The Smokies are always heavily trafficked, particularly any trail that leads to something interesting to look at, be it a waterfall, cave or overlook. Therefore it's always a nice find when you can get somewhere that there aren't a lot of crowds at the end of the trail taking pictures.
Chasteen Cascades is one of the lesser known falls in the Smokies. It's a short, 3 mile round trip hike from the Smokemont campground to get there with very little terrain change. The trail is also used for horse riding, so expect to see some of that. Starting at the back campground entrance of the Smokemont Loop, veer off onto Bradley Fork after about a mile and you'll eventually see a horse tie off area to the left. That would be where the cascade is. The cascade is about 60 feet and unless a horse group is there, not very heavily trafficked. We managed to have it to ourselves, on Labor Day weekend no less, for about half an hour. Maybe not as spectacular as the always crowded Laurel Falls, but for feeling like you've just discovered a hideaway in the woods, much more relaxing.
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AuthorA librarian who likes to travel and experience life. CategoriesArchives
June 2022
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