Lynn Camp Prong Cascades – A Beautiful Hike; A Beautiful Waterfall
The hike to Lynn Camp Prong Cascades offers a lot of bang for the buck. It’s short, easy, beautiful, and the cascade is spectacular. We’ve hiked there multiple times, and always enjoy it!
Sometimes known as Lynn Camp Falls, the area is actually a series of cascades on either side of the “falls”, which is itself actually a large cascade.
Pro Tip
So what’s the difference between a waterfall and a cascade?
According to Google:
Hope that helps!
By Jeff Powell | Published September 17, 2025
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Quick Facts
Here are some quick details about the trail…
- Distance – 1.3 miles out and back
- Difficulty – Alltrails rates this hike “Easy”.
- Duration – 0.5 to 60 minutes, possibly more, depending on how long you stay at the falls
- Dogs – Sorry, no dogs allowed on this trail
- Parking – Yes, at the trailhead
- Restrooms – Yes, sort of…There is a small restroom in the gift shop at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont
Where is the Trailhead to Lynn Camp Prong Cascades?
The trailhead of Middle Prong Trail (the trail you’ll hike to the cascades) is about 1 hour southwest of Gatlinburg, via Little River Road and Upper Tremont Road. You’ll turn left on Upper Tremont just past the Townsend WYE.
Click on this link for Google Map directions.
3 Things We Love About This Hike
There’s a lot to love about this hike. Here are three of our favorite things about Lynn Camp Cascades…
The Area
Lynn Camp Cascades is located in the Tremont section of the park. The drive down Tremont Road is just beautiful. It follows the Middle Prong of the Little Pigeon River all the way to the trailhead. Along the way, you’ll probably see people fishing, sitting by the river in a lawn chair reading, and families playing in the water.
Shortly after turning onto the road, you’ll come to the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, named for the logging town that was established here in 1926.
The Institute’s stated mission is…
“In partnership with Great Smoky Mountains National Park, our mission is to deliver experiential learning for youth, educators, and adults through programs that promote self-discovery, critical thinking, and effective teaching and leadership.
From our home in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, our research and residential programs investigate the diversity that sustains all life, develop a sense of place, and cultivate a stewardship ethic that will influence lifelong decision-making.”
– Taken from the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont website
The gravel road will dead-end in about five miles at a parking area. It can accommodate a number of vehicles, but may require some “creative parking”.
Pro Tip
Watch closely on your left, just after the Tremont Institute, and you may spy Spruce Flats Falls through the trees!
The Hike
At the far end of the parking area is a footbridge. If you don’t see it, just follow the sound of the rushing water. As you cross the bridge, be sure to stop and look at the Lynn Camp Prong rushing under it, especially on your left side.
On the other end of the bridge, you will see the trailhead sign. Take the left fork onto the Middle Prong Trail, and you’re on your way!
You’ll probably notice three things about this trail.
First, Lynn Camp Prong will be on your left, happily gurgling. Several spots on the trail allow you to easily walk down to the edge of the water, and cascade after cascade provides plenty of wonderful photo opps.
Second, you’ll see dense forest vegetation on your right. Depending on the time of year, you’ll see blooming mountain laurels, galax, ferns, and a host of other plant life.
Third is the trail itself. It’s wide, with minimal elevation gain. The hike is short, easy, and scenic!
The Cascade
At about 0.6 miles into the hike, you’ll come to a wooden bench. Stop here and look to your left to see Lynn Camp Cascades (Falls). Take a seat on the bench and enjoy the beauty, but also the power of the water. The water squeezes through a chute at the top and powers out with tremendous force. It’s both impressive and loud.
Walk on a bit farther, and you’ll come to a second bench, where you have a wonderful view of more cascades.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this trail kid-friendly? Yes! We see families with small children every time we hike here.
- What else is nearby? Two of our favorite waterfalls are in this area. The trailhead to Spruce Flats Falls is just off the Tremont Institute parking lot, and if you continue hiking on the Middle Prong Trail, you will come to Indian Flats Falls.
To Summarize…Lynn Camp Prong Cascades
If you’re in the market for a short, easy, beautiful hike with an impressive water feature, this is your trail. It’s suitable for all ages, shady, with a loud creek on one side and gorgeous wildflowers on the other.
Happy Hiking!
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