Hen Wallow Falls in Great Smoky Mountains

We had high expectations for Hen Wallow Falls. It’s in a section of the Great Smoky Mountains we had never visited. It would be a new waterfall for us, and we love chasing waterfalls. And the name – “Hen Wallow Falls” – would chickens be riding down the falls? Inquiring minds want to know!

Sadly, the reality fell short of our expectations.

What's Inside This Post...

Where is Hen Wallow Falls?

Hen Wallow Falls is in the far northeastern section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s 17 miles east of Gatlinburg – a 25 minute drive – in Cosby, TN.

Leave Gatlinburg on Highway 321 headed east. Drive 16 miles, where you’ll turn right onto Birch Tree Way. In another quarter of a mile turn left on Laurel Springs Road. The parking lot for the Cosby Campground and Picnic Area will be 0.4 miles ahead on your left. Park in the lower lot near the road. You’re here!

(Click anywhere on the map below to enlarge it.)

Map showing directions from Gatlinburg to Hen Wallow Falls

Where is the Trailhead?

Did I mention that you should bring a picnic lunch with you? The Cosby Picnic Area is very nice. LARGE parking area. There are several picnic tables scattered around the area, as well as a pavilion. There are also restrooms, which you will see from the parking lot.

PRO TIP – These are the cleanest restrooms I have ever encountered in any national park. You should use them even if you don’t need to – they are that clean!

You actually passed the trailhead just before arriving at the parking lot, but you may not have noticed it – we didn’t. Just walk out of the parking lot, turn right, and walk downhill – you’ll see the trail sign just a few steps down the road on your left.

Gabes Mountain Trail

We had been warned about this trail. Almost everyone we had talked with about it told us how steep it is. And almost everyone we met as we hiked up the trail complained about it. And they were all correct.

Hiking trails headed uphill to Hen Wallow Falls

Gabes Mountain Trail to Hen Wallow Falls is 4.2 miles roundtrip, with the first 2 miles involving a relentless climb. AllTrails rates it as a “Moderate” hike, but I would rate it as “Moderate Plus”, somewhere between “Moderate” and “Strenuous”. The elevation gain over the first 2 miles is 964′.

It is also very rocky and very rooty. This slowed us down because dodging and stepping over and around the rocks and the roots (and occasionally tripping on them) was quite time-consuming.

PRO TIP – We recommend hiking boots and hiking poles. They will provide you with more traction, better balance, and much more protection for your feet than sandals or sneakers.

Finally, we arrived at a trail sign informing us we only had 0.1 miles to go. WooHoo! We had been warned especially about this last section. It’s VERY steep going down to the falls and coming back up. It involved a combination of walking, climbing (sometimes with the aid of a rope), and sliding on our backsides. It was fun!

Hen Wallow Falls

Fun Fact – We saw no hens wallowing at Hen Wallow Falls. The waterfall apparently gets its name from the ruffled grouse, which enjoys wallowing in the dust. Hmmm – who knew…

Hen Wallow Falls was a bit of a disappointment to us. (Maybe our expectations were too high…) It is a 95′ cascade that slides down the rock face. However, on the day we were there, it was very narrow, no more than 5′ wide at the base, if that. The volume of the water was quite low, as well.

Very little space at the base of the falls was an issue, because a large family was already there, taking up all the available space. We found a rock to perch on several feet off to the side of the falls. A couple who arrived a few minutes after us had to sit even farther away. It was impossible to see most of the waterfall unless you were standing right in front of it – where the family was.

After a few minutes of rest, we started back. The climb out was short (0.1 mile), steep, and fun – but then, we both enjoy climbing and scrambling. The entire hike back was downhill.

“I Have a Question…”

“Can I Bring My Dog – He Loves Chickens?” – Nope. Dogs are only allowed on Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail and must be leashed at all times.
How Long Does it Take to Hike to Hen Wallow Falls? – It took us a bit over 3 hours to hike the 4.5 miles out and back.
“Is This Hike Worth It?” – I’m sorry to say it’s not, at least in my humble opinion. But feel free to disagree with me!
“What Else is There Out in This Direction?” – On your way to Cosby you passed Greenbriar Road, 7.8 miles east of Gatlinburg on Highway 321. This area is spectacular, with numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, and the Little Pigeon River. Great spot for a picnic! Highly recommended!

The Verdict – Hen Wallow Falls

We were disappointed by our experience at Hen Wallow Falls. It’s a bit of a drive to get to this section of the park, and the waterfall is not worth the effort it takes to get there. If you decide you want to see it for yourself, try to go following heavy rain – the water flow should be heavier then.

“The Disappointing Truth: Hen Wallow Falls in Great Smoky Mountains”