Brushy Mountain via Trillium Gap Trail

Brushy Mountain via Trillium Gap is a 6.8-mile out-and-back from the Trillium Gap Trailhead on Roaring Fork, through Grotto Falls and Trillium Gap to a small summit heath bald. Allow about 4 to 4.5 hours for roughly 1,745 feet of climbing. It is a hard day hike, not just a waterfall stroll; choose it if you want the long climb and summit views as well as the falls. At Trillium Gap, turn toward Brushy Mountain. The other branch continues to Mount Le Conte and is a different, longer hike.

The trailhead is about two miles into the one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Parking is very limited. A parking tag is required if you leave your vehicle for more than 15 minutes, and the nearest listed restroom is at Rainbow Falls Trailhead before the drive. Roaring Fork closes seasonally in winter, so check the road schedule before setting out.

The path climbs through cove hardwood forest and past large hemlocks, with small stream crossings and a rocky, rooty tread. Grotto Falls is a 25-foot cascade, and this trail goes behind it. The rocks stay wet and slick around the falls. If you only came for the waterfall, turn around here; the summit adds a long, steady climb.

At the gap, take the Brushy Mountain branch rather than continuing toward Mount Le Conte. The final roughly 0.3 mile winds through rhododendron, mountain laurel, and heath shrubs before opening onto the summit bald. The summit is a clearing rather than a built overlook, so keep an eye on the narrow tread through the brush.

The first opening looks southeast across the eastern Smokies. Walk about 50 feet farther for a second viewpoint toward Webb Mountain, Greenbrier Valley, and Pigeon Forge. It is worth visiting both before turning back; they face different parts of the range.

The climb is steep and rocky in places, with steps and bridges on the Trillium Gap approach. Roots and stream crossings can be slick, and cold weather can bring ice or falling icicles near Grotto Falls. Pets are not permitted on this trail.