
Chasing Waterfalls: A Smoky Mountain Guided Hike
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 170 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Chasing Waterfalls: A Smoky Mountain Guided Hike worth booking?
Chasing Waterfalls: A Smoky Mountain Guided Hike is a 3-hour experience in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, United States, from $95 per person. It scores 86 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 170 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 86 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (170)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $95 per person
Follow the sound of rushing water into one of the Smokies’ most refreshing guided hikes. Chasing Waterfalls is perfect for those chasing cascades, waterfalls, streams, mossy rocks, cool forest trails, and classic Smoky M
What you get
About this experience
Follow the sound of rushing water into one of the Smokies’ most refreshing guided hikes. Chasing Waterfalls is perfect for those chasing cascades, waterfalls, streams, mossy rocks, cool forest trails, and classic Smoky Mountain water scenery. With an experienced naturalist guide, you’ll explore a lush mountain landscape shaped by water. Along the way, your guide may point out wildflowers, old-growth pockets, stream ecology, salamanders, forest plants, and the hidden details most visitors walk past. This tour is a strong choice for families, first-time visitors, photographers, summer guests, and anyone who wants a memorable waterfall hike without committing to a strenuous full-day adventure. Best for: Waterfall lovers, families, photographers, summer visitors, first-time Smokies guests, and guests who want a water-filled guided hike. Duration: 3 Hours | Difficulty: Moderate | Mileage: 2.5 | Elevation Change: 900' | Ages: 8+ Meeting Location: Sugarlands Visitors Center
What's included
Included
- Snacks
- All Fees and Taxes
- Professional Guide
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.
What you'll see and do
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. This adventure has some elevation gain before we explore a quieter trail. Be ready to climb over some downed trees and get your feet wet. You'll meet your guide at the Sugarlands Visitors Center where you will follow them in your own vehicle 10 minutes to the trailhead.
180 minutes here
Newfound Gap Road
Newfound Gap Road has many scenic vistas and points of interest.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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.**
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
You will end your tour here. Since you will have followed the guide to the trailhead in your own vehicle, you are free to explore the area further if you'd like or head out.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 11 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- A Walk in the Woods
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Must be in good physical condition, able to climb over downed trees, walk on uneven surfaces and climb in elevation
- Please note that, while we do our best to follow the itinerary listed, we may need to pivot due to road closures or events outside of our control. We require a minimum of 2 people to operate this tour. We operate rain or shine.
- We do not provide transportation. You will follow the guide to the trailhead in your own vehicle.
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 169 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Physical effort
7 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
169 verified traveler reviews for Chasing Waterfalls: A Smoky Mountain Guided Hike. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great experience!
Sam (Samantha) was an amazing guide for our tour! This was the first time we ever scheduled a tour and Sam made the experience one we will forget. Our tour started with the sun shining and ended with a light rain. We were able to see exactly why they are called the Smokey Mountains. Rain or shine it is worth it. We could not have asked for a better experience!
Response from the operator: Thank you! We appreciate your review and hope to see you again in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Best excursion I booked!
We did the half day guided tour. The guide was on time, very knowledgeable of the area and history and customized our hike to our level and what we wanted to see. The best part is them knowing the quieter trails and we often felt like we were alone. It was a fantastic experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Response from the operator: Amazing! Thank you so much for this glowing review. We appreciate it so much!
via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable Experience!
We had an amazing adventure! Our hike was all we had hoped for-fun and full of beautiful sites. Our guide, China, was amazing! She was knowledgeable, patient, and fun! She really gave us an experience that we will never forget as a family! We can’t wait to do it again!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for that fantastic review! We really appreciate it!
via Tripadvisor
Chasing Waterfalls
We had an awesome time! Our guide China was amazing and very knowledgeable. Very personable and she kept it interesting. Would highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the great review! We hope to see you again in the future.
via Tripadvisor
It was overpriced for...
It was overpriced for this experience. Our tour guide was amazing and the hike was gorgeous but the price was insane and not worth it. Way to rip people off.
Response from the operator: Hi Alana, It looks like you booked through a 3rd party and not directly with our company. I'm sorry you were disappointed with the rate. Unfortunately, we cannot control how high commission rates can be with outside vendors. We always suggest booking direct! We're glad you had a great time with your guide!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 59
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 86
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Chasing Waterfalls: A Smoky Mountain Guided Hike: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
How much does Chasing Waterfalls: A Smoky Mountain Guided Hike cost?
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Prices start at $95 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Great Smoky Mountains National Park usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Chasing Waterfalls: A Smoky Mountain Guided Hike take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is not rushed.
Is Chasing Waterfalls: A Smoky Mountain Guided Hike worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 86 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 170 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Chasing Waterfalls: A Smoky Mountain Guided Hike?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Chasing Waterfalls: A Smoky Mountain Guided Hike suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Chasing Waterfalls: A Smoky Mountain Guided Hike?
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Around 59 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Great Smoky Mountains National Park can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Chasing Waterfalls: A Smoky Mountain Guided Hike start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Great Smoky Mountains National Park within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park draws visitors for its landscapes, wildlife and guided outdoor experiences. Outty tracks every bookable tour here, scores it with the Outty Ranking, and shows what is worth your time, from full-day guided trips to short scenic outings. On Outty we rank every Great Smoky Mountains National Park experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include 3-Hour Nantahala River Fully Guided Rafting Experience, Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Great Smoky Mountains, River Magic: An Easy Smoky Mountain Guided Walk. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
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Late spring through early fall for full access and the widest tour availability, with quieter trails in the shoulder weeks. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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