Stretching across rugged ridges and cloaked in dense green, Cherokee National Forest invites adventurers to experience its waterfalls not as passive views but as lively, roaring companions daring you deeper into their realm. Close to Elizabethton, several hikes trace trails where water gracefully falls with purpose, carving stone and pushing forward, while forest paths lead you through stands of towering hardwoods and rhododendron thickets.

Start with the Little Laurel Trail, a brisk 4.6-mile round trip that carries you 900 feet up a rocky but well-marked path. The stream alongside dares you to match its pace as you climb toward Little Laurel Falls, where water crashes over moss-coated ledges with energetic insistence. The trail terrain is a mix of packed dirt and stone steps—expect uphill work and slippery spots after rain. Early morning hikes here often reward you with soft mist clinging to leaves and the lively chatter of songbirds.

For a longer challenge, the Roan Mountain area offers the Roan Creek Trail leading to Roan Creek Falls, covering nearly 6 miles out and back with about 1,100 feet in elevation gain. This hike pushes through dense forest corridors where the breeze carries the scent of pine and wet earth, finishing with a payoff of spray and thunder as the falls plunge. Terrain shifts from gentle slopes to steeper scrambles; sturdy boots and trekking poles serve well on uneven, sometimes root-covered sections.

The Tater Knob Falls hike, under 3 miles roundtrip, provides a gentler option across a mixed trail surface of dirt and gravel. The falls themselves seem to whisper secrets as the water threads through large boulders, creating pools that tempt hikers to pause and reflect. The forest here leans toward open canopy, allowing sunlight to spotlight bursts of wildflowers in spring.

Planning your visit? Hydration is key—carry at least two liters, especially on warmer days when the forest seems to breathe heat back at you from its canopy. Footwear with firm grip will protect against slick stones near cascades. Arriving early in the day helps you avoid crowds and enjoy a cooler, quieter path.

Season impacts the experience dramatically. Spring’s runoff thickens the falls, summer’s warmth invites longer stays by pools, fall dresses trails in color, and winter can render paths icy and silent. Each season demands respect for changing conditions; trails remain a force of nature fiercely itself.

In all, hiking these waterfalls near Elizabethton is a partnership with the landscape. The falls are not just sights but players, pushing, splashing, and inviting you to move with the forest’s pulse and power. Whether you seek quick refreshment or a full day of adventure, these trails offer dependable challenge and rewarding views.