Welcome to Travel Tuesday! Have you ever been to Great Smoky Mountains National Park? It’s been on my list for a while and I finally got to visit! :] This is not to be mistaken with the other Cataract Falls I hiked a few years ago (apparently it’s a popular name)!
Cataract Falls
Distance: 1.1 miles (out + back)
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 29 ft
Trailhead Address: 35.68551,-83.53714
We went here on a weekday so it wasn’t super crowded by any means, but it’s unlikely that you’ll be completely alone on this trail. That being said, it is actually one of the lesser-known trails, so at least you won’t be battling the masses!
This is a super chill walk through the woods with a pretty wide trail width and a pretty gentle grade (<5% except 1 slightly steeper downhill section). The trail surface is made of cement + asphalt or packed dirt throughout (+ 1 bridge with railings), so it’s pretty kid/stroller-friendly.
One of the many pluses to this area is that it’s so easy to get to (less than a 10 minute drive from downtown Gatlinburg) so if you’re looking for a quick getaway from the crowds, this is a great choice!
If you look to the left of the falls, it does look like people have tried to climb to the top. Going off-trail is ill-advised and can disrupt habitats + also lead to injury. Please just admire it from the bottom!
There are picnic benches + tables at the start of the trail! No dogs allowed though in this area!
- Did you know that the Great Smoky Mountains = the most visited national park? By a very, very large margin! (14+ million vs the next closest, which is ~5 million, in Zion National Park!)
- Have you ever been to the Great Smoky Mountains?
2 comments
So beautiful! Thank you for the article & pics! I’ve never been there, but feel like I was with you through this article!
Yay for virtual travelll! :P I miss you lots! <3
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