Tours & Travel

From the Great Smoky Mountains World / Places

Grotto Falls

Hike 2.6 miles round trip to a waterfall whose trail passes behind the flow. The usual access via Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is seasonal.

Grotto Falls

Why go

Grotto Falls is a 25-foot (7.6 m) waterfall where the Trillium Gap Trail passes behind the flow. That unusual perspective makes the 2.6-mile round trip more than a simple waterfall viewpoint. The usual driving approach uses seasonal Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, so plan the hike around road access as well as wet, slippery trail conditions.

What to look for

  • A unique 25-foot (7.6 m) waterfall that you can walk behind on Trillium Gap Trail.

Useful to know

  • Use Trillium Gap Trail for a 2.6-mile round trip from Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
  • Check Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail access before driving to the trailhead; bad weather can close the road.

Your next visit

Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.

Outdoor visit · 80–130 min

World planning estimate; admission, opening, visit duration and access need checking.

Original World content and translations, shown as supplied. Practical information may need updating.

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