Cataract Falls Trail
A short Fighting Creek walk from Sugarlands to a narrow 12.2-metre waterfall that is most impressive after rain.
Route overview
From the visitor center, the route follows the Fighting Creek corridor, crosses a substantial footbridge and uses a signed junction to reach the base of Cataract Falls. The waterfall drops roughly 40 feet through a shaded rhododendron setting. It is a convenient short objective, but the modest hiking distance should not be confused with permission to climb around the cascade.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Distance
- 1.1 km / 0.7 mi return
- Typical duration
- 25–50 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Elevation gain
- not officially published
- Best season
- year-round when open; strongest water flow commonly follows rain
- Trail type
- out-and-back with junctions
Safety context
NPS specifically records severe injuries from visitors climbing near the waterfall. Remain at the bottom viewing area, keep off wet rock and turn back if flooding, ice or storm debris compromises the route. The waterfall is relatively small in dry periods. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
NPS specifically records severe injuries from visitors climbing near the waterfall. Remain at the bottom viewing area, keep off wet rock and turn back if flooding, ice or storm debris compromises the route. The waterfall is relatively small in dry periods.
Highlights
`great-smoky-mountains`, `tennessee`, `waterfall`, `short-hike`, `family-hike`, `sugarlands`, `forest`, `no-scrambling
Why find a buddy
Suitable for a brief partner walk or family outing, provided both hikers agree that the maintained viewing area is the endpoint. It is not a scrambling objective.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.