Side view of Spruce Flats Falls

Overview: Spruce Flats Falls Trail

There are over 40 waterfalls in Smoky Mountains National Park. Each is beautiful in its own way. Spruce Flats Falls is one of our favorites. It is made up of four cascades that drop a total of 125′. The falls run for a total of 320′.

The large pool at the bottom of the largest cascade is perfect for wading in. Also, there are lots of boulders to climb on. Plenty of photo opps here!

Published August 1, 2023…Updated January 11, 2025

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View from the trail to Spruce Flats Falls
The falls viewed from down the creek
  • Distance: 1.8 miles roundtrip
  • Difficulty: The trail is rated “Easy” by some, and “Moderate” by others, due to the steepness of the first part of the trail. But it is short – less than 2 miles roundtrip…and definitely worth it!
  • Duration: 2-3 hours, including time playing at the falls, taking photos, looking for salamanders, etc…
  • Restrooms? There is a restroom in the Tremont Institute Bookstore. You’ll see the entrance from the parking lot.
  • Parking? Yes, in the Tremont Institute parking lot.
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont logo
  • Dogs Allowed? No
  • Crowded? No
  • Visitor Center? There is a small bookstore here where you may purchase books, souvenirs, and snacks. Vending machines are located outside in the parking lot. Be sure to stop in – the people there are very friendly! One of the employees took time to visit with us and even showed us some video she had taken of river otters playing in the area.
Spruce Flats Falls

Getting to the Trailhead for Spruce Flats Fall

The trailhead for Spruce Flats Falls is on the way to Cades Cove. Travel west on Little River Road (Hwy 73) to the intersection of Laurel Creek Road, then continue on Little River Road for another 0.2 miles.

Turn left at the sign for Tremont Road/Tremont Institute (9275 Tremont Road
Townsend, TN 37882). Enjoy the drive – you’ll be traveling along the Middle Prong of the Little Pigeon River, and it’s gorgeous! Stay on this gravel road for 2 miles until you come to Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. It will be on your left.

Turn into the parking lot and park. As you drive in, the trailhead begins at the gravel road in the back right corner of the parking lot. Walk up the gravel road to towards the dorms , and go around to the side of the first dorm, on its left side. You will come to a fork in the road. Go right, leading up behind the dorms. This is Buckeye Trail. This is the way.

Map of directions from Gatlinburg, TN to Spruce Flats Falls

Trail Description

The trail begins on the Tremont Institute property, so you will pass some buildings and a water tower as you start. The trail is somewhat steep in the beginning, but it becomes less so after a while. There are native wildflowers everywhere – dwarf crested iris, galax, wild hydrangea, native azaleas (which were still blooming in June!)

Native Azalea
Wild Hydrangea

There is an elevation gain of 413′ and the trail becomes rugged in some places. We would recommend hiking boots. These will protect your feet and ankles, and give you better traction on the trail. Sneakers and sandals are not suitable for this hike.

When you get to the “stairs” carved out of a single log, you’re almost there!

Hiking trail to Spruce Flats Falls
Spruce Flats Falls

Spruce Flats Falls is a beautiful spot. As I mentioned earlier, it is a series of four cascades. In the photo below you can see the first three – the fourth is not visible – it is 75′ above the main falls. The pool is shallow around the edges but looks to become deeper in the middle.

You can cross from one side of the falls to the other on the large rocks/boulders in the base pool without getting your feet wet…if you’re careful! On our most recent hike to Spruce Flats Falls there were several families here – climbing, playing, taking photos, etc…

Twin falls emptying into pool at Spruce Flats Falls

Where to Stay Near Spruce Flats Falls

Spruce Flats Falls is in the northwest section of Smoky Mountains National Park, 23 miles from the western edge of Gatlinburg, TN, which translates into about an hour in drive time (depending on the traffic).

It is only 6 miles (12 minutes) from Townsend, TN. Townsend is closer, less expensive, and less crowded than Gatlinburg, but your options for lodging, activities, and restaurants are much more limited here. For most people, we believe Gatlinburg and the surrounding area is the better choice.

Following are some lodging options, with five reasons to choose each one…

The Historic Gatlinburg Inn

The Historic Gatlinburg Inn

The Historic Gatlinburg Inn is located at 755 Parkway, right in the middle of downtown Gatlinburg. If you like being in the middle of all the “action”, then this is the place for you. Step out your door and you’ll be within walking distance of dozens and dozens of shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions!

The Historic Gatlinburg Inn is the oldest hotel in Gatlinburg, having opened in 1937. In fact, the state song of Tennessee, “Rocky Top”, was written here by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant in 1967 in room 338. (Yes, you can rent that room.) The Inn has been designated a Music Pathways Destination for its role in Tennessee music history.

Just because the Inn has been around for a while doesn’t mean it’s not nice! It has 70 guest rooms featuring all the latest amenities, and it has been recently updated. Perhaps the best amenities are the rocking chairs on the front porch overlooking Parkway in Gatlinburg. Grab a cup of coffee and do some people-watching!

