Easy for all to walk, even saw strollers. This is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Gatlinburg! Near the end of the hike, you’ll see Cataract Falls. Menu & Reservations Make Reservations . Kids and older adults will love this trail since it has a little bit of everything, and even people who hike all the time will enjoy it. Nice quick easy walk. In this video, we're hiking the treacherous...Cataract Trail! Cataract Falls is a 1.1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. Trailhead Directions: From Gatlinburg, drive into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the main Parkway. Cataract Falls (Accessible) is a 0.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee that offers scenic views and is good for all skill levels. Fighting Creek Nature Trail and Cataract Falls. The trailhead, which is directly to the left of the visitor center (looking at it from the parking area), starts off paved, but quickly turns to gravel. Super easy hike. (Some areas you would need to carry the stroller over.) This doesn't really qualify for a hike. This is Erik Dobell from Impossibilities at the Gatlinburg Space Needle with theater tech, performer, and magician Ray Adams! Off-trail hiking has inherent risks and the National Park advises against it. As you begin your climb up Cove Mountain, you'll pass Cataract Falls, a small waterfall that drains into Fighting Creek and then the Little Pigeon River West Prong. Notable sights along the trail include remnants of an old homestead and rock structures, a bridge that goes over the river that is a lovely photo-op, small burn scars on the landscape from the 2016 Gatlinburg wildfires, the historic park headquarters, and the trailhead to Cataract Falls. Begin at the Rainbow Falls trail parking lot. The walk to Cataract Falls begins at Sugarlands Visitor Center, so it is a great start to get those legs working once you get out of the car. Length: 1 mile round trip to the falls Trail: paved and gravel Features: 25 ft waterfall Difficulty: easy Directions: Located at the Sugarlands Visitors Center. Directions: You and your group are sure to enjoy the calmly flowing Fighting Creek, dense vegetation, and the beautiful canopy of trees overhead. This is very popular area especially in the summer. Length 0.7 miElevation gain 26 ftRoute type Out & back Take the quick Sugarlands walk to Cataract Falls (technically along the Cove Mountain Trail), an impressive tiered waterfall. Another great hiking trail in Gatlinburg that’s perfect for small kids and older adults is Cataract Falls. This stroller friendly trail is great for all ages. Cataract Falls. Easy out and back. 5. Near the end of the hike, you’ll see Cataract Falls. The roundtrip length is 1 mile, and it’s … Posted by. As you enter the park, you’ll see the visitors center on you right, at the corner of River Road. This hiking trail is 1.1 miles roundtrip, making it perfect for beginners and small children. Park at one of the parking lots and follow the trail to the Cove Mountain Trailhead. The walk to Cataract Falls begins at Sugarlands Visitor Center, so it is a great start to get those legs working once you get out of the car. Here are 5 of the best hiking trails near Gatlinburg you’ll love: 1. For an easy hike, you should go on Cataract Falls. As recently as March of 2015, a visitor slipped on the rocks and fell 30′. Even though the trail is less than two miles from downtown Gatlinburg, the crowds will seem a million miles away! The path is clearly laid out with wooden boards, and you get to cross over a creek and walk alongside it. Level: Easy. If you have small children or older adults who can’t handle a longer hike, then this one will be perfect for them. Great for the “let’s get out and stretch our legs” type of walk. The trail is hardly a mile long, and is located only a hot second from the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. This trail is near Gatlinburg, and it is 1.1 miles long. This trail is also 1 mile roundtrip. Cataract Falls. Gatlinburg. Cataract Falls is a great hike for families. This is … Most crowded trail ever. Don't take the nature trail. The trail to Cataract Falls is one of the best kept secrets in the Smoky Mountains. The actual address is: 1420 Fighting Creek Gap Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. To find the trail, begin walking down the concrete path to the left of the Sugarlands Visitor Center (near the outdoor