Hike to Upper Meigs Falls

Rate this Adventure Tennessee › Meigs Creek Trailhead

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80 Saves

Added by Sophie Justinak

Easy 4.0 mile round trip hike right off of Little River Gorge Road (State Hwy 73). Less crowded than other waterfall destinations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Intimately winds through forest and stream.

Parking available off of Little River Gorge Road (State Hwy. 73) at The Sinks/Meigs Creek Trailhead.

The trail starts with winding elevation gain until it crests around 1 mile into the hike (notice pine trees at higher elevation). After the crest it starts descending towards Meigs Creek. While following Meigs Creek the trail has mild elevation gain and loss through groves of Rhododendron and deciduous trees. The trail crosses Meigs Creek 4 times before reaching Upper Meigs Falls (a.k.a. Meigs Creek Cascade) 2 miles in.

The Meigs Cascade offers multiple photo opportunities from above and below and is a great place to have lunch for the day. Just follow the trail in reverse to reach the parking lot (4.0 miles round trip). Can go an extra 1.5 miles from the falls to Buckhorn Gap to extend the hike or make a loop with other trails.

Pack List

Water Bottle
Waterproof Hiking Boots/Shoes (or very good leaping abilities!)
Camera or Sketchbook
Snacks (don't litter!)

Please respect the places you find on The Outbound.

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures. Be aware of local regulations and don't damage these amazing places for the sake of a photograph. Learn More

Activities:

Hiking

Skill Level:

Intermediate

Season:

Year Round

Trail Type:

Out-and-Back

Distance:

4 Miles

Elev. Gain:

1000 Feet

Rating:

Rate this Adventure

Features:

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

River

Waterfall

Wildflowers

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Added by Sophie Justinak

Avid downhill skier and hiker. Love backpacking, camping, water activities, running, rock-climbing, or anything outdoors! Graduate in Bioproducts Engineering where I get my inspiration from nature. My roots are in Minnesota, but I'm currently residing in Wisconsin.

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