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(169)
Sam (Samantha) was an amazing guide for our tour! This was the first time we ever scheduled a tour and Sam made the experience one we will forget. Our tour started with the sun shining and ended with a light rain. We were able to see exactly why they are called the Smokey Mountains. Rain or shine it is worth it. We could not have asked for a better experience!
Thank you! We appreciate your review and hope to see you again in the future!
We did the half day guided tour. The guide was on time, very knowledgeable of the area and history and customized our hike to our level and what we wanted to see. The best part is them knowing the quieter trails and we often felt like we were alone. It was a fantastic experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Amazing! Thank you so much for this glowing review. We appreciate it so much!
We had an amazing adventure! Our hike was all we had hoped for-fun and full of beautiful sites. Our guide, China, was amazing! She was knowledgeable, patient, and fun! She really gave us an experience that we will never forget as a family! We can’t wait to do it again!
Thank you so much for that fantastic review! We really appreciate it!
We had an awesome time! Our guide China was amazing and very knowledgeable. Very personable and she kept it interesting. Would highly recommend.
Thank you so much for the great review! We hope to see you again in the future.
It was overpriced for this experience. Our tour guide was amazing and the hike was gorgeous but the price was insane and not worth it. Way to rip people off.
Hi Alana, It looks like you booked through a 3rd party and not directly with our company. I'm sorry you were disappointed with the rate. Unfortunately, we cannot control how high commission rates can be with outside vendors. We always suggest booking direct! We're glad you had a great time with your guide!
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!
