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Chasing Waterfalls: A Smoky Mountain Guided Hike

4.9173 reviews

  • 3 hours
  • Free cancellation up to 24h before
  • Guided in English
  • Instant confirmation

Highlights

Follow the sound of rushing water into one of the Smokies’ most refreshing guided hikes. Chasing Waterfalls is perfect for those chasing cascades, waterfalls, streams, mossy rocks, cool forest trails, and classic Smoky Mountain water scenery. With an experienced naturalist guide, you’ll explore a lush mountain landscape shaped by water. Along the way, your guide may point out wildflowers, old-growth pockets, stream ecology, salamanders, forest plants, and the hidden details most visitors walk past. This tour is a strong choice for families, first-time visitors, photographers, summer guests, and anyone who wants a memorable waterfall hike without committing to a strenuous full-day adventure. Best for: Waterfall lovers, families, photographers, summer visitors, first-time Smokies guests, and guests who want a water-filled guided hike. Duration: 3 Hours | Difficulty: Moderate | Mileage: 2.5 | Elevation Change: 900' | Ages: 8+ Meeting Location: Sugarlands Visitors Center

Inclusions

What's included

  • Snacks
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Professional Guide

What's not

  • Gratuity for your guide is not included in the cost. Industry standard recommends 15-20%.
  • Drinks are not provided. Bring plenty of water.
  • Rain Gear - we do have extra emergency ponchos on hand if needed.
  • Transportation
  • Parking Tag not included.

Itinerary

  1. On this hike, we'll explore a popular trail, passing several beautiful cascades and views before taking a less traveled trail to view spectacular cascades and falls. We'll learn about this varied forest, enjoy some beautiful old growth trees and in the spring, pause in wonder at the variety of wildflowers. This adventure has some elevation gain before we explore a quieter trail. Be ready to climb over some downed trees and get your feet wet. You'll meet your guide at the Sugarlands Visitors Center where you will follow them in your own vehicle 10 minutes to the trailhead.

    3 h

  2. Newfound Gap Road has many scenic vistas and points of interest.

    Passes by

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

4.9

  • 5162
  • 45
  • 33
  • 21
  • 12

Ratings come from 173 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Showing reviews written in English.

  • 5Serene!

    Debbie was a knowledgeable guide. The hike was educational too! The trail was so serene and rushing waters so peaceful and beautiful.

    jennifercJ2591KRvia Tripadvisor

  • 5Family Hike

    Andy was great. He was knowledgeable, kind and enthusiastic. The hike was very pleasant. I'm a bit out of shape so if I can do it so can you. My 11 year old enjoyed the waterfalls so much, he had the freedom to walk around and climb rocks. The Smokeys are just so beautiful. This is a must.

    649rosieevia Tripadvisor

  • 5Chasing Waterfalls in the Smokies!

    This hike was phenomenal. China was such a fun, knowledgeable guide. She knew so much about the Smokey Mountains and their history. The hike was challenging, but definitely worth it. The waterfalls were stunning. We were offered plenty of time to take videos and pictures. We saw several different types of mushrooms, touched some thick, lush moss, and climbed some awe-inspiring trails. If you're coming to Gatlinburg, this is a must do! Would book with China again!!

    JoEllen_Pvia Viator

  • 5Best hiking experience in the Smokys!

    A Walk in the Woods provided our students with an incredible experience in the Smokys. This is our 4th year hiking with them and we are excited to work with them again next year!

    Fearless664388via Tripadvisor

  • 5Great experience!

    Sam (Samantha) was an amazing guide for our tour! This was the first time we ever scheduled a tour and Sam made the experience one we will forget. Our tour started with the sun shining and ended with a light rain. We were able to see exactly why they are called the Smokey Mountains. Rain or shine it is worth it. We could not have asked for a better experience!

    A3611ZJpaigehvia Tripadvisor

  • 5Best excursion I booked!

    We did the half day guided tour. The guide was on time, very knowledgeable of the area and history and customized our hike to our level and what we wanted to see. The best part is them knowing the quieter trails and we often felt like we were alone. It was a fantastic experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat!

    darcye769via Tripadvisor

Know before you go

Meeting point
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park will require parking passes for any vehicle stopping longer than 15 minutes. **NOTE: You will follow the guide in your own vehicle to the trailhead.**
Pickup
Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
Ticket type
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group size
Up to 11 travellers
Operated by
A Walk in the Woods
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Must be in good physical condition, able to climb over downed trees, walk on uneven surfaces and climb in elevation
  • Please note that, while we do our best to follow the itinerary listed, we may need to pivot due to road closures or events outside of our control. We require a minimum of 2 people to operate this tour. We operate rain or shine.
  • We do not provide transportation. You will follow the guide to the trailhead in your own vehicle.

How it compares in Gatlinburg

  • Its from-price is 73% above the median of the 39 experiences we list in Gatlinburg.
  • Its length is typical for the group.
  • By number of reviews it ranks 9 of 39.
  • The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a Tennessee mountain town at the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with craft studios, scenic drives and Appalachian woods.

Gatlinburg sits in a narrow valley of eastern Tennessee at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the United States. Its main street is lined with shops, candy makers, pancake houses and attractions, and an aerial tram climbs to a ski area on the mountain above.

Top-ranked sights in Gatlinburg: Gatlinburg Space Needle.

See all 39 experiences in Gatlinburg

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