Hen Wallow Falls Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, accesses a graceful 90-foot cascading waterfall on the quiet Cosby side of the park—far from the heavy foot traffic of Gatlinburg-area trails. The trailhead is at the Cosby Campground area in Cocke County, reached via TN-32 from I-40 Exit 443, approximately 20 miles from Newport and 30 miles from Gatlinburg. The Cosby area consistently offers available trailhead parking and noticeably fewer visitors than trails on the Newfound Gap Road corridor. No trail permit is required; Great Smoky Mountains National Park has no entrance fee.
From the trailhead at roughly 2,600 feet, the first 0.5 miles follow a wide former roadbed that offers a gentle warm-up before the path narrows to a standard footpath and begins a steady climb through second-growth oak, maple, and tulip poplar forest. Two small stream tributaries are crossed on log bridges early in the route. Above 3,000 feet, the forest transitions to a denser canopy of eastern hemlock and rhododendron that lines both sides of the trail and produces a floral corridor when the rhododendron blooms in June.
Hen Wallow Falls appears at the 2.2-mile mark, tumbling 90 feet in a wide, multi-layered cascade over weathered sandstone before spreading across a broad apron of bedrock at the base. Unlike the narrow single-column falls common elsewhere in the Smokies, Hen Wallow broadens at its midpoint—reportedly reaching 20 feet in width during peak spring flow—making it one of the wider waterfalls in the park. A large open bedrock platform below the falls provides an excellent standing area for photography and rest.
The trail gains 700 feet over 2.2 miles—steady but never extreme—on packed dirt and leaf-covered rock. The round-trip covers 4.4 miles and takes most hikers 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Restrooms and water are available at the Cosby Campground area near the trailhead.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Great Smoky Mountains NP, Cocke County
- Best season
- April–June for highest water flow; much less crowded than Gatlinburg-side trails
What to bring
- Hiking boots
- Water (2L)
- Bug spray (summer)
Location
Cosby Campground Area, Cosby, TN 37722
35.7529, -83.2181 View on map
Highlights
- 90-ft Hen Wallow Falls spreading up to 20 ft wide in spring—one of the broader waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains NP
- Open bedrock viewing platform at the falls base for photography and rest
- Rhododendron and hemlock forest corridor blooming in June along the upper trail
- Cosby area trailhead with consistently available parking and far fewer visitors than Gatlinburg-side trails
- Wide former roadbed opening section giving way to a classic mid-elevation Appalachian footpath
Tips for visiting
- The Cosby side of the Smokies is significantly less crowded than Gatlinburg-area trailheads—ideal for visitors wanting a quieter experience without a long drive
- April through June offers the highest waterfall volume and rhododendron bloom along the upper trail corridor
- Bring insect repellent in summer—the shaded, moist creek corridor attracts biting insects from June through August
- The bedrock at the falls base is slippery when wet; approach the viewing area carefully after rain
- Restrooms and water are available at the Cosby Campground area near the trailhead—fill water bottles before starting
When to visit
April through June offers peak waterfall flow and rhododendron blooms along the upper trail corridor. The Cosby area remains less crowded than Gatlinburg-area trails year-round, making any shoulder-season weekday an excellent option for solitude. Summer humidity and insects are the primary drawbacks from July through August.
Accessibility
Hen Wallow Falls Trail is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. The path begins on a wide roadbed but quickly narrows to a standard footpath with root-covered and rocky terrain, log bridges over stream crossings, and a 700-foot elevation gain. No sections of the trail are suitable for wheeled mobility devices.
Frequently asked questions
How does Hen Wallow Falls compare to other Smokies waterfalls?
At 90 feet, Hen Wallow is slightly taller than Rainbow Falls (80 ft) but notable for its width—up to 20 feet across at peak spring flow. The Cosby location means far fewer visitors than park waterfalls accessible from Gatlinburg, making it a preferred choice for a quieter experience.
How long does the hike take?
The 4.4-mile round-trip typically takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours for most fit adults. The 700-foot elevation gain over 2.2 miles is steady but not extreme, making this one of the more manageable waterfall hikes in the park.
Is the Cosby area of the Smokies convenient to reach?
The Cosby area is accessed via TN-32 from I-40 Exit 443, approximately 20 miles from Newport and 30 miles from Gatlinburg. It is farther from the main tourist corridor but rarely has parking or crowding issues even on peak weekends.
Are dogs allowed on Hen Wallow Falls Trail?
Dogs are not permitted on any trail within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including Hen Wallow Falls Trail.
Is there water available at the trailhead?
Restrooms and drinking water are available at the Cosby Campground area near the trailhead. No potable water sources exist on the trail itself.