Are there fees or permits required for Wilson Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Wilson Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Wilson Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Wilson Falls.

Live Conditions · 30 ft³/s · About average

Wilson Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Wilson Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Wilson Falls.

Tennessee

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 2 other waterfalls also named Wilson Falls, see below

Great Smoky Mountains National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (1)

National Park Service Public Domain · National Park Service

About Wilson Falls

Tucked inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park and managed by the National Park Service, Wilson Falls is a quietly scenic cascade that rewards hikers seeking a peaceful outing away from busier sights. The waterfall’s forested setting and gentle soundscape make it a great choice for photographers and anyone looking for a short nature escape. Because it sits within the national park, visitors should follow park regulations and practice Leave No Trace.

The Setting

Wilson Falls sits at 5,207 feet within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in the high mountains of Tennessee.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Rainbow Falls (80 ft) lies 5.2 miles to the north. Also nearby: Laurel Falls (80 ft, 8.6 mi) and Grotto Falls (25 ft, 6.2 mi).

Rainbow Falls Laurel Falls Grotto Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Trail stats: 2.4 miles round-trip (out-and-back) with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain; rated moderate. The available park data does not list a USFS trail number or official surface/grade/class for this route. Expect a moderately strenuous hike for the distance and gain; carry water, wear appropriate footwear, and consult Great Smoky Mountains National Park maps or rangers for the most current trail conditions before you go.

What to Expect

Wilson Falls offers a tranquil experience with scenic views of the waterfall and surrounding forest. The area may have uneven terrain and limited facilities.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Wilson Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Wilson Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and fall are typically the best times to visit, as the waterfall may have higher flow and the weather is more comfortable.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check the National Park Service website for current conditions.

Safety Information

Trail conditions may be uneven or slippery, especially after rain. Visitors should exercise caution and avoid visiting during severe weather.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

30 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

Based on 3 years of record

2.83 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

WEST PRONG LITTLE PIGEON R NR GATLINBURG, TN

USGS 03469251

8 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 32 sq mi

Altitude: 1,353 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge WEST PRONG LITTLE PIGEON R NR GATLINBURG, TN (13 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

30 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Barely Flowing

30 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

27 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

25 cfs

5/10

Fri

Low

26 cfs

3/10

Sat

Low

28 cfs

3/10

Sun

Low

45 cfs

4/10

Mon

Low

42 cfs

4/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to early April, peaking in February.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Gatlinburg hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 132 feet through Wilson Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 5,210 feet.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 123 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 73 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Wilson Falls near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Wilson Falls near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, showing about 132 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing west

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 5,210 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 132 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: West; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Wilson Falls is located in Tennessee, but specific directions to the trailhead or parking area are not well-documented. Visitors are advised to consult local maps or guides for accurate navigation.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear. Visitors should prepare for limited or informal parking options near the trailhead.

Elevation

5,207 feet above sea level

Coordinates

35.589219° N, -83.485120° W

Land Management

Great Smoky Mountains National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring a detailed map or GPS device, as trail markings and directions may be unclear. Wear sturdy footwear and carry water.

Where to Stay

Hotels & Lodges Booking.com

Find hotels, lodges, and B&Bs near the trailhead

Cabins & Rentals VRBO

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

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Nearby Campground

TWIN CREEKS PICNIC PAVILION

6.8 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview Twin Creeks Picnic Pavilion is the largest in the park, surrounded by the scenic forest of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located in a secluded and private section of the Smokies, this pavilion is a popular place for group trips.Recreation Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of which accessible near the picnic area. Hiking is not the only reason f

Book on Recreation.gov