Welcome to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Nestled on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a wonderland for photographers and nature lovers alike. Renowned for its misty peaks, lush forests, and abundant wildlife, this park is also a haven for waterfall enthusiasts. With over 2,900 miles of streams and more than 90 recorded waterfalls, the Great Smoky Mountains offer an unparalleled variety of stunning cascades.  This magical place really is one of the best on earth when it comes to waterfall photography. Whether you're an amateur photographer or a seasoned pro, here's why Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a dream destination for capturing stunning images of waterfalls.

The Perfect Setting

To start out, a photographer needs to look beyond the waterfalls themselves. Just as important as the subject of any image is the setting all around it. And this place has no shortage of lush and beautiful settings. The Smoky Mountains are known for their ethereal fog, which lends a mystical quality to the landscape. This mist, created by the moisture from the lush forests, softens the light and adds a dreamy atmosphere to your photos. The park's dense foliage provides a natural frame for waterfall shots, with a rich tapestry of colors that changes with the seasons. In the spring and summer, the lush greens dominate, while fall brings a burst of oranges, reds, and yellows. Winter's chill can transform the waterfalls into icy sculptures, offering unique photo opportunities. Regardless of the season, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers pristine settings for waterfall photography. If you’re looking for peak waterfall activity I would recommend visiting in the late spring or early summer,which is when we run our Ethereal Waterfalls Workshop here at Backcountry Journeys.

An Abundance of Waterfalls

Not only is the setting important, but of course the centerpiece of any waterfall image is the cascade itself. With so many waterfalls to choose from, you'll never run out of subjects to photograph in the Great Smoky Mountains. Some of the most famous include:

• Laurel Falls: This 80-foot cascade is one of the park's most accessible waterfalls. A 2.6-mile round-trip hike on a paved trail leads you right to the base, where you can capture its dramatic drop and swirling pools.

• Grotto Falls: Located on the Trillium Gap Trail, Grotto Falls offers a unique perspective—photographers can walk behind the waterfall for an unusual angle. The 2.6-mile round-trip hike is relatively moderate, making it a popular spot for families.

• Abrams Falls: Though the waterfall itself is only 20 feet tall, its sheer volume and powerful flow make it a sight to behold. The 5-mile round-trip hike offers ample opportunities for photos along the way, including lush forests and serene streams.

• Rainbow Falls: As its name suggests, this waterfall often produces rainbows in the mist on sunny days. The 5.4-mile round-trip hike rewards you with a stunning 80-foot cascade.

Perhaps these are some of the most popular waterfalls to photograph throughout the Great Smoky Mountains, but this list is merely a tiny glimpse into all that the park has to offer. There are countless other waterfalls, cascades, and streams spread throughout the Great Smoky Mountains just waiting to be photographed.

Accessibility and Variety

One of the best things about Great Smoky Mountains National Park is its accessibility. Many of the park's most photogenic waterfalls are easily reached via well-maintained trails, suitable for various fitness levels. Some of these waterfalls require hardly any walking at all allowing everyone to enjoy their beauty and majesty. This accessibility means that even photographers who don't have extensive hiking experience can still capture breathtaking images.

The park's variety is another key advantage. Whether you're looking for towering cascades, gentle trickles, or hidden falls tucked away in the forest, there's something for everyone. The numerous creeks and streams that feed these waterfalls offer endless possibilities for creative compositions as well, such as long exposures to capture silky-smooth water or wide-angle shots to encompass the lush surroundings. The possibilities really are endless in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Tips for Capturing Stunning Waterfall Photos

To make the most of your waterfall photography adventure in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, consider the following tips:

• Timing is Everything: Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to shoot. The soft, diffused light enhances the ethereal quality of the waterfalls and reduces harsh shadows. You’re also likely to find fewer crowds at these times allowing you to get the perfect composition.

• Use a Tripod: To achieve those silky-smooth waterfall shots, you'll need a slow shutter speed. A sturdy tripod is essential to keep your camera steady during long exposures.

• Experiment with Filters: A polarizing filter can reduce glare and reflections and bring out the vibrant colors of the surrounding foliage. A neutral density filter allows for longer exposures, even in bright conditions, creating that silky smooth effect we’ve all come to love.

• Scout Locations: Before you start shooting, take some time to explore the area and find unique angles and perspectives. Look for foreground elements like rocks or fallen trees to add depth to your compositions.

If you’d like to learn more about photographing waterfalls feel free to check out this in-depth article!

Waterfall Photography with Backcountry Journeys

Here at Backcountry Journeys, we absolutely love the Great Smoky Mountains and all of the incredible nature photography opportunities that can be found in this magical place. We particularly like to focus on waterfall photography during the best times of year when the streams and waterfalls are consistently flowing (usually in early June) and when surroundings are at their peak beauty. We’ve been running our incredibly popular and beloved ‘Ethereal Waterfall Workshop’ for years. If you’d like to explore the Great Smoky Mountains, capture stunning waterfall images, and learn from experienced and professional photography instructors then this is the trip for you! We have extensive experience running world-class trips in the Great Smoky Mountains and we would absolutely love to have you join an upcoming trip!

Final Thoughts

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a photographer's paradise, offering an abundance of stunning waterfalls set against a backdrop of lush forests and misty mountains. Its accessibility and variety make it an ideal destination for photographers of all skill levels and backgrounds. Whether you're capturing the iconic cascades or discovering hidden gems, the waterfall images you create will be memories to cherish for a lifetime.

So, grab your camera, pack your hiking boots, and get ready to embark on a waterfall photography adventure in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is waiting to inspire and amaze you with its natural beauty and captivating waterfalls.