Grotto Falls
The only waterfall in the park you can walk behind. A cool rock path runs beneath a curtain of water about 8 meters high.
Grotto Falls lies on the Trillium Gap Trail. Starting from the parking area of the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, the round trip is about 4.3 km with gentle grades, passing through an old-growth hemlock forest. The trail runs beneath the rock overhang behind the waterfall, where the spray feels refreshingly cool in summer. Several times a week, you may meet pack llama teams carrying supplies up to the LeConte Lodge on the summit. The rocks are slippery, so watch your footing. Parking in the park for more than 15 minutes requires a parking permit (about US$5 per day).
Opening hours
Open with Lorinfork Nature Trail (approx. April–November)
Nearby sights
- Mount Le Conte
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
- Alum Cave Trail
- Chimney Tops
- Newfound Gap
- Anakeesta
- Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
- Gatlinburg SkyBridge