Waterfall Park and Hikes in Jonathan Creek

"At the 25-foot-high Grotto Falls, you can enjoy the unique experience of walking behind the falls, which can be a welcome refreshment on hot, humid summer days. The trail leading to the falls is beautiful as well, as it passes through old-growth forests and ecosystems and gives visitors opportunities to see animals such as black bears, elk and deer. To access the falls coming from Gatlinburg on the parkway, turn onto the Historic Natural Trail at traffic light #8, which will lead to Great Smoky Mountains National Park."

"Grotto Falls is accessible via the Trillium Gap Trail, the trailhead of which can be found on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. On the 3-mile round trip, which is of moderate difficulty, hikers will traverse old hemlock forests in a peaceful atmosphere until they reach the falls. The trail actually leads directly behind the cascading water of Grotto Falls, offering a unique and gorgeous point of view for visitors, and the 25-foot-tall waterfall is a cool and beautiful destination."

"Grotto Falls is one of the more unique waterfall hikes in the Smoky Mountains. The trail starts out on Trillium Gap Trail, and with a roundtrip of 2.6 miles, it is considered moderate. To get to the waterfall, you’ll have to cross some small streams."

"Whether you consider yourself a semi-professional photographer or you are just looking for ways to enhance your family’s photo album, it is always a good idea to learn about how you can take better pictures of the Smoky Mountains. Check our tips of how to take the best pictures during your Smoky Mountain vacation:"

"There are several amazing waterfalls throughout the Smoky Mountains National Park. For that reason, we are combining them all into one entry on this list. Remember though, waterfalls aren’t in the middle of a parking lot and will require some hiking to get to."

"This is a great hike for novice hikers as this trail is relatively smooth, and is a gradual climb of only 605 feet over the course of the two miles to the 45-foot Mouse Creek Falls. The Big Creek Trail follows an old railroad grade, built by the Crestmont logging company in the early 1900's to haul lumber out of the mountains during the logging boom. The trail was improved by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the 1930s when it was converted for hiking use."

"Mouse Creek Falls is another recommended option for visitors who want to enjoy nature without the crowds. The trail leading to this 45-foot cascade is a moderately difficult, four-mile round-trip hike along the Big Creek Trail, which passes another smaller waterfall along the way at Midnight Hole. This trail, which was originally a route to transport logs in the early 20th century, was converted into a hiking trail in the 1930s."

"Mouse Creek Falls is a 45 foot high waterfall that tumbles over moss covered rocks. It’s a natural, scenic sight and a bench is even available for you to sit down and admire its beauty."

"Baskins Creek Falls is located along the Roaring Fork Motor Trail, which is a beautiful area in the Smoky Mountains in the fall. You’ll see the fall colors and a waterfall along this 3-mile round trip trail. At the beginning of this hike, you’ll have some great views of the mountains covered in fall foliage."

"Relative to their popularity, this 40-foot, two-tiered waterfall just might be the most underrated falls in the Great Smoky Mountains. It's also a great place to kick back and enjoy a picnic."

"Mingo Falls is not technically within the park but rather on the Cherokee Indian Reservation. However, it is still very close and worth the visit, as it is one of the tallest and most stunning waterfalls in the Southern Appalachians. To access the trail leading to the falls, drive south from the Oconalufteee Visitor Center on US-441 toward Cherokee and take the second left onto Big Cove Rd."

"At 120 feet tall, the waterfall is one of the tallest and most spectacular in the southern Appalachians. The trail to the base of the falls is very steep, but well worth the effort."

"Hikers will reach Indian Creek Falls via the Deep Creek Trail, which was one of the first trails constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s. In addition to visiting the 45-foot waterfall, hikers will also pass by the 80-foot Toms Branch Falls along the way. This is another great hike for early spring wildflowers."

"A quintessential Appalachian waterfall, Hen Wallow spans 90 vertical feet and spills silvery currents of water over ink-dark slabs of rock. Mosses cover the nearby cliffs, and salamanders swim in the pool below the falls. (30 salamander species..."

"Hen Wallow Creek, only two feet wide at the top of the falls, fans out to 20 feet at the base. The waterfall is 90 feet high, ranking it among the tallest in the National Park.5"

"The first item on this list is probably the most difficult to find. Rainbow Falls Cave is a little-known cave in the wilderness of the Smokies that has a waterfall falling into it. The only way to reach the cave is to go off official trails on a footpath to an area that used to serve as homesteads for the former residents of the National Park."

"Juney Whank Falls is divided into an upper and lower section. Both can be viewed from the footbridge which crosses Juney Whank Branch at the falls. Together they drop 90 feet from top to bottom."

"One of the most challenging and rewarding day hikes in the park is the ascent up Mt LeConte, the third-highest peak in the Smoky Mountains. Several trails wind their way up, passing rushing rivers, waterfalls, log bridges and precipitous views before reaching the summit at 6593ft. At the top, you can pay a visit to the rustic lodge that's been in operation since before the creation of the national park in 1934."

"The 3rd highest point in the Smokies is also one of the most popular for hikers. You can get to Mount LeConte by hiking just under 5 miles from the Alum Cave Trailhead on Newfound Gap Road. There are several different trails that you can hike to reach Mount LeConte, but the trailhead from Alum Cave is the shortest hike."

"There are two places on the mountain that do afford outstanding panoramic views. One is at Myrtle Point. The other place to visit for outstanding views is Cliff Top"

"Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, standing at 6,643 feet. The best spot to take in the sights is from the observation tower, which offers 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains and beyond. The half-mile walk to the top of the tower is well worth it!"

"You can easily combine the views at Newfound Gap with a visit to Clingman’s Dome as its just 7 miles away. Now, those 7 miles are quite curvy, but still—it’s easy enough. Plus, Clingmans’ Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains at 6,643 feet."

"At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. That’s why it’s no secret that the Clingmans Dome Observation Tower offers the best views of the mountains!. On clear days, views can expand over 100 miles."

"It feels weird giving a Subway five stars but I honestly can't think of anything to complain about. The food was good, service was great and very friendly... (828) 497-1268Order online"