Grotto Falls: A Scenic Waterfall Hike Through the Smokies

For guests who want to experience one of the Smokies’ most distinctive waterfalls, Grotto Falls offers a hike with a memorable destination: a 25-foot waterfall that you can actually walk behind.

The trail winds through forest, crosses streams, and follows the Trillium Gap Trail into a cool mountain cove. It is a beautiful choice for guests who enjoy combining a moderate outdoor adventure with one of the area’s more unusual natural features.

About Grotto Falls

Grotto Falls is located within Great Smoky Mountains National Park along the Trillium Gap Trail. The waterfall is approximately 25 feet high and is the only waterfall in the national park where the trail passes directly behind the falls.

The hike from the Trillium Gap Trailhead is approximately 2.6 miles round trip. Along the way, the trail passes through mature forest and rhododendron-covered sections and crosses several streams before reaching the waterfall.

The trail continues beyond Grotto Falls toward Mount LeConte, but visitors hiking specifically to the waterfall can turn around after enjoying the falls.

The trailhead is accessed through the one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, adding a scenic drive to the outing.

Why Guests Love It

You can walk behind the waterfall
The opportunity to stand behind a 25-foot waterfall is what makes Grotto Falls particularly memorable. The rock overhang creates a natural viewing area behind the falling water.

The hike is part of the experience
The route passes through a lush mountain environment with mature trees, rhododendron, streams, and mossy surroundings. The scenery changes as you move deeper into the cove.

A classic Smoky Mountain outing
For guests who want a traditional Great Smoky Mountains hiking experience, Grotto Falls combines forest, water, wildlife habitat, and mountain terrain in one outing.

A good option for active families
The 2.6-mile round trip is considerably shorter than many of the park’s longer waterfall hikes, although the trail still includes roots, rocks, inclines, bridges, and stream crossings.

Easy to combine with a scenic drive
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is itself a popular scenic route, allowing your group to turn the hike into a broader outing rather than making the waterfall the only stop.

Insider Tips

• Allow at least a couple of hours for the hike, especially if your group wants time to enjoy the waterfall and surrounding forest.
• The trail is approximately 2.6 miles round trip from the Trillium Gap Trailhead.
• Expect roots, rocks, inclines, bridges, and multiple stream crossings.
• Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction. Rain can make sections of the trail muddy and slippery.
• The trailhead has very limited parking, with only about 17 parking spaces. During busy periods, parking can fill quickly.
• A Great Smoky Mountains National Park parking tag is required when parking for more than 15 minutes.
• Consider a shuttle if available rather than relying on finding a parking space at the trailhead.
• Pets are not permitted on the trail. Only the Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail allow pets within the national park.
• Do not climb on the waterfall or enter the water. The National Park Service warns that waterfall areas can be hazardous, and water recreation is not recommended.
• Check current road and trail conditions before leaving, particularly during winter or after severe weather.
• Bring water and snacks, and download or carry an official park trail map before heading out.

Stay Hello Sunshine Tip

Grotto Falls is best treated as a full outdoor outing rather than a quick attraction stop. Give your group enough time to enjoy the forest, take breaks along the trail, and experience the waterfall without rushing back to the Parkway.

For guests staying at Sunshine Around the Bend, plan the hike for a morning when everyone is ready for some movement and fresh mountain air. Afterward, return to the cabin for a slower afternoon, with the hot tub, wooded wraparound deck, gourmet kitchen, and private fire table waiting for the rest of the day.