About
Length (round trip)2.6 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyModerate
Elevation gain585 ft up
Typical time1 hr 30 min
TrailheadTrillium Gap trailhead, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
SurfaceDirt with stream crossings
Best seasonApril to June for wildflowers, mid-October for fall colour. High elevations are cold and icy from November to March.
DogsNot allowed
AccessibilityTrail has occasional roots, rocks, and inclines.
What you'll see 💧 Waterfall🌲 Old growth

Overview Expect extreme crowding and limited parking-consider a shuttle or alternate hikes listed below Hike 2.6 miles (4.2 km) roundtrip on Trillium Gap Trail as it crosses multiple streams in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and meanders through sections of old-growth forest and rhododendron to reach a cool mountain cove with mossy boulders and a unique waterfall you can walk behind. The trail to Grotto Falls is well-traveled, especially in summer, but rainfall and high water can make for muddy and slippery conditions. Length 4 miles (6.4 km) roundtrip Parking & Trailhead Please consider a shuttle or park at Trillium Gap Trailhead on the one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (road closed in winter). Don't forget your parking tag . Nearest Restroom Pit toilets at Rainbow Falls Trailhead (plan to stop for restrooms before entering the one-way loop to the trailhead) Alternate Hikes Baskins Creek Falls: roughly 3 miles (4.8 km) roundtrip Extension on Trillium Gap via Rainbow Falls parking area: see a map for varying lengths

Tips
Reached from the one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, which closes in winter. The llama train that resupplies LeConte Lodge uses this trail three mornings a week - a genuine sight.
Location

Trillium Gap trailhead, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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