Cataract Falls

Not the biggest waterfall you’ll ever see, but Cataract Falls will definitely catch your eye for a while. The trails getting there are fun and winding, with some really cool vegetation along the way that makes the whole walk enjoyable. There’s even a little hidden graveyard nearby, which is kind of creepy in the best way and adds a unique vibe to the area. Overall, it’s a really interesting spot and a fun place to explore

I’m giving this 5 stars, not for the actual falls but this hike was perfect for my 3 children (7,5, and 2). It’s an easy trail, perfect for little ones or older ones that may have trouble walking. They are doing some construction on the trail but still easily doable. The falls are pretty and my children even climbed back and touched the water. It follows the creek so my kids would hop in and out all along the trail and they thoroughly enjoyed it. Very populated trail, well maintained. There are sign posts with names of trees. We saw a little garter snake which also thrilled my kids. Trailhead is right behind the Sugarlands Visitor Center.

Easy to find. Easy hike. Suitable for families and strollers but it might get muddy. This is a smaller waterfall but it's lovely. I enjoyed my time here. The only negative is the loud people who are also on the trail. It would be nice if people moved quietly to avoid scaring the wildlife away.

Cataract Falls and Nature Trail is a great little hike and perfect if you’re looking for something easy that still feels rewarding. The trail is well maintained, not too long, and manageable for all ages, which made it a win for our whole group. The falls themselves are really nice and make the walk feel worth it without requiring a long or strenuous hike. It’s the kind of trail where you can slow down, enjoy the scenery, and let everyone explore a bit without stressing about steep climbs or tough terrain. If you’re traveling with kids, newer hikers, or just want a low effort, high enjoyment nature stop, this trail is an excellent choice. We’d happily do it again.

Easy trail, we used it as an early morning jog. Not very dramatic but still beautiful and peaceful ❤️ hiker before us said we missed the bear by 5 mins and showed us pictures, he was a good size and beautiful, be on the lookout, went towards laurel falls path.

Visited on a weekday with no wait to enter. No need to buy tickets in advance. Cataract Falls is a short, shaded trail that starts just behind Sugarlands Visitor Center. It’s well-maintained and easy to follow, making it a great option for families with kids or anyone looking for a low-effort nature walk. The path is mostly flat, with a few gentle inclines and wooden bridges that add charm without difficulty. The waterfall itself isn’t massive, but it’s a peaceful spot—especially after recent rain when the flow picks up. It’s not a bucket-list destination, but it’s a solid warm-up if you’re easing into the Smokies or just passing through. Good signage, clean surroundings, and a quick payoff make it worth the stop.

Nice little 1 mile hike from sugarland visitor center. Very easy and family friendly. The falls were pretty if not a little underwhelming. But I bet they are great in the spring when the water is higher. No dogs allowed 😢

The falls were nice. Could have done without some of the visitors. We came here on a Monday early afternoon. The weather was a little bit of drizzle, but the place was a mob scene. We got lucky with a parking spot. You'll need to pay $5 for a daily pass to park anywhere in the Smokey Mountain state park. The trail to the falls is easy, but not easily accessible if you're toting strollers. Also, the people who are bringing strollers leave their disgusting used diapers all over the park which is not cool in the slightest. The site was pretty and there are other trails to follow after you see the falls. This place was good to see once, but I'd rather do a more difficult hike elsewhere if it means not dealing with people who can't respect their environment.

Great hike for all ages. It's a short little hike with some cool features and almost no incline.

This is a nice sized waterfall. The best part is how easy it is to get to it. While others require miles of hiking... this one is under 10 mins. It's easy to access by foot with children or for older folks that can't walk far. The short walk to the waterfall from the parking lot is beautiful and shaded by trees. You walk alongside the river the entire way. Once you reach the waterfall there is a small bench to sit and admire. If your trying to find waterfalls that are safe and easy walking distance this is the perfect one to visit! Although the sign says "do not climb" plenty of kids were walking up and down the areas above and around the waterfall. I would not suggest this. Nearly gave me a heart attack when my son ran up.

One thing about visiting this falls they have limited parking permitted. The government offices is near and you're not permitted to part there. The other locations is limited to maybe 10-15 vehicles. Recommend adding more spaces to the area. When we started the hike to the falls it wasn't more than 0.10 miles if so to the falls. Then we decided to do the entire hike around and that took maybe 2.40 miles all the way around the loop. The hike wasn't bad at all. This is an educational trail as it lists the different species that you will run into during your hike. It tells you when and where the hornets nest resides on the park and to be careful. If you are a beginner and want to see a couple cool things this is the trail to go on. They have a welcome center along the trail if you want to learn more about the trail and other trails nearby.

