You may have seen our Middle Tennessee waterfalls road trip, and thought, wait what about us on the east?! Fear not, friends, how in the world can we forget the east side of the state?! Anyone who lives in the east and is searching for Tennessee waterfalls you’ve come to the right place. Filled with ravines, rivers, mountains, and hikers with a thirst for natural beauty, we really can’t slough off this little piece of southern paradise. We’ve pulled together a solid Saturday of waterfall lovin’ – right here in one Tennessee waterfalls road trip. Consider this to be one of the best scenic road trips in Tennessee and start your engines.

To find the entire itinerary of this waterfall road trip in Tennessee, check out our map.

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Who is ready to see some of the best waterfalls in Tennessee?

1. Cataract Falls, Gatlinburg

Cataract Falls, Cove Mountain Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
Jason Reiling/ AllTrails
You can see Cataract Falls after a half-mile hike into the Great Smoky Mountains. It's one of the easiest hikes in the area, plus? As one of the most commonly overlooked falls in the park, you're sure to have a quiet day in the forest. This short and sweet hike is located behind the Sugarlands Visitor Center where I have spent alot of time. So whenever there are waterfalls near me, I am going to go on a hike to find them, and this one didn't disappoint.

To learn more about Cataract Falls, check out our feature article. It is sure to be a wonderful and peaceful hike that is family-friendly. If you want to check out this hike, watch this Adventuring in the Moment video before you go:

2. Rainbow Falls, Gatlinburg

Rainbow Falls Trail, Tennessee 37738, USA
Derrick Llewellyn/ Alltrails
You'll follow the creek for the majority of the almost three-mile hike, but make sure you bring a solid pair of shoes! It's a rocky road (ha.) and is a bit more difficult for the tiniest of hikers.

To learn more about this beautiful waterfall in east Tennessee and to see what Rainbow Falls looks like in the winter, check out this fun video about Rainbow Falls from Roaming with the Ramsays:

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3. Grotto Falls, Gatlinburg

Grotto Falls, Trillium Gap Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
Moment via Getty Images
A twenty-five-foot waterfall and a three-mile trail? Not too shabby if you ask us! #4 on our list is a shoo-in for families with kids who are looking for just a slight bit of outdoorsy adventure.

To learn more about this beautiful waterfall in east Tennessee, check out our article on Grotto Falls. You can also check out this video from Adventuring in the Moment:

4. Baskins Creek Falls, Gatlinburg

Baskins Creek Falls, Baskins Creek Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
Sradke / Flickr
Located on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Baskins Creek Falls only takes a short hike before you're set for the view of your life. Make sure to go during autumn - the colors will drive you craaaaaazy for Tennessee!

To learn more about this beautiful waterfall in east Tennessee, make sure to read our article about Baskins Creek Falls. Also, make sure to check out this informative video from Visit Gatlinburg:

5. Abrams Falls, Townsend

Abrams Falls, Tennessee 37882, USA
Matthew Paulson / Flickr
Although a short little waterfall (only 20 feet high!), it has an EXTREME amount of gushing water that is sure to put a bit of spring in your step - and some spray in your hair.

To learn more about this beautiful waterfall in east Tennessee, check out our coverage of Abrams Falls. You can also check out this informative video from Visit Gatlinburg:

6. Ramsey Cascades, Gatlinburg

Ramsey Cascades Trail, Tennessee 37738, USA
Dustin J Williams / Flickr
One - just look at that picture up there. Really, just look at it. Great. Fantastic. But it comes at a price - the hike is a strenuous one, so bring a first aid kit, your best friend, and lots of snacks. To learn more about this beautiful waterfall in east Tennessee, check out our article on Ramsey Cascades.

So, East Tennessee. Do you feel like you’ve won the lottery here? Because these are some of the most beautiful Tennessee waterfalls we’ve seen…leave your thoughts in the comments section below! Since all of these wonderful waterfalls are located around Gatlinburg why not make a home base for your adventures in the Smokies and book a night or two at the Nestled Inn?

There are lots of other amazing things to see and do in the Great Smoky Mountains I would also recommend a hike to Alum Cave for an awesome well rounded trip.

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Best Waterfalls Near Me In Tennessee

Marisa Roman | September 04, 2021

What are the most beautiful hikes in Tennessee?

Some of the most beautiful hikes in Tennessee are:

 

Sometimes the most beautiful places in Tennessee can be found along a scenic hiking trail. Tennessee has some pretty stellar hiking opportunities, including natural vistas, wide-open plains, and of course, the Great Smoky Mountains. We have a list of 10 of the greatest hiking trails in Tennessee and you’ll likely want to tackle each one. From a quick jaunt to Laurel Falls Trail to Burgess Falls State Park, these hikes are a great way to see nature in Tennessee.

Does Tennessee have any natural wonders?

Here are a few natural wonders in Tennessee:

Indeed, there are natural wonders in Tennessee, seven of them to be exact! What’s even cooler is that one of the natural wonders mentioned above is Ramsey Cascades. A few other natural wonders on the list include Burgess Falls State Park, the Tennessee River Gorge, and the Cherohala Skyway. Each of these stunning places in Tennessee offers something different, but equally valuable to be enjoyed.

What are the best road trips through Tennessee?

Here are a few great road trips through Tennessee:

Looking for some scenic road trips in Tennessee? How about a few food-related jaunts? We have made a list of some of our greatest road trip adventures over the years, each with something new to offer. For anyone looking for a little bit of fright, check out the haunted road trip of east Tennessee. Or try your hand at the fall foliage road trip to take you to some of the best places to see the leaves change come autumn.

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