Hike to Upper Meigs Falls

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Save

View all 7 photos

All 7 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

4 miles

Elevation Gain

1000 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Sophie Justinak

Meigs Creek Upper Falls is a relatively 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.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Download GPX File

Features

Hiking

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

River

Waterfall

Wildflowers

Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Spruce Flats Falls

To get to Spruce Flats Falls, you will want to drive down 2.2 miles down the scenic Tremont Road to the Great Smoky Mountains Institute and park in the visitor center parking area. You will then want to ascend up the gravel road past the sign that says restricted to unrestricted traffic (meaning cars). Once you have climbed a very short distance you will see a trail sign and map to your right w...

Hike to Indian Flat Falls via Middle Prong Trail

One of the best trails in the Smokies is the Middle Prong Trail. The trail passes three major waterfalls, in addition to numerous smaller falls, cataracts and cascades. Once you've parked, you'll start at the trail head and immediately see your first cascade. From the trailhead hikers will cross a metal footbridge over Lynn Camp Prong. Over the course of the first couple of miles you should ...

Hike to Laurel Falls

This straightforward, yet scenic hike follows a paved trail to the falls, which is among the most popular in the park. This trail can be especially crowded during the summer, so be sure to arrive early. Keep an eye out for a few steep drop-offs on either side of the trail along the way. There have also been black bear sightings in this area.

Little River Trail to Backcountry Campsite #30

The trailhead parking area is large but if no spaces are available additional parking can be had at the Jake's Creek trailhead at the top of the hill and to the right of the Little River trail parking lot. After parking, the trailhead itself will be to the left of the parking area. Parking Lot Coordinates: 35.65365, -83.58018 From here the trail traces the Little River virtually to it's source...

Hike the Cucumber Gap and Little River Loop

This loop offers a scenic 2.5 mile hike next to the river before looping back around via the Cucumber Gap Trail. At the tail end, you'll connect with the Jakes Creek Trail for about 0.7 miles to return you back to the parking lot. Many people hike this trial clockwise, but if it's a hot day, it's not a terrible idea to go counter-clockwise to get some of the tougher terrain out of the way fir...

Hike to Cataract Falls, Smoky Mountains

You will find the trailhead to this gravel path just to the left of the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The easy walk along Fighting Creek is scenic and tends not to be crowded, either. At the end of the hike you will find a beautiful 25-foot waterfall. Please refrain from climbing on or around the falls.