Trail Notes: The roundtrip distance to the waterfall is 2.6 miles and the hike is generally considered moderate in difficulty. It takes about 2-3 hours to hike to the waterfall and back.

Grotto Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is generally rated as an easy to moderate hike, making it a favorite for families and casual hikers. The trail, which begins at the Trillium Gap Trailhead, is a 2.6-mile round trip with a modest elevation gain of about 450 to 585 feet. The path is wide and well-worn, meandering through an old-growth hemlock forest. The "moderate" aspect comes from the fact that it is a steady, continuous uphill climb on the way to the falls, and you must cross four small, rocky streams that do not have footbridges. The most unique and famous feature of the hike is the ability to walk directly behind the 25-foot waterfall, but visitors should be extremely cautious as the rocks in this area are perpetually wet and very slippery. Note that the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, which provides the primary access to the trailhead, is typically closed from December through mid-March.