Grotto Falls
 Grotto Falls are easy to find.
 Grotto Falls, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, USA Photographic Print Tilly, Rob 64 in. x 48 in. Buy at AllPosters.com
Roaring Fork Creek, Great Smoky Mountains Art Print 11 in. x 17 in. Buy at AllPosters.com Framed Mounted When you get to Gatlinburg, go to stoplight #8. Turn left onto Nature Trail Road then proceed straight for approximately 1 mile to the Cherokee Orchard entrance of the Park. Bear right until you see the sign for Roaring Fork Motor Trail. After you are on the Motor trail look for stop #5. This hiking trail is an easy to moderate grade hike that takes you on a 1.5 mile journey through the lush forrest of the Great Smoky Mountain National Forrest all the way to the beautiful 20 foot high Grotto waterfall. Along the way there are a great variety of trees. If you know what to look for you can find hemlock, balsam, birch, maple, oaks and buckeye and many others. Since the trail is on the North side of Mt. Leconte it is usually cooler and more moist than some other trails.
 The 3 mile round trip journey to Grotto Falls is an excellent trail for those who have never hiked in the Smokies before or perhaps are rushed for time. We arrived at the trailhead and started out on our way at 9:30 AM. We arrived at the falls shortly after 10:30. We did not rush. We never rush. The point is to enjoy the hike by stopping and checking out various curiosities like the big tree with "bumps" you see below.
 Yep, one of the first suggestions I make is to slow down and keep your eyes open for the simple pleasures of life. 
 For most of the way the grade level is very moderate although there are areas that were a bit more of a challange.  Some portions of the trail had previously been washed out by storms but the Park Service is very good at repairing any damage very quickly.  Watch your step on the roots in some sections of the trail on your way up to the falls. Nothing treacherous mind you, but your footing is something you should always pay close attention to on any hike.
 Occasionally you will run into other hikers. But one of the wonderful things about being out in the wilderness is everyone you happen to meet understands, and shares the same love and appreciation for nature. No loud radios and sounds of traffic out here in the boonies. 
 We stoped often and took a water break. We let James play around in the small stream and get wet. It wasn't very hot when we went. I'd say around 80 or 85 degrees. Humidity wasn't bad either on the day. Mainly because we were there relatively early. I'm not a big fan of hiking when it gets into the high 90's so I always recommend morning hikes. 
 As you approach Grotto Falls, even before you can see it, you will hear this very loud rushing sound. It is a wonderfall and awe inspiring noise because you know your efforts are about to be rewarded.
 As you come up a small incline that turns slightly to the right Grotto Falls unfolds before you and see why this is one of the most popular hikes in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. When we took this hike during the first part of June, Gatlinburg was experiencing a mild drought. So the falls were not as spectacular as they could have been but we were not disapointed nonetheless.
 After taking in the falls we drank some more water and headed back down the trail. Going down is always so much more satisfying it seems. Not only is it easier but deep inside you know that you have seen things that few will make the effort to see that day. You get a fulfilling, gratifying sense of well being. Well worth it. If you continue on under the Grotto Falls trail will eventually lead you to Trillium Gap and then all the way to Mt. LeConte. It is another 1.5 miles to Trillium Gap and another 6.5 if you want to go all the way to Mt. LeConte.
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