Tucked away behind one of the Smokies’ most photographed waterfalls, The Sinks, lies a trail most visitors overlook entirely — the Meigs Creek Trail to Meigs Creek Cascade.
While the Sinks parking lot buzzes with families and sightseers, just a few steps beyond the overlook you’ll find a trail that leads to solitude, lush forests, and scenic creek crossings, and a majestic waterfall encompassed by mossy stones and the stillness of the mountains.
This is one of those underrated hikes that feels worlds away from Gatlinburg’s crowds, even though you’re only 15 minutes from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Here’s everything you need to know about the Meigs Creek Cascade via Meigs Creek Trail in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Note: Some of the links below contain affiliate links. This doesn’t increase the cost of any item to you, but simply means that I’ll receive a small commission of any sales from those links. Thank you!
Great Smoky Mountains Parking & Passes
To hike Meigs Creek Trail, you’ll park at The Sinks — a scenic roadside waterfall along Little River Road, about 11 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center (roughly a 15-minute drive).
Parking is free in the sense that there’s no gate fee, but you’ll need to display a Great Smoky Mountains National Park parking pass on your dashboard. Luckily, these are easy to acquire.
How to get a Great Smoky Mountains parking pass:
- Buy a $5 daily parking pass or longer options directly at the Sugarlands Visitor Center using the easy self-service machines
- Or purchase it online via the recreation.gov Smokies parking system and print it before your trip.
If you’re spending a few days exploring the park, the $15 weekly pass is your best value. If you’re planning on repeat visits throughout the year, you can also get an annual pass for $40.
Meigs Creek Cacade Trail Overview near Gatlinburg
Trailhead: Meigs Creek Trail (Meigs Creek Cascade via Meigs Creek Trail)
Distance: 3.5 miles roundtrip (out-and-back). Meigs Creek Trail itself is longer, but this hike is to the cascade ONLY and then back.
Elevation Gain: ~738 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Meigs Creek Cascades, numerous stream crossings, lush forest, solitude
You’ll begin climbing almost immediately from the trailhead — the incline can feel steep in spots, but it levels out as the path meanders through the forest. What makes this trail so unique is the number of creek crossings (at least 4 or 5 just to Meigs Creek Cascade), so wear water-friendly sandals (Tevas, Chacos, etc) or waterproof boots.
After about 1.7 miles, you’ll reach Meigs Creek Cascade, a gorgeous multi-tiered waterfall hidden within the forest. It’s not massive like Rainbow Falls, but it’s incredibly peaceful — especially if you have it to yourself (which is likely).
While I was there, I had lunch on top of the waterfall and then walked down to be right in front of the waterfall. The views are wonderful and there are many rocks that make it possible to sit down, relax, and listen to the world around you. Just be cautious on slippery rocks.
I’ve rated this trail moderate due to the incline leading up to the bulk of the trail and because of all the creek crossings. You might want hiking poles, particularly if it’s recently rained and you’re traversing the crossings.
Solo Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains + Bear Encounters
I hiked Meigs Creek Trail solo — and while I only passed a handful of people along the way, the solitude made it even more special.
However, on the way back down, about a mile from the parking lot, I spotted a black bear right on the path ahead. The bear was crossing from one side of the woods to the other. It was my first solo encounter with one, and it reminded me why hiking in the Smokies always deserves respect.
The bear quickly moved off-trail, but it’s a good reminder to:
- Always make noise as you hike (talk, hum, or clap occasionally). This allows the bear to know you’re there so they don’t get startled
- Carry bear spray in case of emergencies
- Never approach or run from a bear. When I had my encounter I was a safe distance away and I quietly waited for the bear to pass. I didn’t make noise in this moment because I didn’t want to draw attention to myself.
- Keep a distance if you do see one
- Don’t leave food out on the trail
It’s worth noting that black bears are quite timid and shy. The bears around the Smokies are relatively used to seeing humans from time to time, so they’re overall peaceful, shy, and avoid confrontation with humans.
Also Nearby: Wears Valley
Once you finish your hike, Wears Valley is just a short drive away and makes the perfect stop for a post-hike meal or coffee break.
Wears Valley recommendations:
The Heavenly Roast for coffee and pastries,
Elvira’s Café for locally loved farm-to-table comfort food, or
Sloppy Hog for American cuisine, drinks, and great views
It’s a scenic little area with open fields, mountain views, and far fewer crowds than Gatlinburg. There are also a few “touristy” things to do like Alpine coaster rides and ziplines.
Final Thoughts
The trail to Meigs Creek Cascade is one of the best underrated hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains — one that gives you waterfalls, peaceful forests, and a taste of true Appalachian wilderness without the crowds.
If you’re looking for a peaceful day hike in Gatlinburg that blends adventure and nature with quiet beauty, this is one to add to your list.
Buy me a coffee
