Place · 0.3 mi away
Overview
Crooked Arm Cascades is a modest, seasonal waterfall tucked just off the start of the Cades Cove Loop. When recent rains swell the creek, the 25–30 foot cascade fans down mossy rock and makes a lovely quick stop. In dry stretches, though, it may shrink to a trickle—or disappear—so set expectations accordingly.
Getting There
Park at the small lot by the Cades Cove information kiosk just before the one‑way loop. Pick up the signed Rich Mountain Loop Trail a few hundred feet down the road; overflow parking is at the riding stables or picnic area. A Smokies parking tag is required, and this lot fills early in peak seasons.
Fastest Route
From the Rich Mountain Loop trailhead, walk about 0.4–0.5 miles to a creek crossing. Immediately after the crossing, turn right onto the Crooked Arm Ridge Trail and follow the branch roughly 0.2 miles to the cascades. Expect about 1.4–1.6 miles roundtrip with 200–250 feet of gain—easy to easy‑moderate.
Trail Conditions & Difficulty
The approach is short but can be rooty and muddy after rain. There’s one notable creek crossing that may be high or briefly impassable in heavy runoff. If you continue up Crooked Arm Ridge, the trail steepens quickly with sustained grades and switchbacks and gains roughly 1,500 feet over 2.2 miles.
Longer Options
For a workout and occasional views back into Cades Cove, continue up Crooked Arm Ridge and return the same way. Or link Crooked Arm Ridge, Indian Grave Gap, and Rich Mountain Loop for an 8.5–8.7 mile circuit that trades the motor loop’s crowds for forest, history, and ridge strolling.
Wildlife
Cades Cove is famous for wildlife. Bears and deer are commonly seen in and around the fields and along these trails. Give all wildlife plenty of space and never approach or feed them.
Facilities
There are no toilets at the trailhead or along the trail. Use the restrooms at the Cades Cove Picnic Area or the Cades Cove Campground Store before you start. Dogs are not allowed on these trails.
Best Time to Visit
Go after rain for the best flow. Winter and early spring offer the clearest sightlines through the trees; summer foliage can partially screen the falls. Arrive early in busy seasons to secure parking and to enjoy a quieter walk.
Pros
- Quick, easy-to-moderate hike from the Cades Cove loop start
- Best after rain; a pretty 25–30 ft cascade when flowing
Cons
- Flow is highly seasonal and can be a trickle or dry
- One creek crossing can run high after storms; footing can be rooty
Tips
- Hit it after rain; winter and early spring have the best views.
- Start early—parking by the loop entrance fills fast in peak seasons.
- Expect a creek crossing; wear stable footwear and consider water shoes.
- Pair this quick stop with a drive or bike around Cades Cove.
- No toilets at the trail—use the picnic area or campground store first.
