Grotto Falls

Grotto Falls is a 25-foot waterfall in a cool mountain cove on Trillium Gap Trail. It is the only waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a trail that passes behind it, making the fall itself worth the walk. This is a hike to reach the water, not a roadside pullout: the standard approach is 2.6 miles roundtrip.

The trailhead is about two miles into the one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, with 17 spaces at Trillium Gap. The lot often fills, so make a backup plan before entering the loop and consider arriving early. A parking tag is required if you park longer than 15 minutes. The nearest listed pit toilets are at Rainbow Falls Trailhead, before the loop; dogs are not allowed on this trail.

Trillium Gap crosses several streams and winds through old-growth forest and rhododendron. Hemlocks, tulip poplars and flowering dogwoods are part of the walk. Expect roots, rocks and some inclines; rain and high water can make the trail muddy and slippery, so slow down at stream crossings.

The falls drop over a cave-like sandstone formation into a cool cove among mossy boulders. The name comes from that grotto-shaped rock, so look at the setting as well as the cascade. This stop is memorable for its unusual position behind the water, not height alone.

The path winds behind the falling water, the defining view and the photo to make time for. From there, the water frames the dark rock and boulders in the cove. Trillium Gap continues toward Mount LeConte if you are extending the hike.