1. Abrams Falls
Abrams Falls is incredibly popular, so if you want to avoid trail gridlock, get an early start. You’ll want to arrive before the harsh light of the overhead sun blasts the trees above the falls.
2. Bald River Falls & Baby Falls
Located near Tellico Plains in Monroe County, Bald River Falls (featured picture above) has an impressive 90-foot plunge and perfect for the sedentary as it’s right off the road. Baby Falls is just up the road and draws in the kayakers and cliff jumpers.
3. Spruce Flats Falls
The one-mile trail to Spruce Flats Falls begins at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. The trails is moderately difficult, but the payoff is obvious.
4. Debord Falls & Emory Gap Falls
Debord Fall’s modest 12-foot plunge is iconic and begs to be photographed. It’s located at Frozen Head State Park, about 48 miles west of Knoxville in Morgan County. A half-mile trail will take you to Emory Gap Falls, but can be a bit more treacherous to obtain an unobstructed view.
5. Mingo Falls
Mingo Falls is in North Carolina just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The waterfall is among the tallest in the southern Appalachians at an impressive 120 feet high. You take 441 to Big Cove Rd. to get there and is certainly worth the trip.
