Trillium Gap Trail to Grotto Falls
A shaded forest hike to the park's only waterfall where the maintained trail passes behind the cascade.
Route overview
Follow Trillium Gap Trail to Grotto Falls and return.
Trillium Gap Trail climbs through rich forest to Grotto Falls. The path behind the waterfall is narrow, wet and slippery, and hikers must not leave the trail or climb nearby rocks. The official closure report reviewed for this batch listed an active bear warning on Trillium Gap Trail.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
- Distance
- approximately 4.2 km round trip
- Typical duration
- 2–3 hours
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation gain
- approximately 178 m
- Best season
- Spring through autumn when the access road is open
- Trail type
- Out and back
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No hiking permit; parking tag required
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Active bear warning, wet rock, crowding, road closure and falling branches
Highlights
Old-growth forest, wildflowers, Grotto Falls, behind-waterfall passage
Why find a buddy
Current bear activity and slippery waterfall terrain make group awareness especially valuable.
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.