Last updated: October 8, 2025
Place
Cataract Falls
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Significance:
Point of Interest near Sugarlands Visitor Center
Amenities
1 listed
Scenic View/Photo Spot
Overview
This narrow, 40-foot (12.2 m) waterfall is only a short hike from the Sugarlands Visitor Center following the path of Fighting Creek upstream. It's a small waterfall and most dramatic after a heavy rain.
Visitors have been severly injured by climbing around the falls, so be sure to get your photos from the bottom.
How to Get There
- Park at Sugarlands Visitor Center, walk past the restrooms and behind the building, then turn left off the paved path onto the Fighting Creek Nature Trail. Turn right at the trail junction after crossing the large bridge roughly halfway through the hike. The falls hike is 0.7 miles (1.1 km) roundtrip.
Accessibility
Accessible restrooms and parking are available at Sugarlands Visitor Center.
Cataract Falls Trail (side route: half a mile, one way) has been assessed using the High-Efficiency Trail Assessment Process (HETAP) to provide objective information such as grade and slope. GRIT Freedom Chairs are available for free checkout on a first-come, first-served basis for this section of trail.
Use descriptions, maps, and photos to determine which hikes are suitable for you. For information about the reservation process and other trail segments where GRIT Freedom Chairs can be used, visit the trail accessibility page.