restrooms and vending area). A longer trail that is right outside of Gatlinburg is the Gatlinburg Trail. © 2020 - SmokyMountains.com. Go early due to so many visitors. The trail to Cataract Falls is one of the best kept secrets in the Smoky Mountains. One of the best-kept secret waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located behind the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Perfect for young kids and elderly.Very smooth path to the falls. Hiking the Cataract Falls Trail in Gatlinburg, TN (Impossibilities Magic Show) 11/1/2020 Comments . Little Brier Gap Trail. Laurel Falls. It's not hard to get outside in Tennessee, but the Cataract Falls Trail makes it even easier. If you don't want to spend too much time on a trail and don't have the proper equipment for the "real deal" trails, then I would suggest this one. Every year over 200,000 visitors hike well-worn trails to view Grotto, Laurel, Abrams, Rainbow, and other popular waterfalls in the park. Well loved trail and will likely be crowded due to it being adjacent to the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Cataract Falls might not be instaworthy, but it’s a fun walk on a beautiful trail. save. Cataract Falls is a short, easy trail near Gatlinburg that’s perfect for just about anyone! Hike to Cataract Falls, Smoky Mountains. Cataract Falls Gatlinburg TN 37738. Cataract Falls is a simple family-friendly hike for all ages. It’s about 3 miles … Prior to reaching the waterfall, the trail will go under a bridge and up a small set of stairs. Gatlinburg Trail. Also a really crowded trail. The falls are quite beautiful especially after a good rain. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from May until November. -Want to spice things up with a short detour? Once you are there, you will make your way to the main visitor center building. Cataract Falls is located on Sugarlands Residence Road near the Cove Mountain Trail. hide. The falls are about 100 yards or so down this level trail. On the other side of the parking lot go left on the paved road and cross the small bridge. An easy, family-friendly hike along Fighting Creek to a 25-foot cascade. share. Laurel Falls is one of the most popular hiking trails outside of Gatlinburg. Easy, fast with lots to look at, Loved it. You will see a sign on the right side of the road for Cataract Falls. Located just a half mile behind the Sugarlands Visitor Center , Cataract Falls is an easy hike with virtually no climbing, except for a small set of stairs near the falls. Cataract Falls Trail. A great family trail to go on is Little Brier Gap Trail. If you park by the ranger station (and not at Sugarlands Visitor Center), it’s only a.1 of a mile into the falls through deep hemlock forests. You’ll hike alongside the creek, past cool trees, and over bridges. Large waterfalls attract the crowds, but smaller cascades and falls can be found on nearly every river and stream in the park. Mouse Creek Falls is located on Big Creek Trail. Cataract Falls. 7 Reviews. You’ll hike alongside the creek, past cool trees, and over bridges. How Do I Get to Cataract Falls in the Smoky Mountains? All Rights Reserved. Cataract Falls Trail is a 1.1-mile easy hike in the Smoky Mountains that’s perfect for anyone. The well maintained bridges cross over the creek in several spots on the way to the waterfall offering guests up close views of the creek below. This is Erik Dobell from Impossibilities at the Gatlinburg Space Needle with theater tech, performer, and magician Ray Adams! Not your typical Ghost Tour, Mystic Mountain offers an intriguing hike into the sordid affairs of the Witches of the Appalachian Mountains. (The other’s the Oconaluftee River Trail on the North Carolina side.) This is an easy walk behind the Sugarland welcome center. Joseph Downey - AllTrails The trail is great for families, especially those with small children. After periods of rain, the waterfall is quite impressive! This out-and … The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from May until November. Hike Details. At the end of the trail is the 25’ tall cascading waterfall. Enjoy the woodland forest as you delve into the stories and lore hidden in the hills for centuries. Gatlinburg Tourism Gatlinburg Hotels Gatlinburg Guest House Gatlinburg Holiday Homes Gatlinburg Holiday Packages Gatlinburg Flights Gatlinburg Restaurants Gatlinburg Attractions This hiking trail is 1.1 miles … Take the