Last updated: July 11, 2025
Place
The Sinks
K. Plass
Quick Facts
Location:
Little River Road
Significance:
Waterfall
Amenities
2 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto
Overview
For your safety, please remember that visitors have drowned at this waterfall. Please enjoy the Sinks from the designated viewing area.
A short but rushing cascade, the Sinks is a gushing waterfall located along Little River Road with an interesting history. Historically, the Little River was used by commercial loggers. One day, several logs became jammed, so the loggers decided to use dynamite to resolve the issue. Consequently, their explosion blasted a bend in the river, creating the Sinks.
How to Get There
To find the Sinks, follow these directions carefully, as there are no signs marking its location.
If you are traveling westbound from Gatlinburg:
1. Head west on Little River Road.
2. Travel approximately 12 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center.
3. On the left-hand side of the road, there is a small parking lot located approximately one-mile past Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area. Keep an eye out for red swift water signage found at the bridge directly after the parking area.
If you are traveling eastbound from the Townsend Wye:
1. Head east on Little River Road.
2. Travel approximately 8 miles.
3. On the right-hand side of the road, there is a small parking lot located approximately one-mile past Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area. Keep an eye out for red swift water signage found at the bridge directly before the parking area.