--- title: Smoky Mountains Hidden Waterfall Trails to Explore This Fall description: Discover hidden waterfall trails in the Smoky Mountains this fall. Explore serene paths and uncover scenic gems for a tranquil hiking experience away from the crowds. image: https://www.smokymountains.me/hubfs/Great%20Smoky%20Mountain-jeff-dewitt-K4io-aDZF78-unsplash.jpg --- [![smokymountainsme-trans](https://www.smokymountains.me/hs-fs/hubfs/smokymountainsme-trans.png?width=300&name=smokymountainsme-trans.png "smokymountainsme-trans")](https://www.smokymountains.me) [![smokymountainsme-trans](https://www.smokymountains.me/hs-fs/hubfs/smokymountainsme-trans.png?width=300&name=smokymountainsme-trans.png "smokymountainsme-trans")](https://www.smokymountains.me) [**](https://www.smokymountains.me/smoky-mountains-hidden-waterfall-trails-to-explore-this-fall#) 1 ![featured image 1](https://www.smokymountains.me/hubfs/Great%20Smoky%20Mountain-jeff-dewitt-K4io-aDZF78-unsplash.jpg) # Smoky Mountains Hidden Waterfall Trails to Explore This Fall ![](https://www.smokymountains.me/hubfs/Gail-email.png) By [Gail Carlos](https://www.smokymountains.me/author/gail-carlos) October 23, 2025 ### Posts by Topic - [Activities (152)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/activities) - [Amusement (148)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/amusement) - [Events (106)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/events) - [Family (105)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/family) - [Around Town (97)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/around-town) - [Shopping and Dining (68)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/shopping-and-dining) - [Holiday (64)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/holiday) - [Outdoor (60)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/outdoor) - [Summer (40)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/summer) - [Winter (37)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/winter) - [Free (31)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/free) - [Tips and Tricks (24)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/tips-and-tricks) - [News (23)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/news) - [Date Night (16)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/date-night) - [Music (13)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/music) - [History (10)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/history) - [Nightlife (9)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/nightlife) - [Fitness (7)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/fitness) - [snow (6)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/snow) - [Off-Season (5)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/off-season) - [Contest (3)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/contest) - [Luxury Adventures (2)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/luxury-adventures) - [Season Passes (2)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/season-passes) - [Ski (2)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/ski) - [Weather and Terrain (2)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/weather-and-terrain) - [Golf (1)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/golf) - [House Tour (1)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/house-tour) - [Luxury Homes (1)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/luxury-homes) - [Notable Locals (1)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/notable-locals) - [Services (1)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/services) [![Book Lodging](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/534331/41641d6a-06ef-4999-9369-c4aceb52efda.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/534331/41641d6a-06ef-4999-9369-c4aceb52efda) Search **The Smokies are full of surprises, down beneath the mountains, there just might be a hidden fountain!** Beyond the well-loved routes to Laurel Falls and Grotto Falls, quieter trails lead to waterfalls that feel worlds away. If you’re looking to trade the crowds for stillness and leaf-crunching solitude, these three hidden gems offer the kind of peace that only comes from a slow hike in a deep forest. With over 100 waterfalls scattered across Great Smoky Mountains National Park, most visitors only ever see a handful. The rest flow quietly through backcountry hollows and over moss-lined rocks, waiting for hikers willing to go just a little farther. These top five trails are a good place to start. ![delaney-van-ZbmkKj-LYY8-unsplash (1) (1)](https://www.smokymountains.me/hs-fs/hubfs/delaney-van-ZbmkKj-LYY8-unsplash%20(1)%20(1).jpg?width=2800&height=1867&name=delaney-van-ZbmkKj-LYY8-unsplash%20(1)%20(1).jpg) ### **Top 5 Hidden Waterfall Trails** - [**Spruce Flats Falls – Tremont**** **](https://gsmit.org/visit-tremont-for-the-day/) Just behind the Tremont Institute, this 1.8-mile roundtrip hike leads to a tiered cascade surrounded by rhododendron and mossy boulders. Short, rocky, and uncrowded. Along the way, you’ll walk through great scenery too! - [**Midnight Hole – Big Creek**** **](https://smokymountainnationalpark.com/blog/midnight-hole-hidden-gem-in-smokies/) An emerald-green swimming hole just 1.4 miles in on Big Creek Trail. While not a dramatic drop, the smooth rock cascade and stillness of the setting make the stay unforgettable. - [**Mouse Creek Falls – Big Creek**** **](https://hikinginthesmokys.com/big-creek-mouse-creek-falls/) Just beyond Midnight Hole, this 45-foot waterfall drops into Big Creek from a hidden ravine. It’s a shaded, scenic reward at about the 2-mile mark. --- *“With the sheer number of waterfalls, you’ll want to take the trail less traveled.” * — [National Park Service ](https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/waterfalls.htm?) --- - [**Fern Branch Falls – Porters Creek Trail**** **](https://www.cabinsofthesmokymountains.com/things-to-do/fern-branch-falls/) A peaceful 4-mile roundtrip through old-growth forest leads to this slender 40-foot waterfall spilling from a fern-lined rock wall. It’s specially lovely in spring and early fall. - [**Huskey Branch Falls – Little River Trail**** **](https://hikinginthesmokymountains.com/blog/hiking-huskey-branch-falls-smoky-mountains/) This 20-foot falls spills across the trail itself about 2.2 miles in, and tucked along a wide gravel path. It’s a quiet, misty stop surrounded by tall trees and river sounds the whole way. ![delaney-van-RpSzhNrxeWo-unsplash (1)](https://www.smokymountains.me/hs-fs/hubfs/delaney-van-RpSzhNrxeWo-unsplash%20(1).jpg?width=5485&height=3657&name=delaney-van-RpSzhNrxeWo-unsplash%20(1).jpg) ### **Local Tips** - **Start early.** You'll beat the crowds and catch the best light on the falls. - **Download maps.** Cell service is spotty, so offline maps will help you stay on track. - **Wear good shoes.** Trails can be rocky, muddy, or slick near the water.  - **Pack light but smart.** Bring water, snacks, and maybe a towel if you plan to dip your feet. - **Respect the trails.** Stick to marked paths and leave no trace to keep these spots pristine. - **Enjoy** and make memories along the way! **Plan Your Trip** These trails reveal a quieter side of the Smokies, and they’re all within easy reach of cabin rentals throughout Townsend and Wears Valley. Head to [Rentalz](https://www.rentalz.com/) to find your perfect basecamp for fall hikes, misty mornings, and firepit nights. *Finding them is only the beginning, they ask you to slow down and stay a while... The waterfalls are waiting!* ### POPULAR POSTS ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Activities (152)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/activities) - [Amusement (148)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/amusement) - [Events (106)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/events) - [Family (105)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/family) - [Around Town (97)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/around-town) ![shutterstock_1335023963](https://www.smokymountains.me/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_1335023963.png?width=1920&name=shutterstock_1335023963.png "shutterstock_1335023963") Contact Us [800-504-3354](tel:800-504-3354)   SIGN UP FOR UPDATES Copyright © 2021  [Privacy Policy](https://www.steamboat.net/privacy)