still got awesome views. Check out all the pictures.

Beautiful views. It's a half mile up and let me tell you...it's a hike uphill! Plenty of little benches and rock areas to rest on the way up and down.

The hike is small 1 mile but it is pretty medium hike as it has a large incline. The views are amazing and worth the hike.

Steep hike. Short distance. There was a long wait for the bathroom. Bathrooms did not have plumbing. I imagined the dome to be much larger than it was. Beautiful views. There was a long line of cars coming in as we were leaving.

Pain in the butt to park at, but so worth it when you do! It's a decent hike uphill to get to the observation deck, but the elevation isn't so bad, so most people should manage it if in average health. The views are gorgeous, and you can see Pigeon Forge in one of the directions! Be warned, it gets windy up there!

Wow! Bring a walking stick. It was a hard walk up & down but glad we did. If you think the high altitude may take your breath away, maybe have /wear a clip on mini fan on your backpack. Unfortunately, couldn't see too much . Also bring bottled water for hike.They have restrooms on ground level. The Souvenir shop was closed . Temperatures vary so recommend bringing a jacket . Wear walking shoes. It was great that there were benches to sit on along the way up. Purchased a t shirt saying " I survived Clingsman Dome". The observation area is not as big as I thought but it was still a nice experience. There is no fee or tickets to purchase for Clingmans Dome hike but you do have to purchase a parking pass . 🐶 Dogs are allowed on the ground level but NOT on the trail up to Clingmans Dome. Have fun!

Amazing views, even if you only enjoy them from the parking lot. The hike is pretty challenging, quite the incline... Even at 0.5 miles. It's still quite doable for most, just take your time and take advantage of the benches and other spots for a quick break. The way back down is obviously a breeze. Be sure that you have your parking pass and DO NOT BRING YOUR DOG! They do not allow pets up the trail. We witnessed someone get quite agitated with this, so plan accordingly! We didn't have too much trouble with parking on a Friday, around 11am....but it was quite a cold November day. My understanding is that parking can often be very challenging. Lastly, there are vault toilets and an on-site gift shop as well.

Beautiful stop on my journey to reach the highest point in every state. Tennessee's State High Point does not disappoint. The Great Smoky Mountains in general are otherworldly. There's a feeling and spirit there that leaves you captivated my the abundance of life that springs forth in every direction. While you can drive up close to the Dome (it is a steep incline so the out of shape beware), I opted to hike a few miles up to the summit; taking part of the AT which was amazing. I had an eery, foggy morning that shrouded the summit in mystery and intrigue. Luckily I had the dome to myself for about 10 minutes before the next wave of visitors. This few moments of peace, if you can find it, are so valuable. My goal is to one day hike the AT so I very much look forward to revisiting this awesome spot again. FYI you don't have to pay to get into the park but you will need a parking pass. Don't stress over it. Just go to one of the kiosks when you get there.

If you can only pick one spot to visit in the national park, definitely pick this one. The trail was definitely not my favorite part of the journey since I don't like inclines, but the end truly justifies the means. The 360° view on the highest point in the natinal park was so beautiful and made you understand why the park was named the way it is. On a different note, the dome itself is smaller than what I expected but is well maintained and pretty accessible. I came during less busy time, so parking was not a problem. While they do have a big parking space, I could imagine seeing it get packed pretty quickly during busier times. So, try to come early since you don't want to waste your time waiting for a parking spot or driving back down after driving 7 miles up from the Newfound Gap.

Gorgeous views. Well worth the hike. If going to see the sunrise, bundle up as it gets really cold. Would highly recommend. No issues with parking when we arrived before sunrise.

Highest point in the state does not disappoint.. First, while there is parking right up next to the trail to the summit.. it's a workout. Come prepared. You can also park miles out and hike in, using the AT, if you're feeling real in shape. It's beautiful either way. Everywhere you look there is greenery, forest, wildlife, and amazing views. Take your time and take it all in.

Wow! Nature at its best. Scenic drive alongside beautiful creeks. Traffic is usually heavy and the drive being one way, there are delay’s for sure if a bear 🐻 is spotted . Lot of trails on the way and picturesque overlooks. Depending on what you are interested the drive may last from 1 -2 or 4-5 hour. Roaring fork is highly recommended !! Don’t miss it !

This is a must visit attraction in great smoky mountains national park, Tennessee. Recommended for nature lovers. This a very scenic loop one-way drive of around 5.5 mile long and surrounded by amazing nature display. One can see streams, mills, old cabins, etc. The drive may take around 1-2 hours. There are also trails to rainbow and grotto falls and other nature trails located along this drive.

Stunning views, multiple picturesque vista points, serene, feels so close to nature that you don’t want to leave this place. Don’t miss this drive to get the feeling of what Smoky Mountains offers. River streams, Hiking trails, Tall Trees, cloudy peaks… Do whatever you enjoy the most, this place has everything !!

Such a great way to experience The Smoky mountains with minimal hiking/walking. There's a lot of history to see as well. Plenty of pull-off spots at the key points to be able to get out and look around, there are a couple good overlooks, as well as numerous places along the stream. Highly recommend this place at the end of a long day, a nice way to unwind and take in the relaxing scenery.

Beautiful scenery and a very peaceful drive for sure! Plenty of photo spots, and so cool just riding through with the windows down. We didn't get to see any bears, but did hear some people talking about one after we had gone through, but we did get to see some wolves and other wild life. Plus got some great photos.

Beautiful drive through the lush forest with plenty of stop off points where you’ll find hidden gems. Took about 2 hours. Definitely a good way to get away from the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg for a little bit.

Loved this leisure ride through the woods. Stopped by the Ogle Cabin and made the quick round trip hike. Hike was easy, a few small inclines and a good bit of boulder hopping. A few stream crossing with some wooden bridges and tons of beautiful scenery. Amazing hat Mother Nature can do, even after a devastating fire.

Beautifully stunning scenery! Paved road made the motor tour easy to commute. Plenty of places to pull over and stop to take in the view and get some pictures.

Really nice driving path. Nice and short, while also being very close to Downtown Gatlinburg. We visited a bit later in the day and it was wonderful. Plenty of places to park along the road if you need to stop at any point. Walked along the river and took plenty of great family photos. Maybe not a star attraction, but I would definitely recommend it if you have a few hours to kill.

Beautiful trail with lots of history. Plan to be there early and know you will not be able to park at each stop. Be ready to hike and explore. The cabins are beautiful.

Nice paved loop road. It's not meant to speed through so don't expect to do that. Plenty of pull off areas for scenic views or hiking trails. If you want to stop at the more popular stops, go early in the morning. They're usually packed by mid to late afternoon and parking may be full.

We took the motor vehicle tour the last weekend in October. Saw two bear and the trees were absolutely gorgeous.

The trail hike to the falls is about 2.5 miles up the mountain. The trail is paved but uneven in certain parts, especially as you get closer to the falls. The hike is worth it for the beautiful view. There are areas you can stop and rest at. Wear the proper shoes for this hike. The views throughout the trail are beautiful.

This trail was recommended to us as a family friendly trail that my 5 year old could hike and I agree! It was perfect for us as a family and as beginners. It’s paved and took us around 2 hours total. The waterfall was beautiful and worth the hike. There are some spots towards the end that you need to be extra cautious if you have children but overall it was a fun and rewarding trail!

Must do when in the area! Beautiful trail. The trails are a little beat up for strollers glad we did not bring one! The views are amazing would go back! Wear walking shoes!

It is all up hill on the way up. It is paved but can be challenging for new people! Lots of places to stop and rest. Gorgeous views and the falls are wonderful.

We enjoyed this trail. Easy hike. Kids (9&11) did well. The falls are beautiful and there is a lot of space. We didn’t feel crowded while observing the waterfall. We were fortunate to see a beautiful bear sighting! Trail is paved, but choppy. There are a few good overlooks. The fall foliage was gorgeous. Parking is difficult!

Not a difficult hike for most, and beautiful views. Crowded but worth it!

What a hike! Was gorgeous but definitely more difficult than I anticipated.

Great trail with beautiful views. It is mostly uphill all the way, so be prepared for that. The earlier in the day you can get there the better as it does get crowded.

Hard to find parking, nice little trail, it took me about 35 minutes walking at a medium to slow pace. The path is paved all the way, although towards the end, the pavement have eroded a bit. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes . The waterfall area was very crowded, but eventually we were able to get in and enjoy (there isn't too much space to get under the water, but you can lean against the rocks and get your back wet). This review was based on a sunny Saturday afternoon in August.

Great hike with a fantastic waterfall at the top. It's 1.3 miles each way and has a 423 ft elevation gain. It's partly paved but crumbling in a lot of places. You will not make it up the mountain with a stroller, and you will be carrying small children. There are plenty of places to step off the trail if you need a rest. Parking is limited! You will see several small parking areas coming up to the trailhead, if you see a spot take it. There's one more small parking spot just past the trailhead too but again, very limited. You may have to make a few passes before you find a spot. It's a very popular trail.

It's a fairly easy hike. The fall was nice. Many people went with their children. Parking near the trail is a mess. Very less spots available. Had to wait for a long time to get parking.

Beautiful waterfall. Trail is basically paved (some areas trail is crumbling) but pretty easy trail for an average hiker. No dogs allowed on this trail (or most trails in the Smoky Mountains).

Loved this trail. Turned out to be easier than we thought. Can definitely be done with young kids and elderly as well. Took about 35 min to the waterfall and 25 or so back. Walk down to the base of the fall to great a great view!

So beautiful easy hike it is pretty steep at some points and can be a little slippery so be careful. It is a beautiful place and a must see if you visit the Smokeys. After the rain it is even better!

The trail says it is paved but the pavement is all very broken so do not expect it to be smooth and easy to navigate. The actual falls are pretty. There is a limited area of rocks to sit on to enjoy the falls and it is highly trafficked so I wouldn't plan to picnic near the falls.

7/17/2022- My wife and I, and our son's family, and children, spent this past week in Gatlinburg. We stopped at the Visitors Center 4 times. The staff was fantastic, the store was well staffed with helpful folks, and the prices of the clothing was more than fair, in comparison with town. We asked for advice for hiking, both novice and more advanced trails. The Rangers were super helpful, sending me to Chimney Top, and for the milder hikes. Little River Trail, and Middle Prong, and in between, Rainbow Falls, all super choices. Thank you. LAST: We always try to learn about the history of every place we go on vacation. One of the books in the visitors center is excellent, and there are pictures which really help tell the story. It's an easy read. "Mountain Home", Wilma Dykeman and Jim Stokely. Great chronicle of the history of the area, the different periods, and most importantly, the people. - Lynne and Terry Onufer-Pittsburgh, Pa.

Sugarlands Visitor Center Comfort Station at Great Smokey Mountains National Park is a clean and well maintained rest area that is perfectly located when you really have to go. They are able to accommodate everyone really well here and it works well for its purpose.

This is about the visitor center itself. Not the restroom. Nicely staffed. Lots of wildlife represented in display cases. Nice short nature hike to a little waterfall.

