It can be overwhelming planning what to do on your vacation to the Smoky Mountains. With so many things to do and places to go, some tips would be helpful in trying to narrow down the best activities. Do you love being in nature and particularly hiking to waterfalls? If so, we have a guide ready just for you! Discover some of the best hidden waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains! Here are the top 5 hidden Gatlinburg waterfalls you need to see on your vacation:
1. Rainbow Cave Falls
One of the top hidden Gatlinburg waterfalls to visit on your vacation is Rainbow Cave Falls! This waterfall is about 40 feet tall and has a cave at the bottom with water that flows underground. Unfortunately, it is prohibited to enter the cave for safety and environmental reasons. It is in no way related to the well-known waterfall Rainbow Falls. To find this waterfall, head to Townsend. Start at the Schoolhouse Gap Trail and turn at Turkeypen Ridge Trail. Take the unmarked trail on the left and they take the fork to the right. This waterfall is sure to impress!
2. Spruce Flats Falls
Another one of the hidden Gatlinburg waterfalls to visit is Spruce Flats Falls. This waterfall stands around 30 feet tall and has 3 tiers that pool at the bottom. The round-trip hike is 1.8 miles. Start at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute and walk the trailhead to Buckeye Trail Junction. Turn right and then turn left at the split. There is plenty of wildlife to see along the way until you get to the beautiful waterfall!
3. Road Turn Branch Falls
If you are looking to explore one of the Gatlinburg waterfalls off the beaten path, be sure to check out Road Turn Branch Falls. To get to this beautiful waterfall start at Courthouse Rock Trail. Next, walk the trailhead to till you come in a split in the trail. Turn left and then you’ll come to the waterfall. You will love the beautiful hike to this waterfall and have the perfect photo opportunity once you get there.
4 & 5. Indian Creek Falls and Tom Branch Falls
Want to see 2 beautiful Gatlinburg waterfalls that are really close together and along the same trail? Try out the hike to Indian Creek Falls and Tom Branch Falls. Indian Creek Falls is a beautiful 30 foot waterfall and Tom Branch Falls is about 60 feet tall! To get to both, start at the Deep Creek Trailhead. You will come across Tom Branch Falls first and then turn right till you come across another trail to the left. This trail will take you to Indian Creek Falls. Both are unique waterfalls and are worth the trip!
Now you have the inside knowledge on 5 hidden Gatlinburg waterfalls you need to see on your vacation. You will need a place to stay after visiting all these gorgeous hidden waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains! Take a look at all our cabins in Gatlinburg and stay close to the beautiful nature in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
