Cataract Falls

General Information

Length:
4.2 miles (2.5 to Abrams Falls); 6.8 km (4.0 to Abrams Falls
Elevation gain:
Pet Policy:
Pets not allowed
Seasons:
Spring, Summer, Fall.
Trailhead:
Fighting Creek Gap on Little River Road, located 3.8 miles west of the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg
Rating:
5.0

Located just behind Sugarlands Visitor Center, This 0.7-mile forested trail takes you to the 40-foot Cataract Falls. Exiting the visitor center, take a right and go past the public restrooms and follow the side walk to the Fighting Creek Nature Trail on the left.

Laurel Falls Valley

Walking along this trail, you will pass tree identification markers that highlight the various types of trees of the area. You will cross a creek on a footbridge bedside a large and uniquely shaped sycamore tree. After the bridge, the trail goes right to the waterfall.

If you wish to walk farther, return to the footbridge that you crossed, but continue straight past it to the nature trail, a 1-mile long loop that goes to the John Ownby cabin and returns you back to the footbridge. A walk on the loop trail will add an additional 30 minutes to your trip.

This article uses material from nps.gov "Great Smoky Mountains National Park"

Laurel Falls Alternate Angle
Laurel Falls Lower Falls