Great spot to stop and learn about the Smoky Mountains. You might see some elk if you're lucky.

Neat place to visit and get souvenirs. Love the animal exhibits

Best gift shop in Gatlinburg.

Good stop to organize your park visit

Nice place

Beautiful water fall. Trail is family friendly, not hard. We spent four and half hours hiking 2.8 miles Including a lunch break. Also we saw three deers crossing the path.

Great waterfall but crowded! We had to park all the way down half a mile away from the trail. So depending on the person the trail is easy to moderate.

We hiked the trail to Grotto Fails on a winter Sunday morning when it was below freezing and just snow and it was absolutely beautiful!!! We started at 7:30 AM (20 minutes after sunrise) and only saw 2 other groups (on the way back). The trail is well-kept and the partially-frozen falls were picturesque. Depending where you park, you can easily make this hike up to around 7 miles- which is what we did- or make it around 3 miles round trip if you park at the closest parking. In warm weather, make sure you walk behind the falls when you get there. Definitely put this hike on your list when visiting Gatlinburg!

Way way worth it. Must do! Parking is a total nightmare. We got there early (8:30am) and parked half a mile away. And if you don’t find parking it is a one way road and you are stuck on it for 50-60min. I think there are shuttles? It’s a beautiful hike though. My kids (10, 8, 7, 5) loved climbing all over the rocks at the falls.

Easy hike! Family friendly. The kids did great. Spotted a bear! We loved walking behind the waterfall. Definitely recommend bringing water and snacks along. Parking can be tricky, but we lucked out and got a spot as someone was leaving.

Excellent experience. My 3 year old walked 90% of this hike on his own and was a great experience for everyone. I would say its between easy to moderate as there are some places you have to take big steps from rock to rock over a creek and there are some decent inclines in some spots. Bring snacks, take your time, and enjoy the scenery! We love the entirety of Roaring Fork Motor Trail!!!!

This was my first hiking experience and it was fun. It’s uphill the whole way there, so make sure you bring water and wear good shoes! Coming back is pretty fast since you are walking down. Once you reach the falls, the water is nice and cool and it will easily cool you down after your long trek up. I think it took about 45 minutes to hike up, and 30 minutes to hike down. It would have been faster but it was pouring rain on our way back so we had to walk a little slower. It was scenic and beautiful and I’d definitely do it again!

They say this is the easiest hike to a waterfall. I struggled but I’m also not a hiker lol it was worth it though! Parking is awful! We got there at 9:45 and there was no parking. We circled around 3 times! Which took up 2 hours and we still parked a mile away. Beautiful drive though. When we made it to the waterfall we ate lunch on a big rock in the water.

“Is it worth it?” That’s the most frequent question we’re typically asked while making our way back down the trail. In my opinion, it absolutely is! The 25 foot waterfall is really pretty and even the areas leading up to the fall are beautiful. I’m a local photographer and found it hard to put my camera down! Be prepared for a bit of an incline on the way up. During the first half of the hike up my husband and I work up a sweat, but the trail seemed to get easier the closer we got to Grotto Falls. We found the trip down to be a breeze. For those who have a fear of heights like me, this may be a good trail to challenge yourself! Although you can tell you’re pretty high at some points, the walking paths are wide and there was never a moment that I felt scared. Laurel Falls used to be one of my most recommended trails, but Grotto is definitely taking that place! Just remember to go early to beat the crowds!

This is one of the most underrated hikes in GSMNP! It’s relatively short and not technically challenging. With great payoff. The waterfall and the river are absolutely beautiful. Being able to walk behind the water is really neat. We got here very early in the morning and had the falls to ourselves for a couple of minutes. It got crowded quickly afterward. Enjoy!

Definitely worth the walk to get to, but I would advise that you bring water and a small snack if you have kids. Beautiful walk with wonderful natural beauty for you to soak in. I also will say the walk is moderate because there are some uneven walkways and a small stream you have to cross. It’s hard walking up towards the falls because you are walking up an incline, but the way back is much easier which is nice. I can see why this place is so popular to visit, and I would recommend that you get there early so you can find a place to park.

Gorgeous hike! There is a bit of parking but as with most nearby hikes, get to the trailhead early! The way in is mostly uphill with a few small “waterfalls” along the way. The trail is very easy to follow. We saw 1 bear very close to the trail and others on the trail said they saw more! The falls are easily accessible and you can reach your hand or head in to cool off. There is a restroom at the parking lot

This was my family's favorite hike to see a waterfall and would highly suggest! Medium difficulty in terms of hike with a couple areas crossing small creeks, it was raining so the creeks were full. If you are not an experienced hiker I would suggest wearing waterproof shoes, there were more than a few people with soggy tennis shoes on the hike. Overall hike was 1hr 12minutes which is not too bad. On the way back we even saw a black bear!

This is a beginner level or beginner level plus, hike. 1.2 miles from parking to the falls. The uphill part may have you winded due to incline if you are not used to hiking. The walk is definitely worth the effort. The falls are beautiful and relaxing. Be on the trail before 9:30AM to experience a cooler walk. To avoid crowds and get parking close to the trail head, try to arrive before 9am. Explore the falls and enjoy the cool mountain water. This is a great hike for couples and families.

Stunning views even from the parking lot. This stop also intersects the Appalachian trail so you can go as long as you like on a very well marked trail. Bathrooms are clean and convenient to the parking area too.

Beautiful! Loved all the stops along 441, recommend taking time driving and checking out all the views along the way. The bathrooms had short stalls, which I've never seen before. Like when you stand up your head is over the stall and someone can easily see in from over the top, and there are no sinks just hand sanitizer. Regardless, still doesn't have any impact on the great views!

