Waterfalls are one of the most popular natural phenomena people want to experience while visiting the Smokies. From massive falls to trickling cascades, these features are all beautiful and worth experiencing in person. So when you want to take your kids along for the ride, you need easy trails that show off all the cool things to see without wearing them out! Here are the best family friendly Smoky Mountain waterfall hikes you don’t want to miss!
1. Place of a Thousand Drips
If you want to spot a roadside waterfall, the Place of a Thousand Drips is the perfect destination for your crew. To get to the beautiful cascades, you’ll want to drive along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail that’s right outside of downtown Gatlinburg. The waterfall is near the end of the scenic drive, and you are able to drive by without getting out of the car. You can always hop out for a better look or a photo if you want! It’s truly one of the top kid friendly waterfall hikes in Gatlinburg!
2. Cataract Falls
Another Smoky Mountain waterfall hike that’s easy for the whole family is Cataract Falls. This nature trail is around 1 mile roundtrip. Your whole family will get to enjoy old forest growth, knobbly trees, fungi growing on logs, small wildlife in the streams, and so much more along the way. At the end of the trail, you’ll come up on Cataract Falls, a 25-foot-tall waterfall!
3. Huskey Branch Falls
When you want to spend longer than an hour exploring what Great Smoky Mountains National Park has to offer, you should hike to Huskey Branch Falls. To reach this impressive Smoky Mountain waterfall near Gatlinburg, you’ll hike along Little River Trail, which follows alongside the Little Pigeon River the entire time. Enjoy views into the woods, the sounds of water washing over rocks, and birds chirping until you reach Huskey Branch Falls. This collection of cascades is right on the trail and easy to find!
4. Baskins Creek Falls
If your family is ready for a more challenging trail with one of the most picturesque falls, you should hike to Baskins Creek Falls. The trail is considered easy to moderate because of the climb back from the falls. On the way there, you’ll be going downhill, but coming back is uphill, which is why it’s considered a little more challenging. The falls have two tiers, and the water flows over massive rock formations. Trust us, if you’re up for it, you’ll want to experience this Smoky Mountain waterfall hike!
5. Fern Branch Falls
Fern Branch Falls should be another of the top Smoky Mountain waterfall hikes on your family’s national park bucket list. To get to this 60-foot waterfall, you’ll travel along the Porters Creek Trail. This is a beautiful hike in a more secluded area of the park that boasts hundreds of wildflowers in the spring and summer. You’ll also get to explore several historic buildings along the trail, making it a blast for everyone! After 2 miles, you’ll come up on Fern Branch Falls!
More Smoky Mountain Waterfalls Near Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge
These are just a few of the Smoky Mountain waterfall hikes that people of all ages and abilties can enjoy together! Now you know the best trails to enjoy nature with your family. Want to discover even more waterfalls near Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg? Check out our other list of Smoky Mountain hikes with waterfalls!
