Chasing Waterfalls: A Smoky Mountain Guided Hike
Description
Follow the sound of rushing water into one of the Smokies’ most refreshing guided hikes. Chasing Waterfalls is perfect for those chasing cascades, waterfalls, streams, mossy rocks, cool forest trails, and classic Smoky Mountain water scenery. With an experienced naturalist guide, you’ll explore a lush mountain landscape shaped by water. Along the way, your guide may point out wildflowers, old-growth pockets, stream ecology, salamanders, forest plants, and the hidden details most visitors walk past. This tour is a strong choice for families, first-time visitors, photographers, summer guests, and anyone who wants a memorable waterfall hike without committing to a strenuous full-day adventure. Best for: Waterfall lovers, families, photographers, summer visitors, first-time Smokies guests, and guests who want a water-filled guided hike. Duration: 3 Hours | Difficulty: Moderate | Mileage: 2.5 | Elevation Change: 900' | Ages: 8+ Meeting Location: Sugarlands Visitors Center
Tour Options
Itinerary
On this hike, we'll explore a popular trail, passing several beautiful cascades and views before taking a less traveled trail to view spectacular cascades and falls. We'll learn about this varied forest, enjoy some beautiful old growth trees and in the spring, pause in wonder at the variety of wildflowers. This adventure has some elevation gain before we explore a quieter trail. Be ready to climb over some downed trees and get your feet wet. You'll meet your guide at the Sugarlands Visitors Center where you will follow them in your own vehicle 10 minutes to the trailhead.
Newfound Gap Road has many scenic vistas and points of interest.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Must be in good physical condition, able to climb over downed trees, walk on uneven surfaces and climb in elevation
- Please note that, while we do our best to follow the itinerary listed, we may need to pivot due to road closures or events outside of our control. We require a minimum of 2 people to operate this tour. We operate rain or shine.
- We do not provide transportation. You will follow the guide to the trailhead in your own vehicle.
Reviews(164)
We went on 4 different hiking tours of the Smoky Mountains with 3 different guides and they were all WONDERFUL. They were all very knowledgeable, patient and friendly. We HIGHLY recommend the company.
Thank you so much! We hope to see you again in the future!
We loved this tour. Family of 3 and ended up being just us and our tour guide, China. She really made this tour for us. Incredibly friendly and informative! She was excellent at engaging with our teen son as well. This was our first time in the Smokies. We learned so much bonus information and of course saw so much beauty on our hike. I will say that this hike is titled “moderate” and we know that is subjective but it felt a wee bit above moderate in some areas but I’m not used to hiking uphill lol. We are so glad we did this tour and so thankful we had China to lead us.
Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We appreciate it!
This tour ended up being just the two of us with our guide so it felt like a private tour of the Smoky Mountains. Our guide told us lots of neat information about the flora and fauna of the park. She was very informative and polite. The tea she brewed personally from the leaves of a tree was a nice touch.
Thank you for the great review! We appreciate it.
We had a wonderful time on this tour. Our tour guide China was outstanding, she offers a wealth of information, experience, knowledge, know-how, caring and hospitality. She is a gem. Great scenery and a fun time. I couldn’t recommend more.
Thank you! China is a ton of fun. Glad you enjoyed your time with her and our Park!
The hiking tour with Samantha was very pleasant, informative, and scenic. There were only 4 persons in our group so we were able to hear everything she shared about the flora and fauna of the Smoky Mountains. It was a great way to begin our Great Smoky Mountain National Park vacation.
Thank you for the wonderful review! We really appreciate it!
A beautiful guided hike! Our guide, Kelly, was so knowledgeable about the history of the area as well as the wildlife and plants/trees/flowers. The waterfall was stunning. We recommend wearing sturdy shoes and bringing water.
Thank you so much for the great review! We love to see it! Kelly is so much fun. Glad you enjoyed her as your guide.
Although it rained our whole tour, Kelly was upbeat and positive. She knows so much about the history of the area, the plants, and the land marks. The scenery was beautiful, and the waterfall was stunning. We highly recommend this tour!
Thank you! Honestly, rainy day hikes in the Smokies are my favorite! The greens are greener, the waterfalls are flowing... It's gorgeous. Glad you all had a great time with Kelly!
This hike exceeded expectation and we credit that to our guide Kelly. Not only does she have a science degree and is incredibly knowledgeable about the area as she grew up there but knows all of the flowers, trees, rock formations, etc; she was obviously very passionate about what she was showing us. We could have hiked all day with her. She made the experience a 10/10. When we return we will be booking another adventure with her for sure.
Aww! This is such a fantastic review! Thank you for taking the time to show Kelly some love.
We were a group of 7, 4 adults and 3 children (8+) and EVERYONE thoroughly enjoyed our hike with A Walk in the Woods. Our guide was enthusiastic, knowledgeable about the region, the park, the wildlife. All of it! Beautiful hike, even in pre-springtime. We did two other hikes while in the area, but investing in a guide for one was absolutely worth it.
Thank you so much for the great review! We are so glad you had a great time in the Smokies and with A Walk in the Woods.
Luci was a wonderful tour guide! She is very knowledgeable and was on our level of hiking experience. We hike here often and she gave new insights.
Thank you so much for the great review!