main Parkway (Highway 441) out of Gatlinburg into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Practicing (ノ ヮ )ノ*:・゚ Magic. Sugarland Visitor Center is trailhead with restrooms and Smoky Mountain info. Distance: 1.5-mile round trip. Cataract Falls. Especially crowded during “leaf peeping” season and any weekend. You're right next to the water all the way to the Falls. This trail, which is less than a ten minutes from downtown Gatlinburg, is only 3/4 mile (roundtrip) and suitable for families with young children. This is Erik Dobell from Impossibilities at the Gatlinburg Space Needle with theater tech, performer, and magician Ray Adams! Another great hiking trail in Gatlinburg that’s perfect for small kids and older adults is Cataract Falls. Cataract Falls GPS: 35.68938, -83.53887 Although it isn't one of the most popular falls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we enjoyed our short hike to Cataract Falls. At the top of the stairs, turn right – you are almost there! Do NOT forget your camera(s)!!!! Cataract Falls Trail. During dryer times, the left side of the falls may have minimal (or no) water flow. This particular trail is a short and easy walk, which means it’s a great option for all the family, including small children who may tire easily, and inexperienced hikers. I think the falls are small but perfect for photographing. Very easy walk and definitely family friendly. This is Erik Dobell from Impossibilities at the Gatlinburg Space Needle with theater tech, performer, and magician Ray Adams! 4. Great for people of all ages:), Old Sugarlands, Twin Creeks, Gatlinburg Loop Trail, Newfound Gap Road: Gatlinburg to Cherokee, Trillium Gap, Grotto Falls, Brushy Mountain, Bull Head Trail Loop. This trail, which is less than a ten minutes from downtown Gatlinburg, is only 3/4 … From the parking lot, just follow the signs. https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/cataract-falls-tn The first part of the trail was flat and featured a stroll along Ash Hopper Branch. Look for a concrete path to the left of the visitor center, this will lead you to Fighting Creek Nature Trail that takes you to Cataract Falls. This very short 3/4 mile trail is appropriate for young children and provides excellent views of 25-foot high Cataract Falls. Kids enjoy crawling inside this odd looking tree and it makes a perfect photo opportunity! (One hour walks are scheduled for 11AM and 1 PM, March through October) No parking or waiting at trailhead from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. Cataract Falls is one of several natural waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that can be accessed via a hiking trail. Length 1.1 miElevation gain 29 ftRoute type Out & back Rated 4.667 /5 based on 3 customer reviews 4.7 1 miles - Out-and-Back Trail ... Gatlinburg, Tennessee. I just wish it were a little longer. The main parking lot for Laurel Falls will be on your right, with additional parking across the street. Cataract Falls is a small waterfall behind the Sugarland Ranger Station. The waterfall is most impressive immediately following a period of rain. I'll be staying near Gatlinburg in the Spring. 4. Answer 1 of 7: About how far on the trail behind the visitor center is the falls? Cataract Falls is located just a short leisurely stroll from the Sugarlands Visitors center, located just 2 miles south of Gatlinburg on 441. The waterfall is comprised of two low-flow streams totaling a 25-foot drop into a small pool below. You can access the trail from the Sugarlands Visitor Center and take this partially paved "shortcut" through the employee parking lot for a quick 0.7 mile trip down to Cataract Falls, one of the many waterfalls in the area. The easy walk along Fighting Creek is scenic and tends not to be crowded, either. This trail is also 1 mile roundtrip. Simply drive to the Sugarlands Visitors Center, a short 2 miles from Gatlinburg, and outside the building you will see signs pointing you the way to Cataract Falls . The Gatlinburg Trail is among the more unique in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The 0.75-mile Cataract Falls Trail begins near the restrooms and winds along Fighting Creek. 