Waterfalls

In 2026, the Silver Falls Trailhead in the Ohanapecosh Campground is CLOSED due to the Ohanapecosh Construction Project . Please note: Silver Falls can be accessed from the Grove of the Patriarchs parking lot via the Eastside Trail . The portion of the trail connecting to the Ohanapecosh Campground is closed and the Silver Falls Trail cannot be hiked as a loop . The two sides of the trail on either bank of the Ohanapecosh River can be hiked as out-and-back routes only. The Silver Falls Loop Trail is a moderately-strenuous round trip loop trail, heading up one side of the Ohanapecosh River and returning down the other side. It gains 500 feet of elevation, making it popular with families and an excellent option for many ages and abilities. Starting at Ohanapecosh Campground, choose your own adventure by going clockwise or counterclockwise. Hikers can begin their journey from Loop B (near the visitor center), or across the river near the campground amphitheater. The trail runs parallel to the Ohanapecosh River before crossing it, leading hikers to a bridge with a stunning view of Silver Falls. The turquoise water churns below, turning white as the water rushes around rocks, and between the eroded walls of the small canyon. The trail continues along the other side of the Ohanapecosh River, leading hikers back to the campground. Caution : Do not approach the river’s edge or jump in near the falls. Rocks along the river are slippery and the water is turbulent and dangerously cold. Supervise children closely and stay behind barriers. Although there is no wilderness camp in the area surrounding Silver Falls, the Ohanapecosh Campground is available for visitors who wish to camp in the vicinity. For those who prefer to hike to a trailside camp rather than stay in a drive-in campground, wilderness camping permits are required. Permits, backpacking information, fishing regulations, and current trail conditions for the area are available from the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center. Permits and information are also available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers. Trail Statistics Distance, round trip: 3 miles Elevation gain: 500 feet Hiking time, round trip: 2 hours Wilderness Camps: None Rules & Regulations Pets are not allowed on trails No campfires (backcountry stoves are okay) No bicycles on trails Pack out trash Do not feed or disturb wildlife Do not disturb any natural, cultural, or archeological features Permits are required for all overnight wilderness use in the park, and for travel on glaciers above 10,000 feet

Overview Hike 1.2 miles (1.9 km) roundtrip along a wide gravel roadbed that follows a mountain stream to a cascade surrounded by moss-covered rocks and mixed hardwood forest in Great Smoky Mountains National Park . After a half-mile walk along Twentymile Trail to the first junction, take Wolf Ridge Trail one hundred yards from the first bridge and look to your right for a foot trail that leads to the Twentymile Cascade. If you're up for more, you can continue on Wolf Ridge Trail to the Twentymile Loop Trail for a longer 7.6-mile (12.2-km) loop through one of the more remote areas of the Smokies known for its picturesque streams and shady hardwood forest. This longer loop includes narrower sections of trail with some muddy and rocky areas. Twentymile Trail is wider with fewer ups and downs than Wolf Ridge. Length 1.2 miles (1.9 km) roundtrip Parking & Trailhead Twentymile Trailhead at the end of the road just beyond Twentymile Ranger Station. Don't forget your parking tag . Nearest Restroom Facilities near Deep Creek or outside the park before arriving Alternate Hikes Goldmine Loop Trail : 4 miles (6.4 km) roundtrip

