Cataract Falls
Cataract
Falls
Cataract Falls is an easy hike suitable for all ages. The round trip hike is less than 1/4 mile and is a good leg stretcher if the kiddies are getting restless and you happen to be near the Sugarlands Visitor Center.
Directions: From Gatlinburg, head west towards Sugarlands Visitor Center at Hwy 441 and Little River Rd (TN73). Turn right (north) on 441 at the visitor center, drive less than 1/4 mile and turn left on to the park headquarters access road. Drive a short distance and turn left again, then look for the parking for the waterfall via the Cove Mountain Trail. If the parking is full here you may have to park in the visitor center lot and walk back to this point.
Look for the Cove Mountain trail head at the bridge across Fighting Creek. The trail to the waterfall is well marked and you are sure to have company unless you go early. The waterfall is about 20' high and is best seen after a good rain - like in these shots. In lower flow there may not be any water in the left side of the falls. During periods of drought, you might just be looking at a wet rock.
