Fort Harry Falls

I would only recommend this waterfall if you really want to see every waterfall in the Smoky Mountains or Tennessee. When I was told about this waterfall, I was told it was a unique, must see waterfall that was easy to get to. So I quickly added it to my list of waterfalls to seek out.

I was told that Fort Harry Falls is a wet weather falls, and the best times to go are in the winter and early spring. We visited early spring after a good rain and set off in search of Fort Harry Falls.

From Sugarlands Visitors Center head up the road, pass the Campbell Overlook, pass the Chimneys Picnic Area, and pass the Chimneys viewing pullouts. Midway between these Chimneys overlook pullouts and the first tunnel, there’s a small parking lot on the left side of the road below the Chimneys trail head along Newfound Gap Road.

It is about 0.1 mile to the falls.  There is no trail, only a rough man-made trail leading to it. During the spring, there’s a light path that leads up this valley. Then you come to the rocks. You’ll need to climb up and around them being part billy goat to get a good photo of Fort Harry Falls. Once on the rocks head toward the creek and toward the top you’ll see Fort Harry Falls.

I’ve been told that during the snowy months there’s no obvious path, but to follow the path of least resistance up the creek bed. Walk a few yards to the right or the left of the creek bed, going wherever the rocks and trees direct you as you follow the water toward its source. I can’t be sure since we didn’t try it, but this may be the better path year round as the other was tough to navigate.