About Hen Wallow Falls
Hen Wallow Falls drops 90 feet in the Cosby section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hen Wallow Creek is only about two feet wide at the top, then splits into two streams and fans out to 30 feet at the base. The Park Service rates the hike as 4.3 miles round trip, with some steep sections and switchbacks.
The hike
Find the Gabes Mountain Trail near the hiker parking lot just outside Cosby Campground. The path climbs through hardwood forest with hemlock and rhododendron, passing large boulders and a creek crossing or two before the final descent to the falls. Plan on two to three hours round trip. Hikers who continue on the Gabes Mountain Trail past the falls reach impressive old-growth forest.
At the falls
The best view is from the trail's end near the base. Look for salamanders in the pool, but keep your hands out of the water and stay off the slick rock. The Park Service has also had to caution about the hazards at its waterfalls; see its water safety page.
Getting there
From Gatlinburg, take US-321 east about 20 miles to Cosby, then follow signs to the Cosby area. Entry to the park is free, but any vehicle parked more than 15 minutes needs a parking tag ($5 daily, $15 weekly, $40 annual). Federal passes such as America the Beautiful do not replace it, and the tag must be displayed in your vehicle. Cosby is the quiet corner of the park, so you will find fewer cars here than at Laurel or Rainbow Falls.
When to go
- Spring: The best flow, with wildflowers lining the trail.
- Summer: Shady and cool; early start recommended.
- Fall: Good color, with fewer people than Gatlinburg.
- Winter: Icy at the falls; carry traction.
Know before you go
Black bears are active in Cosby. Carry water, a rain layer and an offline map. Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
Good to know
- How tall is Hen Wallow Falls?
- Hen Wallow Falls drops about 90 feet.
- How far is the hike to Hen Wallow Falls?
- It is about 2.15 miles each way, rated moderate.
- Can you swim or climb at the falls?
- Please don’t climb on or around waterfalls. Wet rock and algae are extremely slick, and falls from waterfalls are a leading cause of death in the Smokies. Enjoy the view from the trail.
- Do I need a parking tag?
- A Park It Forward parking tag ($5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year) is required for any vehicle parked more than 15 minutes inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Entry is free, and federal passes such as America the Beautiful do not replace the tag.
