GSMNP Grotto Falls
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Trail Overview
Moderate hike up through classic GSMNP forest to a waterfall you can walk behind.
How to get there
From Gatlinburg, TN:
- At traffic light #8 on the Parkway, turn onto the Historic Nature Trail.
- Proceed into Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Turn right onto Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
- Continue to Stop #5 and park.
Trailhead is marked and heads uphill.
Route Description
The Trillum Gap Trail heads up the side of Mount LeConte to the Grotto waterfall and beyond.
Mileage | Description |
---|---|
0.0 | Trailhead at Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail Stop #5. |
0.2 | Intersection of access path from parking lot with Trillum Gap Trail. |
0.23 | First creek crossing. |
0.65 | Second creek crossing. |
0.9 | Third creek crossing. |
1.1 | Fourth and last creek crossing heading up. |
1.4 | Grotto Falls |
Typical Conditions
National Park Service does trail maintenance primarily between May thru Nov, thus some blowdowns possible during the off-season. The well-worn dirt trail also included tree roots and large stone. Can be very muddy have significant rain.
Fees, Permits, etc.
No fee, but Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail does not allow RVs or trailers and is only open March 11 - Nov 30 during 2011. During peak summer season, you might spend more time on this roadway than on the trail.
If the Roaring Fork Motor Trail closed, then next nearest access point would be at the Rainbow Falls trailhead for a 7 mile round trip hike.
After the Hike
Explore the other older cabins at the other stops along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail on the way out.
Misc. Information
Per NPS policy, pets are not allowed on park trails.
Maps
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http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/GSMNP_Grotto_Falls_Trail.kml
(A) 35.68030,-83.46245
Trailhead at Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
(G) 36.502891,-82.468700
Intersection of parking access and Trillum Gap Trail
File:GSMNP Trillum trail intersection.jpg
(J) 35.67896,-83.46065
First creek crossing
(J) 36.50051,-82.47105
Trail bridge
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Grotto Falls
</googlemap>
File:GSMNP Grotto Falls Trail profile.JPG
Photos
- Placeholde2.jpg