Cataract Falls Hike in the Smoky Mountain

Tuesday, August 21, 2018
We enjoyed our short hike to Cataract Falls,  one of the most popular falls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Located just a half mile behind the Sugarlands Visitor Center, Cataract Falls is an easy hike with a small set of stairs near the falls.  The first part of the trail was flat and featured a small foot bridge that crossed the creek next to a tree that had some very interesting features.

At the end of the hike you will find a beautiful waterfall. The waterfall is comprised of two low-flow streams totaling a 25-foot drop into a small pool below.  After periods of rain, the waterfall is quite impressive!

📌  Hike the Smokies Challenge

Our very first hike at Smokies.

I would recommend the trail to Cataract Falls for beginners in hiking.  It's easy, scenic and only takes fifteen minutes to get there.  However, if you're looking for a hike or a waterfall that is quiet and serene, this isn't one of them.  For just about the entire hike you'll see cars, parking lots, buildings and can be crowded too.

The trail to Cataract Falls is one of the best kept secrets in the Smoky Mountains.


This very short 3/4 mile trail is appropriate for young children and provides excellent views of 25-foot high Cataract Falls. This lesser known trail is a great opportunity to see a beautiful waterfall without too much effort. This is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Gatlinburg.

Any vehicle can get to the Great Smoky Mountain -- its just more fun in a Jeep!
Hope you enjoy hiking trail in Smokies,   feel free to share it and don't forget to follow us for more adventures.

19 comments:

  1. Looks like a nice place to go for a hike. Very serene.

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  2. We just passed through there a few weeks ago. We haven't stopped to hike yet, but it's one of my goals these days - I love the Great Smokey Mountains!

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    1. We live an hour away to Smokies for 5 years now and still we never get tired of making a trip here almost every weekend. We just love this area all year round is always pretty. And there's plenty of adventure for the whole family.

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  3. So lovely! My family loves hiking, but it's easy to motivate the kids when there are fun things to check out like those lovely waterfalls.

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    1. Great Smokies is known for fun hiking trails with breath taking views.

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  4. This makes me want to go hiking much more. Just look at those gorgeous shots you took. For that alone I would take this hike. So adventurous too!

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  5. Smoky's is so much fun. Seems like you guys had a nice time

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  6. This looks amazing! We have been planning a trip up to the smokey mountains for later this fall. I grew up in New England and always camped near Mount Washington so now that we live in Florida, I miss the mountain views :)

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    1. You should come and visit, Fall Season is pretty here I love to go up in the mountain during that season. The view is breathtaking!

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  7. My parents have often talked about the Smoky Mountains and I've always wanted to go. That's incresed 100% after seeing your amazing photos. I love to go hiking in places like this.

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  8. Gotta love a jeep to handle the terrain. Looks like you guys had a great time.

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  9. I am looking for a place to hike and I guess this would be a nice place! It looks serene!

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  10. Very beautiful! The Smoky Mountains are a great place to visit for nature hikes and camping. It looks like you guys had a fun time.

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  11. Your pictures captured the natural pristine beauty of the smoky mountains. So happy you had a wonderful time.

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  12. Wow this place looks so beautiful! My family and I would love a trip here!

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  13. Such a lovely place.. So near to greenery and nature.. great hiking activity!

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  14. Wow, great activity and place to bond with family and friends. I like the scenery of nature, you got a great shot there!

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  15. Wow, this place looks beautiful! I'm in the UK and we have some gorgeous countryside here, but I'm always in awe when I travel!

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