No Hike, No Problem: 4 Roadside Waterfalls in the Smokies

You don’t have to put on your hiking boots and trek through the woods to see some special waterfalls in the Smokies! Several of the waterfalls in the area can be enjoyed from the road or just steps away from your vehicle. This is a great option for older visitors, young children, or those who simply don’t wish to hike. These stunning spots give everyone a chance to experience one of the most spectacular features of the Smokies! Here are 4 roadside waterfalls in the Smokies:

1. Meigs Falls

Meigs Falls is a hidden gem in the Smokies that you can view from your car on the drive from Gatlinburg to Cades Cove! If you’re not looking for it, this waterfall can be easy to miss since it is unmarked. It can be found along Little River Road in a tranquil wooden hollow, about 13 miles west of Sugarlands Visitor Center. There’s a nearby pull-off that allows you to get a longer look at Meigs Falls. It’s about a mile past The Sinks, another of the roadside waterfalls in the Smokies that we’ll discuss shortly. Enjoy quiet moments with loved ones or by yourself admiring this peaceful waterfall, which tends to have increased waterfall after it rains.

2. The Sinks

The Sinks is a manmade waterfall located along Little River Road between the Elkmont and Metcalf Bottoms areas of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It was created before the park was established during the area’s early logging days when workers ignited dynamite in the middle of the Little River to free up a logjam. Over time, the water carved out a powerful chute in the rocks, creating the falls you can observe today! There’s a parking area right by The Sinks, making it easy to stop and take a look at the rushing water.

3. Place of a Thousand Drips

Enjoy a scenic drive that rewards you with a waterfall along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail! The Place of a Thousand Drips is appropriately named as the water here slowly cascades over mossy rocks, creating thousands of different streams. The water cascades down about 20-30 feet over the rocks and is particularly special to view during rainy seasons. The serenity of this favorite among roadside waterfalls in the Smokies gives visitors a glimpse of the quiet nature of the Smokies and is the perfect place to spend some time reflecting.

4. Cliff Branch Falls

Cliff Branch Falls is another one of the lesser-known waterfalls in the Smokies, as it’s tucked away on US-441, or Newfound Gap Road, near the Cliff Branch Trailhead. There’s a small pull-off nearby and quite literally on the side of the road! Cliff Branch Falls is a smaller waterfall, about 20 feet tall, but makes up for its size in just how charming it is. Surrounded by trees and lush greenery, and cascading over mossy rocks, it can be easy to miss. Because not many folks know about it, you usually don’t have to worry about large crowds, making it a great waterfall to check out on your next trip.

If you don’t want to hike, you can still enjoy some of the area’s most spectacular sights by visiting these roadside waterfalls in the Smokies! Interested in learning about more waterfalls, including ones you can hike to? Check out our list of the top Smoky Mountain waterfalls!