Season: Summer (July – mid-October) Spray Park and Falls were likely named in 1883 by a trail construction crew who noted how the cascading water of the falls broke "into a mass of spray." Spray Creek drops 354 feet over a lava cliff in a magnificent, veil-like waterfall. The remains of the Flett Glacier provide a reliable source of water for this impressive waterfall. The trailhead is located on the southeast side of Mowich Lake walk-in campground at the end of the Mowich Lake Road. The Mowich Lake area is generally open mid-July to mid-October, accessible via SR 165. The Mowich Lake Road is unpaved after the first three miles and may be rough. NOTE: Due to the closure of the SR165/Fairfax Bridge outside of the park, there is no public access to Carbon River & Mowich Lake from SR165 . This trail can still be reached with long-distance hiking via the Wonderland Trail inside the park. From the trailhead, follow the Wonderland Trail 0.25 miles to a junction with the Spray Park Trail. Follow the Spray Park Trail east, as it weaves up and down through forested terrain and crosses Lee Creek. 1.5 miles from the trailhead, the Eagle Cliff viewpoint offers a spectacular view of Mount Rainier and the Mowich Glacier on a clear day. Continue 0.3 miles to the junction with Eagle’s Roost Camp, keeping left and continuing for 0.1 mile to the junction with a turn off for Spray Falls. Continue 0.1 miles on this spur trail to view Spray Falls. Use caution if crossing Spray Creek to get a better view of the falls as it requires scrambling over slippery rocks. For a longer, more challenging hike, return the way you came and follow the spur trail 0.1 miles back to the main trail, and continue uphill to the subalpine meadows of Spray Park. It is an additional mile and 735 feet of elevation gain to reach Spray Park, including a steep climb up a series of switchbacks before reaching the meadows. For a multi-day hike, the Spray Park trail continues, climbing into Seattle Park, before descending into the Carbon River Valley. Pets are not allowed. Wilderness permits are required for backcountry camping. Trail Statistics Distance, round trip: 4 miles Elevation gain: 545 feet Hiking time, round trip: 3 hours Wilderness Camps: Eagle’s Roost Rules & Regulations Pets are not allowed on trails No campfires (backcountry stoves are okay) No bicycles on trails Pack out trash Do not feed or disturb wildlife Do not disturb any natural, cultural, or archeological features Permits are required for all overnight wilderness use in the park, and for travel on glaciers above 10,000 feet

Overview Expect extreme crowding and limited parking—consider a shuttle or alternate hikes listed below Hike 8 miles (12.9 km) roundtrip on this popular but relatively challenging trail through cove hardwood forest to see the tallest waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 105 feet (32 m). The trail begins on an old roadbed and passes through a cove hardwood forest but becomes narrower and rockier as it ascends more than 2,000 feet (610 m) in elevation and crosses multiple footlog bridges and streams along the way. Do not attempt to climb to the top of the falls—it is muddy and slippery. This trail was rehabiliated by the 'Trails Forever program' learn more here . Length 8 miles (12.9 km) roundtrip Parking & Trailhead Please consider a shuttle or park at Ramsey Cascades Trailhead on Ramsey Prong Road in Greenbrier. Don't forget your parking tag . Nearest Restroom Greenbrier Picnic Area Alternate Hikes Hen Wallow Falls : 4.3 miles (6.9 km) roundtrip Lynn Camp Prong Cascades : 1.4 miles (2.3 km) roundtrip

Overview Expect extreme crowding and limited parking—consider a shuttle and alternate hikes listed below One of five routes to Mount Le Conte in Great Smoky Mountains National Park , Trillium Gap Trail rewards hikers with mountain views, diverse forest, and a waterfall. The 25-foot (7.6-m) tall Grotto Falls greets visitors approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 m) into the journey before the trail steadily ascends. Spring wildflowers also draw many visitors to this trail. The roundtrip distance is 13 miles (20.9 km) if hikers go out and back on Trillium Gap Trail. Consult a map to combine with other trails and create a loop (mileages will vary). At nearly 3 miles (4.8 km), turn right at the junction with Brushy Mountain Trail to continue to Mount LeConte. Near the summit, the best views are at Cliff Top and Myrtle Point, both marked with signs. In cold weather, prepare for ice on the trail and potential falling icicles. Microspikes (chains or small spikes to slip on shoes for better traction) recommended in winter. Length 13 miles (20.9 km) roundtrip Parking & Trailhead Please consider a shuttle or park at Trillium Gap Trailhead on one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Don't forget your parking tag . Nearest Restroom Rainbow Falls Trailhead before entering one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail Alternate Hikes Grotto Falls : 2.6 miles (4.2 km) roundtrip Appalachian Trail & Boulevard Trail to Mount Le Conte : 16.2 miles (26.1 km) roundtrip Bullhead Trail to Mount Le Conte : 13.6 miles (21.9 km) roundtrip Rainbow Falls Trail to Mount Le Conte : 13 miles (20.9 km) roundtrip Alum Cave Trail to Mount Le Conte : 10 miles (16.1 km) roundtrip

Overview Expect extreme crowding and limited parking—consider a shuttle or alternate hikes listed below Hike 2.6 miles (4.2 km) roundtrip on Trillium Gap Trail as it crosses multiple streams in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and meanders through sections of old-growth forest and rhododendron to reach a cool mountain cove with mossy boulders and a unique waterfall you can walk behind. The trail to Grotto Falls is well-traveled, especially in summer, but rainfall and high water can make for muddy and slippery conditions. Length 4 miles (6.4 km) roundtrip Parking & Trailhead Please consider a shuttle or park at Trillium Gap Trailhead on the one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (road closed in winter). Don't forget your parking tag . Nearest Restroom Pit toilets at Rainbow Falls Trailhead (plan to stop for restrooms before entering the one-way loop to the trailhead) Alternate Hikes Baskins Creek Falls: roughly 3 miles (4.8 km) roundtrip Extension on Trillium Gap via Rainbow Falls parking area: see a map for varying lengths

Overview Laurel Falls Trail is closed as of Jan. 6, 2025 for rehabilitation work—alternate hikes listed below. Learn more about the trail rehabilitation project in the news release . Hike 2.6 miles (4.2 km) roundtrip through a mixed hardwood forest to an 80-foot (24-m) waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park . On the way, enjoy dense mountain laurel and rhododendron plus views of the mountain landscape before arriving at the waterfall. Length 2.6 miles (4.2 km) roundtrip Parking & Trailhead Please consider a shuttle or park at Laurel Falls Trailhead on Little River Road 3 miles (4.8 km) west of Sugarlands Visitor Center, though these parking lots are often full due to this trail's popularity. Don't forget your parking tag . Nearest Restroom Sugarlands Visitor Center Alternate Hikes Little River, Cucumber Gap, Jakes Creek Loop : 5.4 miles (8.7 km) roundtrip Grotto Falls : 4 miles (6.4 km) roundtrip Lynn Camp Prong Cascades : 1.4 miles (2.3 km) roundtrip Gatlinburg Trail : 4 miles (6.4 km) roundtrip

In less than a mile of walking, visitors will see active quarry pits used by Native Americans for centuries, a waterfall, tallgrass prairie, striking geological features, wildlife, and more.

