Hen Wallow Falls
A moderate hike through lush forests leads to the stunning, fanning cascade of Hen Wallow Falls in the Smokies.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Hen Wallow Falls
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A moderate hike through lush forests leads to the stunning, fanning cascade of Hen Wallow Falls in the Smokies.
"The payoff is more than worth the trek! Beautiful and moderately challenging day hike."
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The trail is rocky and root-filled, with a steep final section. Good hiking boots are essential for safety and comfort.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
It's a moderate to challenging hike, so stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hen Wallow Falls
Gabes Mountain Trail
A stunning waterfall that fans out at its base, surrounded by a lush, rhododendron-filled forest.
Gabes Mountain Trail
Connects to Hen Wallow Falls
Hike through an impressive old-growth forest beyond the falls for an extended nature immersion.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds on the Trail
Prepare for a Moderate Trek
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The trail is rocky and root-filled, with a steep final section. Good hiking boots are essential for safety and comfort.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
It's a moderate to challenging hike, so stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
🌳 Explore Beyond the Falls
Continue on the Gabes Mountain Trail past the falls to experience an impressive old-growth forest.
🚗 Park at Cosby Picnic Area
This large parking area offers plenty of space and access to the trail, with restrooms available.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The trail is rocky and root-filled, with a steep final section. Good hiking boots are essential for safety and comfort.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
It's a moderate to challenging hike, so stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
🌳 Explore Beyond the Falls
Continue on the Gabes Mountain Trail past the falls to experience an impressive old-growth forest.
🚗 Park at Cosby Picnic Area
This large parking area offers plenty of space and access to the trail, with restrooms available.
📸 Capture the Fairy Tale
The trail and falls offer picturesque, almost magical scenery perfect for nature photography.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Hen Wallow Falls for its beautiful, less crowded trail and rewarding waterfall. The hike is described as moderately challenging with rocky terrain and a steep final section, but the scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it a worthwhile trek. Some note that facilities like restrooms may not always be open early in the season.
"We were staying in a Pigeon Forge and looking for a destination that wasn't so touristy so we decided to take a short drive out to the falls. Nice picnic area. Bathrooms were not opened yet which was a surprise as it was mid-March. About an hour hike to the falls. Did get a little tricky towards the end with a narrower path and it was a bit slick. The view was beautiful. Nice large picnic area."
Janelle Bailey
"We parked at Cosby Picnic area parking A and took Gabe’s mountain trail to Hen Wallow Falls. Beautiful hike with log bridges but heavy incline until you hit the waterfall. It was a challenging hike at the end but worth the reward."
Alex Corte
"This trail is a total of 4.4 miles to the falls and back. Definitely a moderate leaning towards hard as the terrain is very rocky/ lots of tree roots. Lots of elevation as well on the way to the falls. There are a few log bridges that were fun to cross. The last part to get to the falls is pretty steep and lots of roots. The trail is well marked. We saw quite a bit of flora and the falls were quite beautiful. Not a lot of other hikers which was nice. The parking lot is large as it's also a picnic area, so plenty of spaces. There is a restroom as well near the picnic tables."
Nicole
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hen Wallow Falls is accessed via the Gabes Mountain Trail, typically starting from the Cosby Picnic Area parking lot in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trail is about 4.4 miles roundtrip.
While near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Hen Wallow Falls is not directly in Gatlinburg. It's accessed from the Cosby entrance, which is generally less crowded than areas closer to Gatlinburg.
The closest towns with amenities would be Cosby, Tennessee, or further afield like Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, though the trail itself is within the national park.
No, you cannot drive directly to Hen Wallow Falls. It requires a hike of approximately 4.4 miles roundtrip on the Gabes Mountain Trail.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the Cosby Picnic Area, which serves as the trailhead for the Gabes Mountain Trail to Hen Wallow Falls.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Hen Wallow Falls is located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While there is no entrance fee for the park itself, a parking tag is required for any vehicle parked for more than 15 minutes within the park.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open year-round, dawn to dusk. The trail to Hen Wallow Falls is accessible during these hours.
There is no specific admission fee for Hen Wallow Falls itself, as it's part of the national park. However, a parking tag is required for vehicles parked within the park.
While there aren't official guided tours specifically for Hen Wallow Falls, many local outfitters offer guided hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's also a popular destination for independent hikers.
Standard national park regulations apply. Stay on marked trails, pack out all trash, and be aware of wildlife. The trail can be slick and challenging, so assess your fitness level.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is generally considered moderate, leaning towards challenging due to rocky terrain, tree roots, and a steep final section. It's a 4.4-mile roundtrip hike.
Most visitors take about 2.5 to 4.5 hours to complete the roundtrip hike, depending on their pace and how long they spend at the falls.
Sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended due to the rocky and root-filled trail. Comfortable hiking attire and layers are also advisable.
Restrooms are available near the Cosby Picnic Area, which is where the trailhead is located. There are no facilities directly at the falls.
While some families with young children have completed the hike, it is considered moderately challenging. The steep sections and rocky terrain might be difficult for very young children or those with mobility issues.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light, but the falls are beautiful throughout the day. Consider the sun's position to avoid harsh shadows.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the entire waterfall and surrounding forest. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures to smooth the water.
Drone usage is restricted in many areas of national parks, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Check the official NPS website for current regulations before flying a drone.
The base of the falls, where it fans out, is a primary subject. The surrounding lush greenery, moss-covered rocks, and log bridges on the trail also offer great photo opportunities.
Yes, you can get relatively close to the base of the falls. Be cautious of slippery rocks and the spray from the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the hike more manageable, consider starting early to avoid the heat and potential afternoon showers. The Cosby Picnic Area offers a good spot for a pre- or post-hike meal. While the trail is less crowded than some other park attractions, it's still wise to be aware of other hikers and practice good trail etiquette. The unique fanning shape of the falls is a memorable sight for all ages.
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers & Hikers
Remember to inform someone of your hiking plans, carry essential safety gear, and be aware of your surroundings. The opportunity to explore the old-growth forest beyond the falls adds an extra layer of adventure for those looking to extend their outing. The solitude and natural beauty make this a prime destination for solo exploration.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers
Consider visiting during the spring for blooming rhododendrons or autumn for fall foliage to enhance your photographic opportunities. A wide-angle lens and a tripod can be beneficial for capturing the scale of the falls and the surrounding environment. Be mindful of the spray from the falls when protecting your gear.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike to Hen Wallow Falls
Many visitors appreciate the less crowded nature of this trail compared to more popular spots in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This relative solitude allows for a more immersive experience in the natural beauty of the area. The trail is generally well-marked, making navigation straightforward for most hikers.
Beyond the falls, the Gabes Mountain Trail continues into an impressive old-growth forest. For those seeking a longer adventure, this section offers a chance to explore a more mature and serene woodland environment. However, even without venturing further, the falls themselves are a spectacular destination, making the moderate challenge well worth the effort.
Understanding the Falls and Surroundings
The Cosby Picnic Area serves as the primary access point and trailhead. It's a spacious area with ample parking and facilities, including restrooms, making it a convenient starting point for the hike. This area also provides a pleasant spot for a picnic before or after your trek, allowing you to fully enjoy the natural surroundings.
While the falls are the main attraction, the ecosystem of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a significant draw. Keep an eye out for diverse flora and fauna. The relative lack of crowds here means you're more likely to experience the park's natural sounds and sights without significant disturbance.
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