 The hike up to Grotto Falls was challenging (carrying about 25 pounds of tripod and camera equipment uphill) but exhilarating. Trillium Gap Trail, which leads to the falls, meandered through old-growth hemlock forest, and the brilliant colors of fall were all about. The waterfall itself was magnificent. There is a cave-like grotto behind it, so you could actually walk behind the cascading water. It was cool and moist and wonderful. The trail is 2.6 miles round trip. I think it was about two miles up and one-half mile back down. Grotto Falls is located in the northern central part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 
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