These 5 Waterfall Hikes In Tennessee Are Even More Beautiful In The Wintertime
Tennessee is a fantastic place to get outside and get active no matter the season. The winters may be chilly, but they aren’t that cold thanks to the state’s location in the southern half of the United States. These five waterfall hikes are some of the best trekked during the summer and the wintertime, and you’re bound to find one you absolutely love. Learn more about these outdoor adventures below, and plan a trip for yourself!
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Laurel Falls Trail is a 2.5-mile out-and-back trail that's great for kids, nature trips, and river views. It's conveniently located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, making it an easy spot to highlight on vacation. Bundle up during the chilly months and get ready for a snowy, stunning view of the 80-foot falls! The roadway is paved but is in rugged condition. Make sure to watch where you step to stay safe.
Rainbow Falls Trail is a bit more difficult than our other trails on this list, so make sure you prepare for this "hard" rated trek. The trail is 5.5 miles out-and-back and remains one of the most popular hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for advanced hikers. You'll gain roughly 1,600 feet in elevation, and the rugged terrain matched with a consistent incline means you'll be a bit out of breath. But those snowy views? WORTH IT.
Grotto Falls Trail is a 2.6-mile out-and-back trail that boasts a significant elevation gain of 544-feet and an incredible view of the 25-foot grotto falls. Normally accessed by way of the Roaring Fork Motor Trail, when you hike Grotto Falls Trail in the winter you'll have to access the trailhead for Grotto Falls by hiking two miles along the road. It's a roundabout way for sure while the road is closed in the winter, but that just means that the trail will be quiet and empty as you experience the grand beauty of Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains.
Abrams Falls may not be the tallest waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but it is a gorgeous one! The trail is highly trafficked, so come ready to hobnob with new friends and take in the icy beauty of the waterfall in the wintertime. The 5.5-mile trail is an out-and-back and is located near Townsend, Tennessee.
Meigs Creek Trail is a 6.5-mile trail that's open all year round, though most folks tend to wander the trail from March to November. One of the most underrated trails in the Great Smoky Mountains, you'll gain 1,325 feet in elevation and have breathtaking views of icy waterways throughout.
How many of these wintry trails have you wandered? Do you have a favorite? Leave your tips and tricks below for a great hike through the Tennessee wilderness!
If you’re looking for more fun in Tennessee, then you don’t want to miss this true step back in time at Rocky Mount State Historic Site!
Address: Laurel Falls Trail, Tennessee 37862, USA
Address: Rainbow Falls Trail, Tennessee 37738, USA
Address: Grotto Falls, Tennessee 37738, USA
Address: Abrams Falls, Tennessee 37882, USA
Address: Meigs Creek Trail, Tennessee, USA
