THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover the stunning waterfall at Grotto Falls and soak in breathtaking views from Brushy Mountain with Smoky Mountain Guides. This private tour offers a perfect blend of moderate hiking and nature relaxation in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Discover the stunning waterfall at Grotto Falls and soak in breathtaking views from Brushy Mountain with Smoky Mountain Guides. This private tour offers a perfect blend of moderate hiking and nature relaxation in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Book with Smoky Mountain Guides
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Smoky Mountain Guides · Gatlinburg, TN, TN
Experience a refreshing blend of nature and adventure with the Grotto Falls + Brushy Mountain private outdoor excursion, guided by Smoky Mountain Guides. This unique trip combines the stunning beauty of Grotto Falls, a picturesque waterfall cascading over a large rock face, with the rewarding hike up Brushy Mountain, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains. Perfect for those seeking a serene but active day in the outdoors, this adventure allows privacy and personalized pacing. As you follow the comparatively gentle trail to Grotto Falls, you can take in the lush forest surroundings and the soothing sounds of water before beginning the ascent to Brushy Mountain, where the lookout presents sweeping vistas perfect for photographs and relaxation. The trip is designed to offer a balance of moderate hiking and peaceful moments by nature’s gems, making it suitable for outdoor enthusiasts with moderate fitness. Smoky Mountain Guides ensures you get expert local knowledge, safety, and flexibility, making your journey enjoyable and memorable while protecting the environment. This private adventure combines physical activity, scenic beauty, and expert guidance into a seamless day of exploration in one of the eastern United States' most beloved mountain ranges.
moderate.
4–6 hours.
Participants should have a moderate fitness level, comfortable with a 5-mile round trip hike that includes elevation gain and some uneven terrain.
The trail to Grotto Falls is generally suitable for children who are comfortable with moderate hiking and walking on uneven terrain.
Pets are allowed on the trail but must be kept on a leash at all times for their safety and the preservation of the environment.
No permits are required, but park entrance fees apply for access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
While wading near the falls is popular, swimming is generally not recommended due to slippery rocks and varying water depth.
Always check weather forecasts before the hike and carry appropriate gear; guides will assist in sudden weather changes to ensure safety.
Yes, the trails are open year-round, though winter conditions may require extra caution or special equipment.
Brushy Mountain and Grotto Falls sit within the Great Smoky Mountains, historically inhabited by Cherokee people and early European settlers.
Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles to protect fragile ecosystems and water quality in this heavily visited area.
Smoky Mountain Guides is a Gatlinburg, Tennessee outfitter offering guided adventures in and around Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The company provides a range of experiences including auto tours, guided hikes, fly fishing, backpacking, seasonal leaf tours, night wildlife walks, and wedding shuttle service. Tours listed include Mountains and Moonshine, the "Classic" National Park Tour, The Mountaineers Way, Fly Fishing Trips, Leaf Chaser Tour, A Smoky Mountain summer night, Logging in the Smokies, Wedding Shuttle, Backpacking, and the Family Fun nature scavenger hunt. Guides lead trips in high-top executive vans and on foot, tailoring routes to appeal to photographers, families, anglers, and hikers. Fly fishing options are available as half-, full- or multi-day trips with personalized instruction. The Wedding Shuttle uses a 14-passenger van to transport wedding parties and guests. Backpacking trips are offered for one to three nights with guided support. Seasonal experiences focus on fall foliage from late September through mid-November and on nocturnal wildlife in summer evenings. Smoky Mountain Guides emphasizes local knowledge, safety, and accessible storytelling about park history, moonshine heritage, logging sites, and early settler life. Tours visit notable park sites such as Newfound Gap, the Appalachian Trail, Greenbrier, and Sugarland’s Distilling Company for tastings where included. Reservations, trip details, duration, and group size information are available through the company. All descriptions here are based on provided trip summaries and factual offerings. Full schedules, pricing, accessibility details, and cancellation policies are available from Smoky Mountain Guides through the company's booking channels, including phone and email.
Book with Smoky Mountain Guides