Porters Creek Trail

Take Porters Creek Trail, a gravel road alongside Porters Creek. You will pass by an old farmstead and cemetery, as well as lots of wildflowers if you're out during the spring. In a mile, keep left, then in another half mile or so you should cross over a small (and somewhat harrowing) footbridge. The 40-ft tall Fern Branch Falls is less crowded than other falls in the park, and has open access...

This multi-tiered waterfall is known as the tallest in the park – a worthwhile reward for the steep and sometimes tricky terrain you'll face on the way up. The popular route to the falls also passes through an impressive old-growth forest, which apparently boasts some of the tallest trees in the park. You will also see smaller waterfalls and pools along the way. Keep in mind that about 2 mile...

This is an intermediate hike along Trillium Gap Trail. There are four stream crossings on your way to the falls as you hike through an idyll, often wildflower-sprinkled landscape. Late spring is best for catching blooms. Once at the waterfall, you can walk behind the cascade of water. This is a popular hike, so be sure to arrive early. In the winter, you will need to access this hike via the R...

Begin at the Rainbow Falls trail parking lot. This is very popular area especially in the summer. If the parking area at the trail head is full there is additional parking located just past the main lot. From here the Rainbow Falls trail is just under 14 miles to the summit of Mount Leconte. Elevation gain is steady but relatively steep. The trail opens along a fairly rocky and rooty traverse ...

This 6 mile drive is a great way to spend a scenic day in the Smokies. The road is open to cars only (no trucks or RVs) and runs one-way. There are no visitors centers after you head out, so be sure to bring everything you need along. The drive begins at the historic Ogle farmstead, which is also the location of the Rainbow Falls Trailhead (5.4 miles). Further along you will find the Trillium ...

Rainbow Falls Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee.