Grotto Falls by the Trillium Gap Trail

The walk starts at the Trillium Gap Trailhead (Grotto Falls parking) on the one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail above Gatlinburg. A short access path joins the Trillium Gap Trail; go straight on. The trail climbs gently on a wide, well-worn path through old-growth hemlock forest and rhododendron, crossing four small streams without bridges. It reaches a tumbling cascade, and just beyond it Grotto Falls, where the path runs behind the 25-foot curtain of water. Return the same way.

It is 2.7 miles (4.3 km) round trip with 540 feet (166 m) of climbing; allow about 1½ hours. The grade is Easy: a steady, gentle climb with some roots and rocks.

Rain and high water make the trail muddy and slippery, most of all behind the falls. Llama trains use this trail to carry supplies up to LeConte Lodge; stand aside and let them pass. In autumn 2026 the park lists this trail as a bear warning area: keep your distance and never leave food unattended.

The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is closed to cars in winter: in 2026 it is open from April 17 to November 29. Parking at the trailhead is very limited. A parking tag is needed to park for more than 15 minutes: $5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year. Pets are not allowed on the trail.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.