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Grotto Falls
These 25-foot falls create a unique opportunity to stand behind a waterfall!
Plan Around Grotto Falls
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Grotto Falls Details
Accessed via Trillium Gap Trail, a shady, moderately difficult trail through old hemlocks, these 25-foot falls create a unique opportunity to stand behind a waterfall! The trail leads behind the falls before continuing onward. The falls, which are most vivacious during the spring and early summer, are also home to beautiful specimens of tricolor and while trillium, and some of the park's sneakiest inhabitants, salamanders. The hike to the falls is 1.5-miles, and perfect for warmer weather. Trailhead: From the parkway in Gatlinburg, turn at traffic light #8 and follow Historic Nature Trail into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Take Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (no RVs or trailers; closed in winter ) to stop #5 where there is a large parking area.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
Region
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Nearby Parks Around Grotto Falls
Compare nearby parks around Grotto Falls when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Grotto Falls
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Grotto Falls while the map context is still fresh.
0.8 mi away
Grotto Falls
Named for the pretty white and tricolor flowers that are found in abundance.
1.6 mi away
Mount Le Conte
At 6,593 ft (2,010 m) it is the third highest peak in the national park, behind Clingmans Dome.
2.0 mi away
Roaring Fork
Once the site of a small Appalachian community, today home to the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
2.0 mi away
Rainbow Falls Trail
Named after the highest single-drop falls in the park.
