Spruce Flats Falls
Spruce Flats Falls
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- jgarrett2000Franklin, Tennessee26 contributionsGreat natural hike through nature.I am 69 year old male, and made the hike to Spruce Flats Falls with mt family/grand daughters,10,11,and 15 years old. I highly recommend that you be in good shape to make the trek, because of steep grads. Uneven trail, and rocky/roots, high stepping that is required. Take water/protein bars. WE made a number of stops to catch our breath, and hydrate, but the final decent and finally being at the Falls will always be remembered as one of my favorite days of my life.Visited June 2023Written 22 June 2023
- Sandy CUnited States29 contributionsTougher than expected, but doable, and the view was worth it!Some friends of ours invited us on the hike and told us it was ranked “easy”. They made it about half way up and turned around and went back. My husband and I continued the journey and it was well worth it. The view was amazing and I am so glad we did the hike! When we got back to the visitor center and read the sign, it was marked “moderate” and “moderate plus”, our friends read the sign wrong. Keep in mind the terrain is very rocky and lots of tree roots, and parts of it is narrow with a steep drop off. Anyone with mobility issues may have difficulty.Visited July 2023Written 14 July 2023
- rebsarinaHouston, Texas1 contributionTerrific first hike in the Smokies, to a lovely waterfallThe falls at the end of the trail are an excellent reward—well worth the hike! The reason I don’t give it five stars is that there are lots of roots and some areas where footing gets unsure. Still a great way to kick off our time in the Smokies! The Tremont center is at the trailhead. It was not open when we started our hike at 8am, but it was opening as we returned at 10am, and we were thrilled to use their bathroom, pick up a park map and get a little AC. We did not see any wildlife.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 15 July 2023
- GARY FBelleville, Michigan1 contributionWell worth the hike!Took this hike by myself, 72 y/o, and made it fine. I would definitely recommend decent shoes, no flip-flops as there are numerous roots and rocks that you will have to navigate but it is very doable. Some narrow spots and when you reach the peak of the trail, you do get some good scenery photos. The toughest part is really the last 100 yards or so down to the falls. Of course you have to come back up. I made it even with a history of back issues. Take your time. It will take you approx 2 hours to go and come back. But as I have reiterated from prior reviews, it is a good hike and well worth it in the end. No crowds like Laurel or Grotto. On my way back ran into another party who had seen a momma bear and her cub down the revine. But I missed her. Go and enjoy. You will enjoy it.Visited May 2023Travelled soloWritten 5 August 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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GARY F
Belleville, MI1 contribution
May 2023 • Solo
Took this hike by myself, 72 y/o, and made it fine. I would definitely recommend decent shoes, no flip-flops as there are numerous roots and rocks that you will have to navigate but it is very doable. Some narrow spots and when you reach the peak of the trail, you do get some good scenery photos. The toughest part is really the last 100 yards or so down to the falls. Of course you have to come back up. I made it even with a history of back issues. Take your time. It will take you approx 2 hours to go and come back. But as I have reiterated from prior reviews, it is a good hike and well worth it in the end. No crowds like Laurel or Grotto. On my way back ran into another party who had seen a momma bear and her cub down the revine. But I missed her. Go and enjoy. You will enjoy it.
Written 5 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rebsarina
Houston, TX1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Family
The falls at the end of the trail are an excellent reward—well worth the hike! The reason I don’t give it five stars is that there are lots of roots and some areas where footing gets unsure. Still a great way to kick off our time in the Smokies! The Tremont center is at the trailhead. It was not open when we started our hike at 8am, but it was opening as we returned at 10am, and we were thrilled to use their bathroom, pick up a park map and get a little AC. We did not see any wildlife.
Written 15 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandy C
United States29 contributions
Jul 2023
Some friends of ours invited us on the hike and told us it was ranked “easy”. They made it about half way up and turned around and went back. My husband and I continued the journey and it was well worth it. The view was amazing and I am so glad we did the hike! When we got back to the visitor center and read the sign, it was marked “moderate” and “moderate plus”, our friends read the sign wrong. Keep in mind the terrain is very rocky and lots of tree roots, and parts of it is narrow with a steep drop off. Anyone with mobility issues may have difficulty.
