Smoky Mountain Attractions: Waterfall Hikes

It’s officially the season of hot apple cider, warm blankets, and pumpkin patches. It’s also the season for fall festivals, and the Smoky Mountain area is full of them!

Here are three festivals you can enjoy while on your Smoky Mountain vacation.

1. Dollywood Harvest Festival

If you love Dollywood and the fall season then you won’t want to miss this event! From early September to late October this annual celebration marks the best weather and some beautiful fall foliage in the Smokies. Stay late into the evening to see beautifully carved pumpkins, lit up and on display. During the day you’ll enjoy fall themed food, and colorful leaves all throughout the park.

2. Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair

In early to mid October the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair heads into full swing. Artisans from across the country gather to peddle their wares while musicians serenade the crowds. You’ll see everything from woodworking and pottery to handcrafted jewelry and leatherworkings. If you have an appreciation for handmade goods then this event is for you.

3. Wears Valley Fall Festival

The Wears Valley Fall Festival takes place in mid October and is a favorite event for locals. Come experience the hundreds of vendors, melodic live music, and incredible Southern cuisine. If you’re interested in a true rustic, Appalachian festival with plenty to do and see for the whole family, then this one is for you.

No matter the festival you choose you’ll need a place to stay. Choose from one of our many options at Bear Camp Cabin Rentals today!

If you’re looking for picture-perfect waterfall hikes in the Smokies, these are some of the best! On your next trip to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, plan an adventure in the mountains!

Abrams Falls

Abrams Falls is only approximately 20 feet in height, but it has the largest plunge pool. This is one of the most popular hikes in the Smokies, so expect there to be a lot of people at the waterfall when you arrive. The scenic hike follows Abrams Creek down to the falls. Be prepared to cross streams on your way to Abrams Falls. It is recommended that visitors do not dip in the pool of water because of the strong currents. Be careful of slippery rocks in the area, too! This hike is considered moderate in difficulty and will take approximately three hours to complete the five miles to the falls and back.

Ramsey Cascades

If you are only planning on hiking the Smokies for one day, choose Ramsey Cascades! The hike is known for numerous cascading streams and major waterfall. Areas of the trail are very rocky, so be sure to wear a sturdy pair of hiking shoes. The hike is considered moderate in difficulty, but has many steep areas. It will take at least five hours to complete the roundtrip trail to the waterfall that drops approximately 100 feet over rocks.

Baskins Creek Falls

Considered strenuous in difficulty, due to steep paths near the falls, this hike takes approximately three hours to complete the trail. The waterfall is located on Falls Branch, where it joins Baskins Creek shortly downstream. This is one of the hikes in the Smokies that few people make, so when you arrive at the falls, it will be absolutely beautiful and most likely relaxing and quiet.

Indian Flats Falls

Indian Flats Falls is one of the most photographed hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains. Covered with beautiful flowers and trees, this hike in the Smokies is perfect for any season of the year! The trail follows a creek which is a perfect place for taking beautiful Smoky Mountain pictures! The waterfall consists of four separate drops, the uppermost drop being the easiest to access. This moderate day hike will take approximately four hours to complete

After spending the day enjoying hikes in the Smokies, spend your night relaxing in a Pigeon Forge cabin. For a great deal on a Smoky Mountain cabin, check out our ‘Cabin Rentals’ for detailed information of each cabin!