It was good but it was only .1mile I recommend if you're wanting a short walk but it does lead to a longer hiking trail

This was the first hike my friend and I did on our Tennessee trip and it was also the easiest. Located only 10 minutes from downtown Gatlinburg, the trail takes off from the left of the Sugarlands Smokey Mountains Visitor Center. The short length of the trail, only 3/4 of a mile round trip makes it easy enough for even young children. The trail starts off paved before turning to gravel. The trail is covered by a nice canopy of trees providing shade. As you go down the trail you will cross over several bridges that take you over Fighting Creek. Right before you reach the waterfall you go up small set of stairs and turn right and then you will see the falls. Cataract Falls is made of two low flow streams that drop 25 feet into a pool below. Climbing to the top of the falls is not advised. In 2015 a 7 year old girl from Kentucky fell 30 feet from the top of the falls. Fortunately she survived but it shows how quickly you can lose your footing. There is much more spectacular scenery in the park but if you are short on time and or have people in your party that can't do a more rigorous and steep trail, then this is a perfectly lovely hike.

Cataract Falls is conveniently located at the Sugarlands Visitor Center within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's a short hike for little ones or those with limited mobility because it is easy with no change in elevation. There is one small set of stairs. There are a few tree roots here and there. Parking can be a challenge on weekends here, so of course get here early. A plus is that there are bathrooms here as well. The walk is less than a mile one way to the falls so it is quick. There is a small stream alongside and a few bridges to cross. There is also a bridge to go under which I thought was neat. Cataract Falls itself is a small waterfall and there are signs to not get to close to it or climb the rocks. Because so many visitors come here, the park is trying to protect the falls. Overall, beautiful and convenient way to see a small waterfall and go on a short hike!

Because of its convenient location, right next to the visitor center, this was the first trail we "hiked" for our trip to GSMNP. No need to move the car. Just exit the center, turn right and right . The path leading to the start of the trail is between the visitor center and the restrooms. Tip: There is also an automated water dispenser right there to fill up for bottle. This is a very easy short hike. We had a 9 and 13 year old in the family. Because it is next to the visitor center, it is crowded and lots of kids when we went. Nothing really to write home back. At the end of the short trail is a little waterfall. Bottom line - good trail for those with mobility limitations or families with young children.

This was a great, easy hike for us. We had our daughter in the jogging stroller and found that it was manageable. There are a few stairs that make it a little more difficult but my husband and I were easily able to navigate that. It also has been raining for a few days so there were parts of the path that had deeper puddles on it. But if you have a little one who can't walk the .5 mile each way, and an amazing jogger stroller then this is manageable. Took us around 30 minutes for the whole hike (there and back). It was also a good hike as there were a few bridges and streams along the way, very scenic.

Easy trail. We brought my 77 year old mom. She was hesitant but so glad she did it. We went early and the trail was not busy/ packed. Quiet and serene. Remember to pay for parking from the box meter.

Beautiful little falls about 0.2 mile walk from the parking lot of the ranger station. It also connects to other trails including the fighting creek trail that goes behind the visitor center. It's very flat and well maintained, no climbing. While not the most impressive in the park for sure, it's a great stop if you're short on time and want to see some falls. When we stopped by, there was only 1 other group of people when we arrived then 1 when we left, so it was pretty peaceful.

Not to seem jaded or unappreciative of all the wonderful things the park has to offer, which are oh so many!, but Cataract Falls is NOT a must see in my opinion. Unless....hear me out....you don't have enough time, energy or physical agility to take a more serious hike or walk. If you have some of those limitations, Cataract Falls, located adjacent to the Visitor Center, will allow you to take a short walk into the woods, along a stream and experience a little nature. Because of its proximity to the Visitor Center and the ease of navigating the trail, this was a very crowded path and not very peaceful. As a result of all the foot traffic, it looks a little beat up and weary. But the path is wide and flat and runs alongside a stream for part of the way, all positive. And, at the end, there is a small waterfall. Who doesn't love a waterfall? But, considering all the beautiful sights to see elsewhere in the park, I would say that if you are able, go there (wherever that is) instead. Also, due to Covid all but the gift shop is closed at the Vistor Center. Disappointed that we waited in line for entrance to the gift shop only!

Nice small waterfall. Worth a hike. When I visited there were a lot of people but that could be due to it being a short flat hike. Nice beautiful scenery. There is a bench provided for you sit down and enjoy the falls if you want. Enjoy!

There really isn't much too this place. You have a small waterfall that had very little water falling. It hadn't rained in a while and the waterfall showed that. It was more a trickle than a fall. Easy and accessible walk for beginner hikers, families, and people who do not have stamina to venture too far due to health reasons. Parking is weird in the location it is next to, but it is available.

A few little paths to take. Cataract Falls was a short walk. To get to Laurel falls was another 11.2 miles so we just enjoyed the view of this fall and walked the boarded nature trail on the way back. It was a cute trail and there where kids in the water and parents with their kids just sitting with their feet in the cool water. I loved this fall and trail.

Very small waterfall, but the easiest to get to by trail. Good simple and short hike for young families.

Easy, short walk in the woods. The waterfall didn't have much water flowing over it the day we went, but was still worth the time. Would be very good for families with young kids.

This trail was short, wide, and flat. This one was easy and fun. There was minimal parking, but there weren't many people at this trail. There are multiple trails you can go on from this trail. This one is young child friendly. Make sure to stop by the Welcome center for a trail map. It has a cool tree identification key for kids. During COVID, the welcome center only allows a couple people in at a time, but you can get the maps outside the center.