Spruce Flats Falls - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

My daughter and I hiked the 1.7 mile round-trip trail from the Tremont office to Spruce Flats Falls in the middle of November 2016. I've hiked this trail several times in the past and posted about the April 2012 trip here, March 2015 here, March 2016  here, and June 2016 here. This was my first visit to the falls in Autumn and I was surprised how much water was still flowing. We hiked late in the afternoon and returned to the parking area at dusk. The trail has many roots and rocks to stumble over, so having a flashlight is imperative if there is a chance of returning in twilight. I still haven't explored downstream to find the lower waterfall.

Smoke from regional wildfires obscures the view

Still a lot of color in mid November

Still some nice views even with the smoke

Sun setting behind the mountain long before sunset

Another view

Trail washing out

View from the trail

A couple of drops make up the middle cascade

Water pouring over a rock ledge

Upper section of the waterfall

Entry to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free.

The park website is https://www.nps.gov/grsm.