Hike to Hen Wallow Falls in Great Smoky Mountains NP
Details
Distance
4.4 miles
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Added by Cassandra Harrison
Gorgeous hike in the midst of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Trek through a lush hemlock and rhododendron forest to a stunning 90-foot tall waterfall that is ideal for wading.
Start your adventure by parking in the Cosby Picnic Area Parking Lot near the entrance of the Cosby Campground. (127 Cosby Picnic Area Rd, Cosby, TN 37722.) Then backtrack through the parking lot about 100 yards until you see the sign marking the start of Gabes Mountain Trail.
The trek to Hen Wallow Falls and back is 4.4 miles, takes 3-4 hours, and is of moderate difficulty. Be aware of some very steep areas on the trail and some places with precarious footing - so wear sturdy shoes. The waterfall is beautiful, though, and well-worth the climb.
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Reviews
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Enjoyable Kid Friendly Hike
Great hike with my 7 year old - 3 small bridges to cross and long enough for a challenge but short enough to limit the complaints. Beautiful waterfall to enjoy a picnic before heading back. Took us about 2.5 hours.
5.0
Go Chasing Waterfalls
At the 3rd bridge, a shortcut exists if you stay to the left. It cuts down a little bit of the hike if you're feeling lazy. The trail winds along the mountain and really allows you to appreciate the rock formations/caves. There are a lot of great photo ops at the falls. We brought our bathing suits, expecting to wade in the water but there weren't many spots to do so, maybe the flow was low. You can do both this and Ramsey's Cascades in the same day. Ramsey's hike is more difficult but with a more rewarding view. I'd recommend this hike be your warmup for Ramsey's.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
