Cataract Falls is an easy, family friendly trail that is perfect for a beginning hiker. It only takes about 15 minutes to hike to the base of the waterfall. This is a low flow waterfall, so don’t expect it to be big like its neighbors in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It is still pretty and scenic, especially after a good rain.
The trail is located behind the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Look for a paved walkway next to the bathrooms and follow the paved walkway to a sign. Turn left to take the trail to Cataract Falls. If you decide to take the trail, which is much prettier and only takes a few more minutes, you will cross Ash Hopper Branch. Then the trail will switch to the other direction briefly and soon the small creek will merge with the larger Fighting Creek.
The trail follows the creek underneath a road bridge and then goes up a small flight of stairs. At this point, you are about a tenth of a mile from the falls. Take the trail straight to the base of the waterfall. Once you have viewed the waterfall, return to the Visitor Center the way you came.
You can also reach Cataract Falls by going straight when you reach the first sign, just after the restrooms (right at the beginning). If you have a stroller with you, or do not want to climb stairs, go straight. If you decide to go straight, keep going straight on the sidewalk until you come to a parking lot. Cross the parking lot and you will come to a street. Turn left onto the street, cross the bridge and look for the path on the opposite side of the road (just after the bridge). Once you see the path, cross the street and take the trail straight to Cataract Falls. Once you have viewed the waterfall, return to the Visitor Center the way you came.
Visitors frequently climb alongside Cataract Falls on the left side to the top tier of the two tiered Cataract Falls. I wouldn’t recommend this because it can become slippery and is a little steep coming back down. The National Park advises against doing this due to the risk of serious injury and death. In March of 2015, a visitor slipped on the rocks and fell 30 feet.
This waterfall used to be unheard of until mentioned on websites, such as yours and others. It is busier now than it used to be, but it’s still fun to go to. Don’t expect a huge waterfall like most in the area, but it still has its own charm. It’s also a really easy hike on level ground. You can go up to the top, but going down can be really tricky so be very careful because its extremely slippery on the way down and really easy to fall if you’re not careful.
I’ve been in this area before and had never heard about this waterfall. We decided to go after reading about it here. While it might not be as impressive as it’s neighbors, it is still pretty. The trail is easy and peaceful. A few people came while we were there but it wasn’t jam packed like a lot of the other waterfalls in Gatlinburg.
I really enjoy your website. Much thanks for sharing. Great waterfalls!
There wasn’t much water in this waterfall when we went, but the walk to the waterfall was really easy and my kids were just happy to see a waterfall. Most of the waterfalls in this area are too difficult for them to hike to, so thank you for giving us one that the kids could enjoy up close.
The trail to this waterfall is so peaceful and easy. My family enjoyed this waterfall.