Grotto Falls Parking - Hiking area in Gatlinburg
Hiking area

Grotto Falls Parking

GatlinburgRoaring Fork Motor Nature Trail Gatlinburg TN 37738
8.9
Excellent

Best For

Families with children • Casual hikers looking for a scenic waterfall • Nature photographers

Pro Tip

Get your parking pass from the visitor center before heading to the trail since there is no cell service to purchase or verify passes onsite

About Grotto Falls Parking

Grotto Falls delivers a rewarding 1.6-mile hike to a charming waterfall that visitors consistently describe as beautiful and worth the effort. The trail itself is relatively easy and mostly flat, making it accessible for most hikers. However, parking is the Achilles' heel of this location—the lot has roughly 20 spaces and fills quickly, forcing many visitors to park a mile or more down the road or circle the one-way loop road for an hour without success, especially during peak season.

Amenities & Features

Easy, mostly flat 1.6-mile hike suitable for various fitness levelsBeautiful waterfall where you can walk behind the falls and even dip your feet in the waterScenic trail that connects to Brushy Mountain summit trail for extended hikingPeaceful natural setting with occasional wildlife sightings like bear prints

Visitor Sentiment

Based on reviews

Grotto Falls Parking receives consistently positive feedback from visitors. Located in Gatlinburg, it's a solid choice for the area.

Best Times to Visit Grotto Falls Parking

Visit during weekday mornings for the calmest experience.

🔥Buzzing
Weekend afternoons
☀️Relaxed
Weekday mornings

Tags

Highly Reviewed

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours for Grotto Falls Parking?

Check our opening hours section for current times. Hours may vary seasonally.

Is Grotto Falls Parking family-friendly?

Yes, Grotto Falls Parking welcomes visitors of all ages. It's a popular destination for families visiting Gatlinburg.

How do I get to Grotto Falls Parking?

Grotto Falls Parking is located at Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail Gatlinburg TN 37738. Use the directions button for navigation.

How long should I plan to spend?

Most visitors spend 1-3 hours at Grotto Falls Parking. Allow extra time during peak seasons.

You May Also Like

More great places in Gatlinburg

View all
TSM Verified
8.9/10

We use a weighted 10-point scoring system to evaluate the best places to visit and things to do in the Smokies.

Scoring is carefully evaluated based on reviews, social signals and expert assessments.

Quality
8.61
👤Service
8.59
🏛️Value
8.36
💰Vibe
8.54
Public Review Sentiment
Based on 536 Reviews

Grotto Falls Parking receives consistently positive feedback from visitors. Located in Gatlinburg, it's a solid choice for the area.

Last Updated Dec 27, 2025

Website
Directions
Address

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail Gatlinburg TN 37738

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail Gatlinburg TN 37738

Gatlinburg

View larger map

Get Insider Tips

Sign up for local deals, hidden gems, and travel guides.