Rocking chairs on the front porch of The Historic Gatlinburg Inn

Three words: Free. Hot. Breakfast! Enjoy the hot breakfast buffet, featuring eggs, bacon, sausage, and homemade biscuits.

Rooms come in a variety of sizes at The Historic Gatlinburg Inn. You can reserve a standard room with a king bed, or two double beds, or three, or three with a sleeper sofa. There are family suites and residential suites, even Presidential Suites! Whatever your lodging needs, the Inn can probably accommodate you.

Hilton Garden Inn

The Hilton Garden Inn in Gatlinburg, TN

The Hilton Garden Inn, Gatlinburg, is located at 685 River Rd. That’s just a block off of the VERY CROWDED Parkway (Hwy 441), where all of the shops and restaurants are located. While being within easy walking distance of all Gatlinburg has to offer, this will be a much quieter place to stay.

This hotel is in a great location! The Hilton is on the far west end of Gatlinburg, only 0.5 miles from the entrance to Great Smokey Mountains National Park. You’ll avoid the Gatlinburg traffic as you make your way to the Park!

The Gatlinburg Trail begins at the western edge of Gatlinburg, just a seven-minute walk from the hotel. The trail is easy, and one of only two trails in the park on which dogs are allowed. (Leashed, of course.)

The Fitness Room at the Hilton Garden Inn in Gatlinburg, TN

There are rarely surprises when you stay at the Hilton. You receive consistently nice accommodations with all the perks – wifi, fitness room, free parking, pet-friendly rooms, etc… TripAdvisor gives the hotel 4.5/5.0 stars.

And…the Hilton Garden Inn, Gatlinburg has an indoor saltwater pool! WooHoo!

Buckhorn Inn

The Buckhorn Inn outside of Gatlinburg, TN

This is our favorite place to stay when we visit Great Smoky Mountain National Park. We love the location. The Buckhorn Inn is located on Tudor Mountain Rd, only 6.3 from the east edge of Gatlinburg. We love being away from the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg.

The setting is wonderful. Buckhorn Inn sits in the Smoky Mountains, with beautiful views of the sunset each evening. There are flower gardens for quiet walks and a pond that is home to two swans.

Sunset from the back porch at The Buckhorn Inn

Choose your accommodations. You can stay in the main inn, which features several cozy rooms. Or pick a cabin on the grounds. All are a short walk to the main inn. There’s also a three-story tower room. The top floor is a reading room/sitting area with windows facing in every direction.

And then there’s the FOOD! Buckhorn Inn serves complimentary breakfast every morning. Choose from pancakes, French toast, waffles, omelets, or souffles. Plus homemade buttermilk biscuits.

But the real treat is dinner! Make reservations for dishes such as Roast Prime Rib of Beef Au Jus, Breast of Chicken with Boursin Cheese, Prosciutto and Mushroom Sauce. There’s always a soup starter, and a dessert finisher. The menu is different every evening.

Very friendly staff and very friendly guests! Staff love to tell you about the best hikes and waterfalls, and the other guests love to talk together about their adventures.

Camping Near Spruce Flats Falls

Campsite at night

Great Smoky Mountains National Park maintains 10 front country campgrounds. Each campground has restroom facilities with running water (cold) and flush toilets. There are no showers. Individual campsites all have a fire grate and a picnic table.

Cades Cove Campground and Elkmont Campground are the closest campgrounds to Spruce Flats Falls. The falls are about halfway between these campgrounds.

Cades Cove Campground offers 159 campsites – 31 of these are tent-only sites. RVs are welcome. The cost is $30/night. You will find this campground on the left side of Little River Road just before entering Cades Cove. This is a great spot if you want to be first in line to enter Cades Cove!

Graphic of tents around campfire

Elkmont Campground offers 220 campsites – 23 of these are tent-only sites. RVs are welcome. The cost is $30/night. You will find this campground 6.3 miles west of the Sugarlands Visitor Center on Little River Road. This campground is more centrally located in the park, and closer to Gatlinburg.

We recommend that you make reservations as early as possible. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in America. The early bird gets the campsite!

Visit nps.gov for specific info about campsites.`

Reservations for campsites are made through recreation.gov.

The Verdict – Spruce Flats Falls

Author gazing at Spruce Flats Falls

This waterfall gets a solid “YES!” The Tremont area is much less crowded than most of the rest of the park. The hike to the falls is not too difficult. There’s available parking, a small gift shop, plus a real restroom.

Bring your camera. There are lots of wonderful photos to be taken here!

Plus there is a bonus – the falls are on the way to Cades Cove. The turnoff at the Tremont Institute is only 13 miles from the entrance to Cades Cove.

And best of all, this is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Spruce Flats Fall – two thumbs up!

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The Author

Jeff Powell is the Creator/CEO of National Park Ventures. He and his wife Mary Ellen are on a venture to visit every national park in the United States and share what they experience with their readers. Their goal is to help their readers maximize their own national park ventures.
Jeff and Mary Ellen have two sons, two grandkids, and two dogs. They live in the mountains outside Blue Ridge, GA.