A Favorite Smokies Stop (Warning! Waterfall!)

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One of my favorite stops in the Smokies is the stroll behind the Sugarlands Visitors Center to Cataract Falls. It’s hardly a “hike.” In fact, except for one flight of steps it’s level, with very few obstacles (despite being a dirt path). The stroll leads alongside Fighting Creek and to Cataract Falls, one of the most easily accessible waterfalls in the park. Today it was relatively uncrowded. The weather is great, but school is in session and the fall foliage stampede hasn’t started yet. (That’s why I’m here now instead of waiting three weeks.). With few people on the path it provided ample opportunity to hear the birds singing about the first weekend of autumn. The trail is also a nature path, with signs showing various trees (including sycamore, paw paw, and sassafras [for those of you who don’t know, sassafras was the flavoring in root beer originally]). Although the creek was low it still contributed to the soundtrack of nature. And, of course, the destination. Cataract Falls, as would be expected in a “dry spell,” was lower than normal (and yes, I do visit this place almost every time I’m in the Smokies). That doesn’t mean it’s not worth the walk. The walk itself was worth the time spent, and Cataract Falls was the icing on the cake.