About Grotto Falls
Grotto Falls is a named waterfall in Sevier County, Tennessee, located about 4.5 miles southeast of Gatlinburg. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Mount Le Conte 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 35°40′26″ N, 83°26′58″ W (35.67387, -83.44956). Historical sources also record the name Dome Falls. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Trillium Gap (gap, 0.9 mi), Rocky Spur (ridge, 1.0 mi), and Piney Mountain (summit, 1.1 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Rainbow Falls, 1.1 miles to the southwest.
Waterfall amid rocks & old-growth forest, at the end of a popular 2.6-mi. round-trip trail.
More Photos
297 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Grotto Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Grotto Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Grotto Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Grotto Falls holds a 4.6 average from 66 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Grotto Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Trillium Gap — gap, 0.9 mi
- Rocky Spur — ridge, 1.0 mi
- Piney Mountain — summit, 1.1 mi
- Brushy Mountain — summit, 1.1 mi
- Long Branch Gap — gap, 1.2 mi
- Mount Winnesoka — summit, 1.3 mi
- Lookout Rock — summit, 1.3 mi
- Surry Fork — stream, 1.3 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 35.67387, -83.44956. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Grotto Falls
- Mingo Falls, NC14 mi southeast
- Flat Creek Falls, NC18 mi southeast
- Mouse Creek Falls, NC18 mi east
- Soco Falls, NC20 mi southeast
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Grotto Falls located?
Grotto Falls is in Sevier County, Tennessee, about 4.5 miles southeast of Gatlinburg. Its coordinates are 35.67387, -83.44956 (35°40′26″ N, 83°26′58″ W).
What town is closest to Grotto Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Gatlinburg, TN, about 4.5 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Grotto Falls?
The closest is Rainbow Falls (1.1 mi southwest). Others within reach include Wilson Falls (6.2 mi), Laurel Falls (8.1 mi), and Ramsey Cascades (8.7 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Grotto Falls?
Grotto Falls appears on the USGS Mount Le Conte 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.