Grotto Falls (Trillium Gap Trail)Easy

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail / Gatlinburg, TN

Easy
Grotto Falls (Trillium Gap Trail)

Distance (One Way)

1.4 miles

Elevation Gain

534 feet

Trailhead

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Location

Gatlinburg, TN

Trail Description Written by Caroline Sullivan

At the apex of the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail there is a parking lot that acts as the trailhead for Grotto Falls. Starting here you'll find Grotto Falls in 1.4 miles via Trillium Gap Trail.

The trail actually travels underneath Grotto Falls, making this the only waterfall in the Smokies you must walk beneath to continue on the trail.

The hike to Grotto Falls is gradual and wide and tends to be fairly busy, but past the falls you'll find the crowds diminish on the way to Mt. LeConte. The pack llamas at LeConte Lodge use this trail to move supplies to and from the lodge. See more hiking trails in the Smokies.

The Grotto Falls parking lot is also the quickest way to reach the summit of Brushy Mountain. From here, continue for 2.9 miles until you reach a 4 way trail intersection. Turning right and continuing on Trillium Gap Trail will take you to LeConte Lodge. Taking a left and continuing for just 0.4 of a mile will take you to Brushy Mountain's heath bald summit.

#brushy mountain
#leconte
#waterfalls
#easy
#gatlinburg tn

Trail Difficulty Scales Explained

Elevation Grade

7%

Gentle Slope

Paul Petzoldt Scale

2.5

Easy

5

10

15

Shenandoah Scale

39

Easiest

50

100

150

Photo Gallery (5)

Trail Map

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The above list of hiking trails in the Smokies is incomplete and constantly being updated. If you have information or photos you would like to contribute, please contact [email protected].

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