Written 14 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jgarrett2000
Franklin, TN26 contributions
Jun 2023
I am 69 year old male, and made the hike to Spruce Flats Falls with mt family/grand daughters,10,11,and 15 years old. I highly recommend that you be in good shape to make the trek, because of steep grads. Uneven trail, and rocky/roots, high stepping that is required. Take water/protein bars. WE made a number of stops to catch our breath, and hydrate, but the final decent and finally being at the Falls will always be remembered as one of my favorite days of my life.
Written 22 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellyn R
Oxford, AL21 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
This was a good moderate to hard hike. There were a lot of rocks to climb toward the end, going down to the base of the falls. It was a mile out and a mile back. The falls were well worth the pain!
Written 18 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jos Sie
37 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Spruce Flat Falls
June 12, 2023 Monday.
It’s a short trail 1.4 miles took us 2 hours to get there and back. Very beautiful and calming falls. We had our 8 year old son and we kinda a little bit scared for him, but he enjoyed the falls and the trail was not hard for him to walk, he was actually talking the whole time while going uphill in which my husband and I were out of breath . Our two teenager sons walked really fast on the trail.
I recommend this trail for a peaceful walks on the mountain. You have to purchase a $5 parking ticket for a day in the information center located at the parking 🅿️ lot.
June 12, 2023 Monday.
It’s a short trail 1.4 miles took us 2 hours to get there and back. Very beautiful and calming falls. We had our 8 year old son and we kinda a little bit scared for him, but he enjoyed the falls and the trail was not hard for him to walk, he was actually talking the whole time while going uphill in which my husband and I were out of breath . Our two teenager sons walked really fast on the trail.
I recommend this trail for a peaceful walks on the mountain. You have to purchase a $5 parking ticket for a day in the information center located at the parking 🅿️ lot.
Written 15 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dawn H
Florida86 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
4 of us, all between 60-70 hiked this. Online said it was a moderate trail with some challenging sections. We’re not mountain trail climbers but wanted to experience the Smoky Mountains and a waterfall while traveling.
It was much more challenging due to the numerous large rocks and tree roots we needed to climb. The huge drop off the sometimes very narrow trail in spots was another. We found scavenged walking sticks which were a plus. I can’t imagine not using one!
We made it to the waterfall where we could cool our feet in the chilly water. Refreshing. But then the trek back. Proud we did it but not again.
It was much more challenging due to the numerous large rocks and tree roots we needed to climb. The huge drop off the sometimes very narrow trail in spots was another. We found scavenged walking sticks which were a plus. I can’t imagine not using one!
We made it to the waterfall where we could cool our feet in the chilly water. Refreshing. But then the trek back. Proud we did it but not again.
Written 22 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David H
41 contributions
Jul 2022
Nice falls without the major crowds. Hiked here with family including a 6 and 8 year old. Keep an eye on the little ones because there are some steep dropoffs on the trail, however we had no major problems. Terrain can be a little challenging, but take your time, anyone can do this trail. Well worth the moderately short hike for the falls. The pool below the falls is the perfect place to cool off if its hot. Trail is short enough not to have to worry about bringing food or even drinks, although, its probably a good idea to bring a beverage. Highly recommend this hike for the lower crowds and time it takes to finish.
Written 21 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer B
Morgantown, WV72 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
These falls are very pretty but not easy. There’s a lot of rocks & roots to trek over & the trail can be 2’ wide at times. I though it was harder than Groton Falls. Not a lot of room when you get to the falls. Be prepared to climb over big rocks to get a good spot to sit.
Written 20 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessica S
4 contributions
Sept 2021 • Family
This trail was not very well marked and difficult to find but made it a more peaceful hike since there weren’t as many people. The hike itself was quite strenuous. Though it was only 2 miles you are climbing over rocks or tree roots almost the entire way. But the falls were powerful and beautiful and well worth the hike!
Written 23 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristin C
Hardy, VA
How do I get to it or an address..
