Cataract Falls – The Cutest Little Waterfall in the Smoky Mountains

Cataract Falls cascading down a 40 foot rock face

Cataract Falls, in the Smoky Mountains, is not very big. It’s not always very impressive. The hike to it is not very long or difficult – it is, in fact, very short and easy.

What it is..is cute! I like to think of this waterfall as “fun-sized” or “pocket-sized”, or even “kid-sized”. Here are some basic details…

Duration – The hike to the falls and back will take 30-60 minutes, depending on how long you stay at the falls playing and taking photos.

Distance – The trail to Cataract Falls is only 0.75 miles out and back.

Difficulty – AllTrails rates this as an “Easy” hike.

Published April 23, 2025

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The Best Time to Visit This Waterfall

Due to its location near the Sugarlands Visitors Center, Cataract Falls tends to be busy, especially in the summer. To avoid the crowds, visit the falls in the morning (the earlier the better) or in the afternoon after 4:00 pm.

The Hike(s) to Cataract Falls

There are several ways to get to the waterfall…

  • The shortest way is to park in the Headquarters Parking B area on Park Headquarters Road. There are several parking spots available here. After parking, walk across the bridge at the end of the parking area and turn right onto Cove Mountain Trail. The waterfall is a short walk away.
  • You may also park at the Sugarlands Visitors Center. Walk down the sidewalk behind the visitors center, past the restrooms, and turn left at the sign onto Fighting Creek Nature Trail. In a short distance, you will cross a bridge. Turn right onto Cove Mountain Trail and continue for about 10 minutes until you arrive at the waterfall.
Jr. Ranger Ellen, the author's granddaughter, standing in front of the Sugarlands Visitor Center, wearing her rangers hat
Ellen, the author's granddaughter, standing by a sign pointing the way to Cataract Falls
  • You may add 1.4 miles to your walk by turning left after crossing the bridge and hiking the Fighting Creek Nature Trail loop. You can pick up the trail to Cataract Falls at the end of the loop.

Pro Tip

  • Take time to stop in the Sugarlands Visitor Center. There are Park Rangers and volunteers there who will gladly answer your questions. Plus, the visitor center is fully stocked with maps, mugs, books, posters, t-shirts, hats, and other souvenirs.
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an entrance fee. However, a parking pass is required. These may be purchased in the vending machines located in front of the visitor center. They may also be purchased ahead of time online at rec.gov.

Cataract Falls – Up Close and Personal

Cataract Falls cascades down 40 feet of rock into a small pool at its base. There is some space to scamper around on the rocks below the falls, but not much.

Pro Tip

  • Should you choose to do some scampering, please be careful. The rocks are wet and can be slippery. (I know…I fell the last time I was at the falls.)
Jeff and his granddaughter scampering on the rocks at the base of Cataract Falls

The challenge of visiting this waterfall is that your experience there can be unpredictable – it may be very good or very average.

If the weather has been rainy, you are in for a treat! The small waterfall swells after a storm and puts on a bit of a show. On the other hand, if the weather has been dry, the waterfall may become more of a water trickle, and may be a bit disappointing.

Any Questions? (FAQs)

  • Where is Cataract Falls?
    • Cataract Falls is behind the Park Headquarters building, which is located near the Sugarland Visitor Center.
    • There is a large parking lot at Sugarlands Visitor Center, but because the center is always busy, you may have to circle around once or twice to find an open parking spot.
    • Click anywhere on the image below to enlarge the map.
A Google Map showing the location of Cataract Falls
  • Can I bring my dog on this hike?
  • Is this waterfall worth the time?
    • Yes, it is, but please note: the waterfall is much more impressive after a storm.

The Verdict – Cataract Falls in the Smoky Mountains

Cataract Falls is best visited when…

  • It’s been raining, and the water flow rate is high.
  • You have small children with you, because the hike is short and easy.
  • You’re at Sugarlands Visitor Center, and you have 30 minutes free.
  • You’re not looking for a strenuous hike, but an easy walk.

But…

If you’re looking for majestic and powerful, rather than “cute”, opt for another spot, such as Abrams Falls or Spruce Flats Falls.

Happy Hiking!

Jeff

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Jeff Powell

Jeff Powell is the Creator/CEO of two blogs - National Park Ventures and Smoky Mountains Ventures. He and his wife Mary Ellen are on a venture to visit every national park in the United States and share what they experience with their readers. Their goal is to help their readers "supersize" their own national park ventures.

Jeff and Mary Ellen have been married for 35 years. They have two sons, two grandkids, and two dogs. They live in a cabin in the mountains outside of Blue Ridge, GA.