There are few things as relaxing as sitting on a rock near a waterfall. The water coming over the edge, falling, and pooling in a stream is quite a sight and sound. Many visitors take naps because it’s so relaxing.

RELATED: Top 5 things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains

We listed out a few of the best ones with a Google Map (when applicable) and a picture. Take a look:


The ones you can drive to:

Meigs Falls

It’s off Little River Road, 13 miles west of Sugarlands Visitor Center (7 miles east of Townsend). If you’re not looking, it can be easily missed. Keep an eye out!

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Maggie Soileau ☺︎ (@magssoileau) on

The Sinks

It’s off Little River Road, 12 miles west of Sugarlands Visitor Center. It’s very close to Meigs Falls. It may be a smaller one, but the entire Little River flows over it.

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by M A K A I L A R A N A I®️ (@makaila_ranai) on


The other waterfalls you have to hike to:

The Place of a Thousand Drips

This is an impressive waterfall during the wet season. From the parkway in Gatlinburg, turn at traffic light #8 and follow Historic Nature Trail into the park. Take Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (closed in winter). The waterfall is at stop #15

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kristi Parsons (@kristi_parsons) on

Abrams Falls

20 feet high. An impressive amount pours over it.

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Bryan Nowak Photography (@bryannowakphoto) on

Grotto Falls

25 feet high. Follow the Trillium Gap Trail.

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Rocío 🌹 (@_rociorodriguez_) on

Hen Wallow Falls

90 feet high. Take a nice walk through hemlock and rhododendron forest.

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Nifty_Visuals (@nifty_visuals) on

Indian Creek Falls

Two waterfalls to see here! (This one and Tome Branch Falls below.)

Take an easy 1.6-mile roundtrip hike in the Deep Creek area.

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Visit Bryson City NC (@brysoncity) on

Toms Branch Falls

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jenna 🌻 (@jennaobitko) on

Juney Whank Falls

90 feet high. It’s an upper and lower section.

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jaclyn Hardison (@jac_jac2) on

Laurel Falls

80 feet high. A picturesque and popular spot in the park.

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Matt Spillane (@spillanematt) on

Lynn Camp Prong Cascades

See many small cascades in a short hike.

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Guinn & Derek (@guinngb) on

Mingo Falls

120 feet high. It’s one of the tallest in the southern Appalachians.

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Froglannie (@delanniesharum) on

Mouse Creek Falls

45 feet high. It’s off the beaten path, so go here if you want to avoid other people.

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Visit NC Smokies (@visitncsmokies) on

Rainbow Falls

80 feet high. The mist produces a rainbow on a sunny day.

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by anna beck (@annabeck11) on

Ramsey Cascades

100 feet high. One of the tallest in the park

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tennessee Vacation • #madeintn (@tnvacation) on


RELATED: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

We represent and offer vacation cabin rentals in three Western North Carolina communities: Eagles Nest, Laurel Heights, and Ridgewood Estates. Browse and select a luxurious cabin for one or many people in or near Waynesville and Maggie Valley. Our office is located in the heart of the Smoky Mountains between Asheville and Cherokee.