About a 30 minute drive from Gatlinburg, the road has several places where you can pull over and look at the beauty of the mountains. The Newfound Gap is a larger parking lot with restrooms with more great picture opportunities.

If you just miss the peak fall window, it’s not a pretty sight. Didn’t do the trails here though

Always beautiful views up here! This is a must-see every year on vacation. Pay attention to the NPS travel alerts though before going up into the park. This past weekend was a high wind advisory and trees were down so parts of 441 were closed for the day. We still enjoyed on Sunday though 😀

Such a beautiful place. You almost forget you are in the south due to the altitude. Nice cool place to visit. Great views all around. We enjoyed our time there just gazing out into the wild.

A Great Smoky Mountain National Park must visit location! It is accessible by driving, has a large parking area, restrooms, and magnificent views. I like to park here, take a few photos, and then hike on the Appalachian Trail to Charlie's Bunion for a nice hike with excellent scenery.

Totally worth the time. The drive was amazing. Lots of pull offs to see but trust me you want to wait until you get to this parking area!

Easy to get to by road with beautiful views there and on the way. Would recommend the drive up there.

One of the beautiful overlooks in great smoky mountain national park located along US highway 441. The overlook is just after crossing Clingmans dome road on US 441. The view is beautiful. Plenty of parking space available. There is also restroom here. There are also couple of hikes/trailheads located here if one is interested and has time.

BEAUTIFUL VIEW! Open year round, Clingman Dome was closed. Very cold in March! gorgeous and has many trail options.

The gap is on the way to clingman dome. Nice views. Ample parking available.

The scenic ride was excellent, with beautiful views of the mountains and autumn foliage. Once we got closer to Newfound Gap, the traffic was really bad, I was an our getting to the lookout. While we hiked, it was a beautiful moderate hike with beautiful views. Leaving was another hour getting through traffic.

A great place and mesmerizing beauty. Visit around sunset and get glimpses of the mountain ranges

Took a while to get a parking space, but the views are great and it's where the Tennessee North Carolina state line is so it draws a lot of people.

Amazing views. However parkimg can be a difficulty. This location is very busy. I suggest a jacket year round. Tbis lovation is very windy!

A must see if you ever take 441 between Cherokee, North Carolina and Gatlinburg, TN! The views are absolutely gorgeous in all the different seasons and weather. Pro tip: My tip would be to check out the Newfound Gap webcam and @SmokiesRoadsNPS on X (formerly Twitter) before visiting to get an idea of conditions and how crowded it is. This section of 441 seems to regularly close during the winter. Newfound Gap is a little over 5,000’ in elevation and can be 15-20 degrees colder than the surrounding area. It gets snow/ice. Although park services manages the roads VERY well there’s the risk of ice if it’s cold enough. We went through when it was 50-60 degrees in the lower elevation and probably 40s in the higher elevations and was fine with snow on the ground. Just food for thought but it’s a must see!

Great scenic overview of the mountains. Also has a start of the Appalachian trail, which was neat. Would visit again. It can be a little anxiety inducing getting to top of mountain.

You can't visit Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge without a stop by Cades Cove. The scenic views and amount of local wildlife can't be found many other places around the area. We visited on a Tuesday morning and still sat in quiet a few backups. The entire loop took us around 3 hours, with stops to visit the churches, cabins, and mill. While we weren't lucky enough to see any Elk on this visit, we were greeted by deer, Turkey, and six different bear throughout the loop. If you have little ones make sure they use the restroom before starting the loop, as the next restrooms aren't until the Mill (about half way through the loop). Also, pack plenty of snacks and water so that you can picnic and enjoy the nature on your visit to the Smokies.

Excellent historical area. Loved the old churches and old cabins. Lots of wildlife there. Wild turkeys and foxes and loved seeing mama bear and her 3 cubs!! Great visit in the smoky mountain National Park.

Beautiful place! Was quite congested but it was ok, this is a place you do not want to hurry through. Just a tip: there is a restroom at the beginning, go before you do the tour. There is a bathroom 1/2 way through, which we stopped at. The scenery is magnificent, pictures do not do it justice. Take your time and enjoy. We didn't see bears but we did see turkeys and a baby brown snake. We'll be back in the Spring!! ❤

The visitor center is a great stopping point on the Cades Cove loop road, especially if you're ready for a flush toilet. There are several historic buildings to see as well. If you get the opportunity, I also highly recommend visiting when they're doing demonstrations such as making sorghum syrup.

We love Cades Cove and make sure to drive through here any time we're in the area! This trip we got up early and made the drive through. The wildlife was out like crazy and the weather was perfect!! We saw deer, bears, turkeys, a hawk, and so much more. We love to stop into the visitor center to get magnets!!

Oh my! The views are spectacular! The sites are amazing. My daughter got engaged on this trail!! We totally loved it! Highly recommend as a MUST SEE on a trip to this area!

I love Cades Cove! We come here each time we visit the Smokies. If you want to actually see wildlife, you have to drive through very slowly and stopping at the many pull offs and viewing areas. Sit, wait, watch! I watched lines of cars drive right past a buck deer, never seeing the deer, which was standing 50 yards away from the road! You have to take your time.

Great park. We saw groups of people young and old run across a field to take pictures near a momma bear and her cubs. We watched for a while to see who was the slowest runner in the group.

Beautiful stop in Cades Cove. Toured all the old buildings. Man sat on porch & played music. The mill doesn't work anymore but the water still flows. It was a working mill when my kids were young. They used to have all kinds of demonstrations & music there. They may still have some in summer but don't know. Still worth the stop just to walk around.

