Continuing with our list of  “10 Things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains this Spring,” is #7 – Take a Waterfall Hike.

Spring is arguably the best time of the year to visit one of the many beautiful waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains. Temperatures are usually mild, insects are still at a minimum, the trails are often lined with beautiful wildflowers and the typical spring rains make for a heavier flow of water at the various falls.

The biggest problem you’ll face is deciding which one to visit as there are many wonderful waterfalls to visit in the Smoky Mountains.

Laurel Falls because of its close proximity to Gatlinburg and its paved, well-maintained trail, is probably the most-visited waterfall in the Smokies. It’s a 2.6 mile roundtrip and is a fairly easy hike. The falls itself is 80-ft. high and is a very beautiful site especially when the Mountains Laurel that surrounds it is in bloom.

Abrams Falls, located off of the Cades Cove Loop Road is another one of the most popular trails in the Great Smokies. It’s a five-mile roundtrip and is moderate in difficulty. Abrams Falls itself is only 20-ft. high but the volume of water crashing over the falls is tremendous and the large, deep green pool at its base is very picturesque.

Other recommended hikes include Spruce Flats Falls,  Rainbow Falls, Grotto Falls, Mouse Creek Falls and Ramsay Cascades.

Whichever one you may decide to visit you’re certain to find it a very enjoyable and rewarding experience so hit get out and hit the trails!