Grotto Falls

About the Hike

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.3 miles each way
Elevation Change: 585 feet
Location: Just outside of Gatlinburg, TN on the Roaring Forks Motor Nature Trail. From Gatlinburg, turn at traffic light #8 onto Airport Rd. This becomes the Motor Nature Trail. Grotto Falls trailhead is about 2 miles into the one way loop.




7.7.2011



Crossing the river with Daddy.



Hiked to Grotto Falls this evening. The trail climbs very slowly and gradually until the very end and then slopes down toward the falls. A few things for fellow tots to beware of. The trail crosses the Roaring Fork several times (4 or 5, I believe) without a a bridge. The water is not deep, it didn't even completely cover Mommy's foot and there are rocks that bigger kids and grownups can hop across. I was wearing waterproof sandals, but still had Daddy help me over or through the water. The trail is wide and well worn most of the way, with a few rocky patches that made for great climbing and jumping (while Mommy and Daddy held their breaths) . Since the ground is packed down so well however, it gets a little slippery when wet. Also the end of the trail as go down to the falls has a lot of slate and is very wet and slippery, so you'll probably need a helping hand. The waterfall is cool and beautiful however and felt great on a hot, muggy, July evening. It is several degrees cooler at the falls than at the trailhead.

Since we hiked in the evening we saw a couple of bunnies along the trail having dinner. We also saw a tiny golden salamander, no more than half an inch long, in the middle of the trail that scurried away as we approached him.

This is another waterfall that you can go behind, it plummets 25 feet over a rock cliff and is very loud behind the falls. Brother thought it was hilarious! He giggled the whole time we were behind it. It was a tough hike, but worth it!

Almost there!

Behind the waterfall.