DoctormomStow
Stow, OH453 contributions
Would follow signs or google address for Tremont institute because the trailhead starts there.
diamondkranch
Thomaston, CT4 contributions
Are dogs on a leash allowed on the Spruce Flats Falls Trail?
Amy C
Sevierville, TN101 contributions
No, dogs are not allowed on most trails in the national park.
John S
6 contributions
How was the auto traffic getting to and from the parking area at Spruce flat falls?
Matt M
113 contributions
We were coming from Townsend which was just a couple miles from the turn leading back to the parking lot at Spruce Flats Falls. The roads are single lane in each direction once you are inside the park so it will depend on the speed of the cars in front of you. If you are coming from Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg you are likely to encounter more traffic. We arrived fairly early and there was no traffic in the parking lot but was starting to fill up by the end of our hike.
Elianneriley
1 contribution
What is the easier route to the Falls other than Tremont?
Jacana
orlando1,187 contributions
No. You have to park at the Tremont Institute. There is only one road in and this trail doesn’t have any connectors. The trail is moderate and pretty short.
Can leashed dogs be taken?
Janet W
Jeffersonville, IN7,625 contributions
no...dogs are only allowed on The Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail on a leash.
They are allowed in parking areas on a leash and in the campgrounds on a leash. Check out the Great Smoky Mountain National Park website for info on their pet policies.
danalilma26
Ocala, FL
Was this hike hard for kids to do? I have a 10 yr old and 5 yr old that would love to see some falls while we are on our trip.
Shannon K
Knoxville, TN128 contributions
I'm so sorry I'm just now seeing your question. I hope you were able to find some good hikes with waterfalls for you kids.
MariefromGeorgia
Ludowici, GA3,842 contributions
how far is it one way? I am 54 years old .
James W
109 contributions
Took us ~30-45 min. each way to hike it.
nurfaa
Wichita, KS24 contributions
Is this kid friendly? My 3 yr old might need to be on his Ergo carrier. Is it tough with a 3 yr on the back? We are in out mid 40s.
Thanks
James W
109 contributions
Depends on your physical shape. Not saying I wouldn't but be cautious. Go slower with good footing and hold onto trees when you can.
Look at the pics to get a better feel.
Regards,
woodsmokesandy
Chicago, IL66 contributions
how do we find the opening to hiking this falls?
James W
109 contributions
I put Tremont St. into the GPS on my iPhone and then once I turned into the road I just drove to the Smokey Mtn. Institure on left (couple miles I believe).
There you can park and the little gift shop gives directions.
Feel free to ask anything else.
Danielle M
Murphy, NC
Exactly where is this falls located? When I searched the Townsend Visitors Center in Tennessee, the road it's on is not Tremont. Anymore information you could give me would really help. We're heading over from Murphy NC.
Thanks,
Danielle
catlettfarm
Sevierville, TN31 contributions
From Townsend take hwy 73 into the gsmnp at the 1st intersection take a right like you are heading to cades cove. In less than 1 mile turn left on to Tremont Rd. Go 2 or 3 miles turn left to Tremont Visitors Center (also located there is the Institute at Tremont). Park in the visitors center parking lot. Start walking up the road towards the dormitories. Then bear left up a gravel road to a dormitory. To the left of that building you will see signs to the Falls. The trail is well marked after that but the signs simply say Falls. I hope this helps
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Claim your listingSpruce Flats Falls - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Spruce Flats Falls
- Hotels near Spruce Flats Falls:
- (7.39 km) Tuckaleechee Retreat Center and Cabins
- (5.40 km) Townsend Gateway Inn
- (9.04 km) Dancing Bear Lodge
- (6.79 km) Highland Manor Inn & Conference Center
- (4.12 km) Little Arrow Outdoor Resort
- Restaurants near Spruce Flats Falls:
- (6.05 km) The Artistic Bean
- (9.23 km) Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro
- (6.67 km) Trailhead Steak & Trout House
- (12.12 km) PawPaw's Catfish Kitchen
- (4.84 km) Burger Master Drive-In