Chasing Waterfalls: A Smoky Mountain Guided Hike
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Follow the sound of rushing water into one of the Smokies’ most refreshing guided hikes. Chasing Waterfalls is perfect for those chasing cascades, waterfalls, streams, mossy rocks, cool forest trails, and classic Smoky Mountain water scenery.
With an experienced naturalist guide, you’ll explore a lush mountain landscape shaped by water. Along the way, your guide may point out wildflowers, old-growth pockets, stream ecology, salamanders, forest plants, and the hidden details most visitors walk past. This tour is a strong choice for families, first-time visitors, photographers, summer guests, and anyone who wants a memorable waterfall hike without committing to a strenuous full-day adventure.
Best for: Waterfall lovers, families, photographers, summer visitors, first-time Smokies guests, and guests who want a water-filled guided hike.
Duration: 3 Hours | Difficulty: Moderate | Mileage: 2.5 | Elevation Change: 900' | Ages: 8+
Meeting Location: Sugarlands Visitors Center
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Must be in good physical condition, able to climb over downed trees, walk on uneven surfaces and climb in elevation
Please note that, while we do our best to follow the itinerary listed, we may need to pivot due to road closures or events outside of our control. We require a minimum of 2 people to operate this tour. We operate rain or shine.
We do not provide transportation. You will follow the guide to the trailhead in your own vehicle.
What To Expect
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
On this hike, we'll explore a popular trail, passing several beautiful cascades and views before taking a less traveled trail to view spectacular cascades and falls. We'll learn about this varied forest, enjoy some beautiful old growth trees and in the spring, pause in wonder at the variety of wildflowers. This adventure has some elevation gain before we explore a quieter trail. Be ready to climb over some downed trees and get your feet wet. You'll meet your guide at the Sugarlands Visitors Center where you will follow them in your own vehicle 10 minutes to the trailhead.
Newfound Gap Road
Newfound Gap Road has many scenic vistas and points of interest.
Options
Chasing Waterfalls: A Smoky Mountain Guided Hike
What‘s Included
Snacks
All Fees and Taxes
Professional Guide
Gratuity for your guide is not included in the cost. Industry standard recommends 15-20%.
Drinks are not provided. Bring plenty of water.
Rain Gear - we do have extra emergency ponchos on hand if needed.
Transportation
Parking Tag not included.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
163 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Gorgeous
G1282BTlauraj,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved this tour. Family of 3 and ended up being just us and our tour guide, China. She really made this tour for us. Incredibly friendly and informative! She was excellent at engaging with our teen son as well. This was our first time in the Smokies. We learned so much bonus information and of course saw so much beauty on our hike. I will say that this hike is titled “moderate” and we know that is subjective but it felt a wee bit above moderate in some areas but I’m not used to hiking uphill lol. We are so glad we did this tour and so thankful we had China to lead us.
Good hike to get a deeper knowledge of local plant life.
Q3691PQjustinm,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00This tour ended up being just the two of us with our guide so it felt like a private tour of the Smoky Mountains. Our guide told us lots of neat information about the flora and fauna of the park. She was very informative and polite. The tea she brewed personally from the leaves of a tree was a nice touch.
Great tour
Go42718601963,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful time on this tour. Our tour guide China was outstanding, she offers a wealth of information, experience, knowledge, know-how, caring and hospitality. She is a gem. Great scenery and a fun time. I couldn’t recommend more.
Exercise and education at the same time!
JLSPGB,May 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The hiking tour with Samantha was very pleasant, informative, and scenic. There were only 4 persons in our group so we were able to hear everything she shared about the flora and fauna of the Smoky Mountains. It was a great way to begin our Great Smoky Mountain National Park vacation.
Recommend highly
Kristi M,May 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A beautiful guided hike! Our guide, Kelly, was so knowledgeable about the history of the area as well as the wildlife and plants/trees/flowers. The waterfall was stunning. We recommend wearing sturdy shoes and bringing water.
Kelly made this tour an amazing one!
O6295HCkristim,May 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Although it rained our whole tour, Kelly was upbeat and positive. She knows so much about the history of the area, the plants, and the land marks. The scenery was beautiful, and the waterfall was stunning. We highly recommend this tour!
Kelly the #1 Guide- she ROCKS
Janet C,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This hike exceeded expectation and we credit that to our guide Kelly. Not only does she have a science degree and is incredibly knowledgeable about the area as she grew up there but knows all of the flowers, trees, rock formations, etc; she was obviously very passionate about what she was showing us. We could have hiked all day with her. She made the experience a 10/10. When we return we will be booking another adventure with her for sure.
Absolutely worth booking!
816eleanorl,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were a group of 7, 4 adults and 3 children (8+) and EVERYONE thoroughly enjoyed our hike with A Walk in the Woods. Our guide was enthusiastic, knowledgeable about the region, the park, the wildlife. All of it! Beautiful hike, even in pre-springtime. We did two other hikes while in the area, but investing in a guide for one was absolutely worth it.
Luci was a wonderful tour...
Sindy B,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Luci was a wonderful tour guide! She is very knowledgeable and was on our level of hiking experience. We hike here often and she gave new insights.
Great Hike
Cathy D,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Michael our guide very knowledgeable of the area. Engaging conversations, answered all our questions Safety was never a concern, he explained the best ways to maneuver around the obstacles nature had on our path.
Related Experiences
Operated by A Walk in the Woods