Really appreciates the audio tour that you can buy before entering the mountain. Very insightful and informative and helpful when we didn’t have service for navigation. Place is very clean and incredible views. Would definitely say it’s one of the top national parks and definitely should visit

Always a great stop when in the cove. They offer souvieners of the park and all money spent goes directly to the park. It's a great stop to view the grist mill. They also have a restroom in the area. Highly recommend the stop always worth it and great for information of the park.

Every time we go to Cades Cove, we have an amazing experience different from the previous one. They are all great adventures. We either go in the mornings or late afternoons. These are the best times to see bears 🐻. The scenery is always awesome. Everyone should visit at least once, and you will come back.

Took us two hours to get around the loop. Saw one coyote on the ride, which was cool. But definitely not worth the time IMO. You get stuck behind people in the back of trucks or hanging out the window and people constantly stop (even though you're not supposed to). We also got stuck behind people on bikes, which is also not allowed, but there was no one to enforce it.

More than a visitor center with some antique cabins, creek, and wildlife. The shop itself not that big but the surrounding places are mesmerizing. Suggest to stop by during cades cove visit.

Everything in the park is beautiful. I can't look anywhere without seeing something you want to take a picture of. We saw plenty of turkeys, some bears, and a coyote. It's really worth driving all the way through.

We were most fortunate to have heard over a rangers radio that there were bears headed our way at the visitor's center. Next thing ya know the parking lot was filled! Rangers did a great job at managing the crowd, who were very pushy. But it was an amazing experience and produce some awesome photos. You can find more on Instagram @rileyv.photography

We love this place! It's absolutely beautiful and so peaceful! There is so much to see!

Cades Cove is the treasure of Townsend. This is a nature preserve and scenic loop. The Cove has many old settlements and an old mill. You can expect to see deer everywhere and sometimes black bears and elk. Bring your camera and be ready to be amazed at the well-preserved beauty of this historic site.

This is definitely the place to go to see Wildlife, beautiful views, fields of Goldenrod & other native wildflowers as well as see & enjoy up close a piece of history. Wasn't disappointed in any way. Saw numerous Turkey, 2 coyotes & 5 bears in under an hour. Clean, stocked restrooms, nice giftshop.

This is a great hike with an amazing view at the top for a reward. This is considered pretty difficult and there are a lot of steps (stone) on the way to the top. It is very steep as well. There is a platform at the top to take a break or have lunch, etc. I would highly recommend.

Good looking trail. Crowded at prime times. Some steep parts. Good views along the way.

This is a steep incline with many rock or garden tie steps. It does tell you at the beginning that the last 1/2 mile is closed due to the damage from the fires. Just over a 1300 ft elevation climb. View is pretty at the top. Take your time, and you can do it!

Wow!! Absolutely a beautiful hike. A must visit for the nature/hiking lover. The only tip I have is to make sure your phone is charged, you have water, and wear appropriate clothing/shoes. I would not recommend bringing any food here because I'm nearly positive there are bears. After you finish the hike here and head back to your car, make sure you keep driving up the mountain for more great views.

Nice trail, didn't make it all the ways up. Closed due to fire.

Let's hike is pretty strenuous, totally worth it though. There's a pretty cool swimming hole right at the start of the trail. I consider it a reward for completing the hike.

A well marked and kept trail, but despite the name’s implication, it does not get you to the Chimney Tops (though a sign at the trailhead warns of the closure). The elevation gain is slightly difficult (compounded by alternating steep trail, stone steps, and wood retention steps), the overlook at the end is worth the hike. Though the parking at the trailhead was packed, the hike was peaceful and the other hikers were spread out (some enjoying the water at the beginning, some resting at benches along the trail, and a bunch catching their breaths and enjoying the view at the overlook). Though there’s no scrambling or unimproved portions of the trail, it could be difficult for children or individuals with movement limitations to complete the hike.

We enjoyed our hike but take note, it is pretty much all up hill to get to Rainbow Falls. The trek down is much easier. It did take us 4 hours to hike to the falls and back so I wouldn't recommend starting this hike late in the day.

It was a beautiful day for a hike, and the trail is well maintained, but we expected more honestly. Not super scenic and the waterfall was underwhelming. We loved Charlie’s Bunion much much more! Got there around 10am and parked on the road, near the lot.

I enjoyed the hike. The trail has wood steps. Creek runs along side the trail. Definitely worth the hike.

Great hike. It's an easy hike, just a lot of steps and steap inclines at times. This is by far one of my favorite trails of all time. The multiple waterfalls and natural springs were beautiful. Listening to the running water during my walk was just what I needed. Get there early to find parking and to avoid the large crowds.

Lot of climbing. I would recommend hiking boots,so many rocks and tree roots. Round trip was almost 5.5 miles. Not for beginners.

Definitely worth the hike! A search-and-rescue Park Ranger was at the bottom of the trail the day we hiked and gave us some helpful tips: 1. You’ll come across 3 separate, gorgeous waterfalls at first, but KEEP GOING! The best is yet to come (about 200-300 yards after the third waterfall)… you’ll definitely know you’re at the true “Rainbow Falls” when you see the 50+ foot waterfall behind all of the smaller cascading falls. 2. The “half way” point is when you do a sharp right turn on a switchback. Whenever you cross the bridge is 2/3rds marker. 3. It’s possible that you’ll see bears on this hike- look up into the wider-trunk trees! If you do come across one on the ground, make yourself big and be loud. Back away slowly & don’t turn your back to them. Sadly, on the day we hiked, it was super foggy out, but still worth it! Additionally, it was very muddy out, so be sure you’re in the proper footwear (we saw plenty of people turn around because they expected a casual paved trail; the trail is marked well, but it is unpaved). Additionally, there are plenty of other trails in the area and a few trails that continue on after passing Rainbow Falls. Pack a lunch and/or snacks (and of course, water), because you’ll burn some energy on this hike!!

