Smoky Mountains Hike: Explore Cascades and Waterfalls

Embark on an adventurous hiking tour in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Explore pristine cascades and waterfalls on a little-known trail, with stunning views of mountains, wildflowers, and swimming holes.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park - On this hike, we’ll explore a popular trail, passing several beautiful cascades and views before taking a less traveled trail to view spectacular cascades and falls. We’ll learn about this varied forest, enjoy some beautiful old growth trees and in the spring, pause in wonder at the variety of wildflowers….
What's Included
  • Snacks
  • All fees and/or taxes
  • Professional Guide
What's Not Included
  • Gratuity for your guide is not included in the cost. Industry standard recommends 15-20%.
  • Bottled water
  • Rain Gear - we do have extra emergency ponchos on hand if needed.
  • Transportation
  • Parking Tag not included.
Additional Information

With 3100 miles of streams in the Smokies, there are thousands of beautiful stretches of white water. Adventure awaits as you explore the magic of pristine cascades and waterfalls on a little-known trail. We’ll warm up on a more popular trail, pausing to enjoy smaller cascades before turning onto a less traveled section of the Park. In the winter, we’ll…

Location
Sugarlands Visitor Center
Fighting Creek Gap Road
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park will require parking passes for any vehicle stopping longer than 15 minutes. **NOTE: You will follow the guide in your own vehicle to the trailhead.**
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(130 Ratings)
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Jennifer_a
Apr 25, 2025
Thundering Cascades and Falls Tour – An Unforgettable Experience with China - I can’t recommend the Thundering Cascades and Falls tour with Walk in the Woods highly enough—and having China as our guide made it absolutely unforgettable. From the start at Sugarlands Visitor Center to the quieter, less-traveled trails, this hike was a perfect mix of scenic beauty and discovery. China was incredible. Her knowledge of the Smokies was deep, but it was her curiosity and enthusiasm that made the day truly special. We were hoping to spot salamanders, and she was all in—carefully lifting rocks, gently searching along stream edges, and pointing out snails, millipedes, and anything else she could find. Every small discovery was met with such joy, it was impossible not to feel that same wonder. As a photographer, I tend to stop often, and China was incredibly patient, always making sure I had time to get the shot without ever feeling rushed. Her energy, care, and genuine love for the natural world made this tour stand out. If you have the chance to hike with her—take it!
Review provided by Viator
Carlos
Apr 18, 2025
Fun, beautiful and informative - Deb was very informative and catered the experience to how we wanted our experience to be. She was very caring of preserving the naturality of the Smokey's. Beautiful sceneries.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bonniesal
Mar 28, 2025
A beautiful hike! - China was great! We hiked, learned a lot and because it was a small group, got individual attention. We were lucky.It was a beautiful day, and five senior ladies enjoyed it very much, even though it was a little challenging for us. We got within two miles of the appalachian trail, and china explained what the actual trail looked. A win!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bonnie_s
Mar 26, 2025
Great hike! - China was they're accommodating in very knowledgeable. A great experience and beautiful waterfalls. She involved people in our group of different ages.
Review provided by Viator
Netshade
Mar 25, 2025
Great smoky mountains intro hike - Great time, knowledgeable guide, easy hike that kids ( 8, 13 ) handled wo issue. Trail was a good introduction to the park.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Beth
Feb 27, 2025
Thundering Streams was a great hike. - Our guide, China was very informative about native plants, local history and more. Perfect hike for a couple of boomers
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Annette_p
Oct 29, 2024
Beautiful streams & fall colors - Ken was such a great guide. He showed us beautiful streams & waterfalls. The hike was also very educational as he told us about different trees & history of the area. This was my husband & I’s first hike but it definitely won’t be our last.
Review provided by Viator
Sabina
Oct 27, 2024
Enjoyable Experience - Our guide Sam was incredibly knowledgeable about the Smokys and made sure the pace of the guided hike was comfortable for the entire group. She also brought us a snack and even made us hemlock tea that we could enjoy with our snack. We appreciated her wealth of knowledge. The hike had some incline but enough opportunity to rest so it was very doable. A Walk In The Woods seems like a very organized and reputable option for hiking/backpacking guides.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tammyhk7381oe
Oct 21, 2024
Awesome beauty; Ken is an expert knowledgeable guide! - With over 30 years of experience Ken is an expert of the flora and fauna of this beautiful park! He opens one’s eyes to things the average hiker would never notice, sharing his knowledge, love, and appreciation for the Smokies; even sharing one of the secret gems of the trail. I highly recommend this trip!! Tammy and Larry
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jeanne_t
Oct 19, 2024
Hard to Find - Could not find the meeting place and no reception in the park. We went on our own up to Laurel Falls. There should be a marker to indicate where 1420 Fighting Creek Gap is located to assist the hiker who is new to the park.
Review provided by Viator
From $76
up to 11 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).