Join a Park Ranger and explore the Blackstone River Valley. During the months of June, July, and August, park staff offer specialty tours at varying locations across the Blackstone River Watershed. These programs begin at 6:30 PM and are 60-minutes long. Please wear comfortable footwear and bring water. Most tours are outside and often include walking on uneven surfaces on varying types of terrain with no access to bathroom facilities. Bug spray and sunscreen are also highly suggested. Please Note: There will be no Walkabout on July 2. June 4: From Forge to Fortune in Northbridge Location: 50 Douglas Rd, Whitinsville, MA How did the Revolutionary generation in Northridge set the stage for the future of American industry? Learn how a small forge along the Mumford River gave rise to a textile giant and a blueprint for American innovation. Tour will begin near the historic forge building, located within the Open Sky complex. June 11: Seeds of Success in Slatersville Location: 101 Green St, North Smithfield, RI Why was this location, along the Branch River, chosen for a mill village? How did financiers, workers, ministers, and farmers make this a thriving industrial community? This walk will take us through the well-preserved core of the country’s first planned mill village. Tour begins at Heritage Hall—parking is available in a small adjacent lot and by the Town Hall. June 18: "Owning Our History" with Peter Laarman Location: One Benevolent Street, Providence, RI Gather at the First Unitarian Church to explore the historic church and neighborhood and learn how slavery built dynastic wealth in Rhode Island. This tour will begin at the First Unitarian Church (corner of Benevolent and Benefit streets). June 25: Stepping Out to Skull Rock Lock Location: 300 Quaker Hwy, Uxbridge, MA Discover the history of Skull Rock Lock and take a walk with a ranger from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Meet in the parking lot of Uxbridge High School in Uxbridge, MA. Meet the rangers at Uxbridge High School. July 9: The Transportation Revolution in the Valley Location: Plummer's Landing Parking Area, Northbridge, MA Explore Plummer’s Landing and learn about the enterprising people of the Blackstone Valley who built the infrastructure for a transportation revolution. Meet at the Plummer’s Landing parking area (bit.ly/plummerslanding). Expect to walk about two miles on rugged terrain with moderate inclines. Led with a ranger from Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Look for a small lot located off Church Street Extension in Northbridge. July 16: Heritage and Landscape in Hopedale Location: 2 Peace St, Hopedale, MA What defines a commune or a company town? How have the residents of Hopedale built lives in each of these types of communities? Take an evening stroll through Hopedale, a town with centuries of history. Look for a ranger by the statue of Adin Ballou - on-street parking is available. July 23: Prosperity in Providence - A Tour of Lippitt House Location: 199 Hope St, Providence, RI Step into Providence’s Golden Age during a guided tour of Lippitt House Museum. A National Historic Landmark, Lippitt House has one of the best-preserved Victorian-era interiors in America. Following the Lippitt family’s example of public service, today the Museum is a place where art, history, and community converge. Presented with Preserve Rhode Island. Seek on-street parking and meet in front of Lippitt House. July 30: The Rockdale Mill - A Historic Tribute to Centuries of Manufacturing Location: 10 Sutton St, Northbridge, MA In the 19th century, the Whitins of Northbridge, Massachusetts built a formidable family enterprise. In the 1860s, matriarch Betsey Whitin divided the then multi-faceted business between her sons. Paul Whitin Jr. took control of the Rockdale and Riverdale Mills. Join us as we take a closer look at the legacy that is the Rockdale Mill. Special note: this tour will meet at the corner of Rte. 122 and Central Turnpike (Curtain Factory Outlet is on lower level). Gather at the entrance to Mill at 5 Points – parking is available. August 6: Navigating the Blackstone Canal, Past and Present Location: Collyer Street Gate, North Burial Ground, Providence, RI Enjoy a guided walk through North Burial Ground with Annalisa Heppner. Learn about the flow of the Blackstone Canal through a trench running through North Burial Ground. Visit the gravesites of industrialists whose fortunes depended on the canal, and other local residents. Look for the gate to enter North Burial Ground on Collyer Street. August 13: Holocaust Education and Memorial Walk Location: 282 N. Main St., Providence, RI Walk to Memorial Park with Dr. Laura Auketayeva, Director of Education and Programs at Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center. This tour will include a guided exploration of the Rhode Island Holocaust Memorial in Providence, RI. Meet at Roger Williams National Memorial. Limited, off-street parking is available in the Roger Williams National Memorial lot. August 20: Revolutions in Ashton Location: 51 Front St., Cumberland, RI In 1820, a small mill village was constructed in present-day Lincoln, Rhode Island. Over the next forty years, Ashton expanded into a large community that experienced revolutions in transportation and industry. Join a ranger for a guided walk through this well-preserved Rhode Island system mill village and learn about the many changes experienced by this community and the people who lived and worked there. Please use parking provided for the Blackstone River Bikeway. August 27: Commemorations and Community in Pawtucket Location: 67 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket, RI In August 1824, the Marquis de Lafayette traveled through Pawtucket. Lafayette’s very popular tour through the United States was an early commemoration of the country’s War for Independence. This walk will explore Revolutionary history in Pawtucket and discuss Lafayette’s extensive tour. Meet at Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark in Pawtucket. Parking is available in a lot next to the historic Slater Mill.