Good to enjoy in the forest and fresh air. The fall is not too strong during summer time. However, we did spot the black bear near the parking lot.

Good hike. Very nice view. The trail has plenty of parking, views, and is very well maintained. The trail is rated at strenuous , but its a moderate hike. Its 2.76 miles to the top from the bathrooms in the parking lot. The waterfall at the top has a lot of cool picture potential. I even got to see a bear and her cubs during the hike.

This trail is considered moderate, but for me today it was a little bit hard. Lots of rocks, stones and tree roots on a 2.7 mile uphill climb. Did not see a rainbow on this overcast day.

Nice moderate hike with great views! It's a good uphill hike, and the end was a bit muddy (recent rains). But it was really wonderful to be in the woods for a few hours to enjoy all the scenery. Probably due to the season, but I didn't see any wildlife outside of a squirrel at the falls.

Ok so first off let’s start by saying this trail seems way longer then it is suppose to be we’ll at least to me it was it seemed like we were walking forever but once you get to the waterfalls it’s totally well worth it!! I do not recommend this trail for un experienced or out of shape hikers, it was a ruff walk for my 4 year old also she wanted to be carried most of the way. I didn’t make it to the middle waterfall but I made it to the first one that’s all I could go but it was well worth it. Bring plenty of water and make sure you go potty before you start walking and we also got to see a baby bear too !!! This trail will seem like forever and It is ruff at times but keep going don’t give up it’s totally worth it I promise .. your almost to the top !!

Really beautiful trail, kinda busy, but saw two black bears on my trip. Very cool, one got a little too close for comfort, though.

A bit of a rough trail going up since it's straight incline, but the end is totally worth the sweat. The falls area has a ton of areas you can sit so you won't be on top of others even if it's a bit of a busier day. It's a great spot to take a break and cool off by the falls before heading back down. The return is smooth and will fly by compared to the trip up. If you're up for a bit of a workout without completely wiping yourself out this is a great choice in the park.

Beautiful hike up to multiple waterfalls. The trail wasn’t too busy, but was definitely an intermediate hike. Definitely bring lots of water and plan to hike for a couple hours. The trail is about 5.5 round trip. The parking is very difficult to find any, so come early!

Beautiful waterfall. Exhausting hike for the unfit. Just take your time.

A quick and easy hike near town. Being from Colorado it was nice to see all the leafy trees which I bet is beautiful in autumn. Like other reviews we saw a few bears and lots of people. I would suggest going early while everyone else are eating their pancakes in town.

Ok, this was a great hike but I beg to differ on the length of the hike. The difficulty rating was a little on the low side, meaning the hike was a bit more complicated due to the packed snow and ice which were unavoidable slip/fall hazards. We didn't think to bring our yaktrax, so if you have them bring them...same goes for walking poles/sticks. It was a wonderfully maintained trail with many picturesque vantage points. Depending on your fitness level plan for 1.5 to 2.5hrs to get to the top of the falls.

Amazing trail, must do while you’re here. It’s not an easy hike, so come prepared with water and snacks!

We hiked this with our 5 little girls 4 6 8 8 and 10. It wasn't the easiest, but the entire trail was beautiful from beginning to end. The arch was the first, then if you continued about a mile more you get to then cave and its beautiful. Worth the hike, but make sure you have adequate amount of daylight to complete it!

This hikes is extremely busy with people. We were there by 7 and there were already a lot of hikers. The trail is obvious and goes along the water. Besides at the trail entrance there weren’t signs to let you know how far you have been or what the remaining distance might be. It was a bit muddy.

One of the best trail to hike in autumn!!! Kids friendly! Need to be early in the morning in order to make it back by sunset.

Not the easiest hike but the views are well worth it. Tons of awesome scenery along the way until you higher up with 180 degree views. There is a creek that makes the hike even more peaceful.

This is my favorite trail in the area. The hike to alum cave is great, and the hike to leconte is even better. I have done this hike about 10 times with various groups.

Great hike! Pros: The difficulty rating is accurate and this hike provided some of the best views. Cons: no real big ones, except the few bridges which were a log cut in half with the railing on one side. This posed a little more worry for me as I hiked with my kids. They did fine but if you have clumsier kids be warned.

Moderately difficult hike to reach Alum Cave. Expect 2 hours at least. It was pretty populated in late August. The cave was worth it though, pretty impressive

I absolutely love hiking this trail. The scenery is beautiful and relaxing. The sound of birds and running river water is amazing. I have seen black bear hiking this trail as well.

We had an absolute blast! We took alum cave and down rainbow falls which took around 10 hours. So it's all day trail so be prepared. The climb up is beautiful but can get crowded depending on the time of year. After the bluffs we had the trails to ourselves for the most part.

Beautiful hiking trail! The first 1.4 miles is by the river until you get to the ‘Arch’. Most of our group turned around and went back at that point. Keep going ‘up’ another mile to get to the cave. Beautiful views and experience!

Great trail! Up and back in about 2 hours depending on your pace and how many oblivious people you have to stop for since they won't move to the side of a more than wide enough path. Get.there.early or you'll enjoy the bonus hike as you park about a mile away. Got there at 830am on a fall Thursday and had to park 20m walk from the trailhead. Uneven terrain so sticks are recommended unless you're a sure footed beast.