6 comments. That being said, this makes for an easy and beautiful nature hike with water views of Fighting Creek even during the dryer periods. It’s a quick ¾ mile hike that can easily be done in a short amount of time. Waterfall Height: 25-feet; Distance: 1.5-mile round trip; Level: Easy Located just behind Sugarlands Visitor Center, This 0.7-mile forested trail takes you to the 40-foot Cataract Falls. This will quickly turn into the Fighting Creek Nature Trail to Cataract Falls. You will find the trailhead to this gravel path just to the left of the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Runs along creek with opportunities to walk up to it..very shallow and slow moving so great for youngsters. Photo by Bob Carr. When you reach Sugarlands Visitor Center (on your right), turn Right on Little River Road and park at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Of all the Smoky Mountain waterfalls with a trail, this one is the easiest, most kid … This is child friendly, and it sure gives a change of scenery from all the crowds in Gatlinburg. Located just behind Sugarlands Visitor Center, This 0.7-mile forested trail takes you to the 40-foot Cataract Falls. A really easy hike in the Smoky Mountains that’s perfect for small children is Cataract Falls. While it can be a busy trail during peak times, it is still worth the short trek from the Sugarlands Visitor Center if you want to see a waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains! Elevation … Very pretty. On the Cove Mountain trail near park headquarters Events will be scheduled to avoid conflicts with park programs. It is important not to climb on or around the falls – doing so can cause serious injury and death. Furthermore, it heads right up to the park boundary to the outskirts of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This lesser known trail is a great opportunity to see a beautiful waterfall without too much effort. Great trail. No matter where you are coming from, you should be able to type into your GPS “Sugarlands Visitor Center” which is located at the very end of the Gatlinburg Parkway. For an easy hike, you should go on Cataract Falls. Hiking the Cataract Falls Trail in Gatlinburg, TN (Impossibilities Magic Show) Close. ... Bike trails near gatlinburg. Cataract Falls. First and foremost, it’s one of only two trails in the park to allow dogs and bicycles. Order Online Tickets Tickets See Availability Directions {{::location.tagLine.value.text}} Sponsored Topics. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips. The Smokies seems like Coney Island instead of a National Park. The most authoritative source for restaurants, attractions, & cabin rentals in the Smoky Mountains. Cataract Falls. Not much water falling when we were there but still very pretty. The hike to Laurel Falls begins from Fighting Creek Gap on Little River Road, located 3.8 miles west of the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg. In this video, we're hiking the treacherous...Cataract Trail! This trail is … Waterfall Height: 25-feet. Cataract Falls Of all the Smoky Mountain waterfalls with a trail, this one is the easiest, most kid-friendly hike. The trail begins right at the sugarlands visitors center which is just inside the park if coming from the strip in Gatlinburg. We did a hybrid of the accessible and regular trail. Hiking the Cataract Falls Trail in Gatlinburg, TN (Impossibilities Magic Show) 11/1/2020 Comments . It only takes about 15 minutes from the Sugarlands visitor center. Crowded, but you can still keep away from people, and crowded is the norm for this trail. A really nice, easy trail. Cataract Falls. The trailhead can be found behind the Sugarlands Visitor Center and Park Headquarters. Get directions, reviews and information for Cataract Falls in Gatlinburg, TN. Anyone have a link to some mountain bike trails? See a gorgeous view of the mountains or a waterfall on these trails. Located just a half mile behind the Sugarlands Visitor Center, Cataract Falls is an easy hike with virtually no climbing, except for a small set of stairs near the falls. Kids are sure to love the bridges that cross Fighting Creek and parents will definitely appreciate the sturdy rails and cables to keep their children safe! Insider Tip: Great hike. Immediately prior to one of the bridges, there is an old tree that is hollow. The short trail that leads to Cataract Falls is located just behind Sugarlands Visitor Center, which is one of the main entry points to the park from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. At the end of the hike you will find a beautiful 25-foot waterfall. 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