I've done this trail a few times now and it's been an amazing experience each time! The views from Myrtle Point and Cliff Tops are breathtaking!

Get there before 8:00am to have the trail mostly to yourself. Very popular trail.

Great trail! We love walking along creeks and waterfalls and this trail has no shortage of them. Great views at the bluff also! We did not go all the way to summit on this short hike.

Great hike with breathtaking views! Hike up to the cave is not much inclination but significantly increases after to the bluff. We couldn’t finish it as we didn’t bring enough water. But wish we could have! We saw a few trail runners and people with camping equipment. Parking can be tricky!

The picnic area is a perfect, serene area to sit back and take in how magnificent it truly is! The flowing water nearby and the birds chirping in the distance make it easy to wander and dream... but don't forget this is home to the black bear! So, do stay aware of your surroundings! 🤗

Loved jumping from rock to rock and playing in the water. Wonderful area to have a picnic. Wish we were able to get a picnic area by river but had to use one in the middle area. Listening to the water as you eat was a treat.

With the Chimneys Picnic Area, the National Park Service had done a really fine job of providing a great place to stop. Abundant parking, with picnic tables all over and several barbecue pits provided. Two large restroom buildings and a dedicated handicap restroom are also on the premises. A great spot for a picnic.

Very beautiful picnic area. There are lots of picnic tables, all well maintained. The view is so gorgeous. There are some tables that are located close to the river, giving beautiful views to the river. The area is generally clean. The toilets are very dirty, but you can go to the to the visitor centers for toilets.

We spent the day here with our extended family. There’s plenty of picnic tables here and convenient restrooms. The parking was a small issue. We had 19 in our party and it was hard to fit all of our vehicles close to the same spot. We did make it work though. The view of the river is spectacular! Truly picnicking next to the river! The river does have large rocks and seems great for older children. Our children played in a stream running down to the river because the rocks were too steep for our crew. We had 2,3,4,6, and 9 year olds with us. We went to Greenbriar last year and the river was a little easier for little people there verses here. It was still a great area and I would recommend.

Such an amazing place to have a picnic with your family! Peaceful, and calm atmosphere. The picnic tables are spaced out so you have plenty of room away from others… My family and I came here for a picnic during the summer and played card games! Plenty of restrooms and trash cans all around!

Nice place to pull off and picnic....easy access to the water, great for photos! It would have been nice if both sections were open, but we were able to find a spot after several drive arounds. A few pics included..

Great little picnic area. Several picnic tables with grills for charcoal as no wood is allowed to be burned in the Park. Most tables are shaded by beautiful tall trees. Located on the river which is a great way to cool off or just to relax on the rocks. Public restroom was smelly but not gross.

Great picnic area. Loved that each picnic area has its own parking. Nice stream runs through this area...could easily make an afternoon of just spending time here.

Beautiful!! We stopped to stretch for a bit and ended up staying for well over an hour. We had 3 kids with us and we all enjoyed climbing the rocks through the river. So peaceful, just what we needed 💜

Pretty cool place to check out some nature. The water level in the creek was down so we were able to run around in the creek and climb on the rocks and get some adventures in. Was very fun and a cool place to visit. Scenery was beautiful and everybody loved the place. Definitely worth going and checking out to get some pictures and to mess around.

Very scenic views, plenty of picnic areas, and nicely shaded. Nice spacing of each picnic area. Our group enjoyed climbing rocks in the river. Accessible bathrooms.

This was our favorite place that we visited. The creek was so beautiful. Not crowded. You can even pull in and grill. They have grills at the a number of sites. Lots of opportunities for photo ops. We truly enjoyed the beauty of this stop.

Really nice picnic area. Paved pull-ins for each site; picnic tables are accompanied by a grille. The area is right beside the water and very relaxing. Disappointed to see restrooms closed and no drinking water.

Amazing place to wind down and enjoy nature. Kids and adults had a great time at the river. Had bbq there and played some sports. The water is ice cold and rocks can be slippery, so don’t forget to get your water shoes when in the water!

I really loved stopping here on our way to Cherokee. We brought lunch and sat at some of the picnic tables. After eating, we went and played in the water. We saw a couple chipmunks running around near the water. There bathrooms right there also. I think we will spend more time there next time we are in the mountains. It’s a really beautiful area and worth the stop!

Easy hike to view Cataract Falls. My 8 yr old hiked this with no complaints. Took about 30 minutes round trip. The trail is clearly marked and well maintained. No good for strollers as there are stairs to go up and down.

Cataract Falls is an absolutely beautiful area to explore, and it is not too far of a hike from the main parking lot by the Great Smoky Mountains Park headquarters building. The hike to the waterfalls is a quick and not difficult hike. The waterfalls view is wonderful during any season. The snow melt when the weather gets warm makes the falls burst with water and makes for a great view.

Nice easy walk from the visitor center. The waterfall isn't that great at low water but it's a very short walk to get to and the scenery is beautiful along the way with labels on the different flora and fauna.

This place was so pretty! I had never seen mountains or waterfalls, but this was lovely. It was raining a good bit when we went but it didn't slow us down any lol. There's a cute lil museum at the front, it's located in the national park. Cataract falls is off of the main walking trail. Absolutely gorgeous scenery, everybody should come visit!

Very nice, Easy, accessible short hike. Good way to break up your day if you have a couple 5 mile hikes in the morning and afternoon OR a good way to ease into your hiking vacation. The hike begins at the visitor center and takes less than 30 mins in & out.

Absolutely beautiful took so many photos. I feel like this place goes on forever and you can just keep seeing more and more. Definitely want to go back multiple times and see everything I can see here!

Easy, short trail - it is PERFECT for small kids and folks that like nature in small doses. You can pick up this trail from Sugarlands Visitor Center or park closer to the creek entrance for Cove Mountain Trail. We had a GREAT time- even though this isn’t a terribly tall or active waterfall. It is on the same path as some larger falls if you’re willing to actually hike.

Definitely plan your trip close to recent rainfall. We went in the fall and it was just a trickle of water. Despite being a very active trail with lots of people we came within 20 feet of a black bear momma and cubs, so be alert.

super easy trail for those with kids or trouble walking. not paved but short and not very inclined. falls are only 25 feet but for the walk they are well worth it.

Short walk from the sugar land visitor center. It is good for young kids but not for someone interested in longer hikes. The waterfall isn’t appealing, it’s just a stream of water, quite disappointing.

I was lucky enough to go when there were not many people out. The trail was lovely and easy to navigate. I parked and went to the falls, which were very close, so I had to back track to do the rest of the trail. The trail follows a stream that comes from the Falls. I saw a beaver damn and some cute squirrels packing their jaws with wet leaves. There was a nature trail connected to that which had labels to identify different species of trees and a cute old cabin on it. It looped back to the Cataract Falls trail and took me back to where I parked. It was a wet day, so I had to go around a little bit of water, but it was no bother.

Had a great time. We enjoyed a picnic. My grandchildren played in the water also had a good hike. Great place to visit.

Nice short hike back to the falls. Beautiful foliage.

This waterfall was close to our cabin and we decided to take a short hike and have a look around. It was only about a tenth of a mile from the trailhead and there was lots to see. I highly recommend a visit to Cataract Falls Trail

Life is all about family, adventure, the great outdoors!! You will find it here!! The hike was simple! The view was uncanny and memorable for all 3 of us and we plan on conquering more trails next time around the mountains!!!

This is a really short and easy trail near the Sugarlands Visitor Center in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's just outside of Gatlinburg. When it hasn't rained much, this waterfall may just be a trickle. However, when it has rained, it can be nicely flowing falls. We visited it the day after Christmas, and it was frozen and gorgeous!

Nice trail and water fall. My kids enjoyed climbing up to see a better view. We bought a week pass for the Great Smokey Mountains at the visitor center inside the entrance of the part. I liked the park a lot. It is a lot of driving and a little crowded when we went in July.

We had an absolute blast! We took alum cave and down rainbow falls which took around 10 hours. So it's all day trail so be prepared. The climb up is beautiful but can get crowded depending on the time of year. After the bluffs we had the trails to ourselves for the most part.

Amazing hike even though it was 15 degrees in April! I love every minute of the snow and the sun and I cant wait to be back soon for a summer hike!

Definitely a difficult hike yet worth the beautiful views and being able to see the beautiful forest

This hike was an adventure that I missed out the last time I came. I am so happy that my friends and I were able to complete it together. Do yourself a favor and put down the camera at the top. Soak in the majesty of the mountain top.

Beautiful hike to the top of the mountain. This is my favorite hike in all of the Smokies. Arrive early and pack a lunch. Make sure to have good footwear and watch your step as the trail tends to get slippery.

We hiked to the top! What an amazing experience! We were on a girls trip to we had a blast spending hours to get to the top. The view at the top is breathtaking just like the hike up lol.

It’s a great hike! its considered “ strenuous” . once you leave alum cave And press on to Mount Leconte it is definitely more of a grind.

Definitely kicked my butt getting to the top, but that’s exactly what I wanted! I would not recommend this as someone’s first camping experience- trails are definitely moderate to difficult, which makes it perfect for an intermediate hiker! We took Rainbow up and Alum Cave down. Absolutely allow a full day to go up- we took several breaks and were wiped by the time we got there! Staff at the Lodge itself was great, and cabins were actually very comfortable to stay in. 10/10 would recommend for intermediate hikers!

Well maintained trail going all the way up to the cliff view point. Didn't make it to the peak but I heard there's no view there. I would arrive early in the morning for Parking and give yourself an ample amount of time. It's my first time doing a 10miles+ hike and it took us a little over 7 hours to go up and back down.

Just finished the hike up to the lodge with a friend that has been one for 30 + yrs, what an awesome experience! Beautiful scenery. Saw bear, deer, salamanders, snails, waterfalls, friendly hikers, llamas and llama poo...nice time to catch up, reflect and enjoy creation. Hiked Trillium Gap trail up and down. 5 1/2 hrs up and 3 hrs down. Look forward to doing this again!

Awesome trail with breathtaking views along the way! Get there early because parking gets filled very fast. Plan to spend a lot of time on the trail which goes up in elevation around 3,500 feet according to Gaia GPS. We are unexperienced hikers and were able to summit in about 4 hours, and spent 7 hours round trip. Other folks definitely went at a faster pace. The trail is very well maintained and marked, it is difficult to get lost. There are lodges near the summit as well as a gift shop where you’ll find snacks. The bathrooms near the summit are not flush toilets for thru hikers.

Beautiful! 13.4 miles from the trailhead to Myrtle Point. Great trail. Beautiful overlooks! Myrtle Point and Chimney Rock were gorgeous!

We hiked up to Rainbow Falls yesterday, it was the most glorious day!! The hike was fairly easy if you are in good shape, the trails were a bit crowded but it was totally worth it. Definitely a must do but the traffic in Gatlinburg was horrible. Bring plenty of water and snacks, I was surprised at how many people were not prepared at all. Definitely wear hiking boots.