Grotto Falls Smokey Mountains Hidden Gem #GrottoFalls #SmokyMountains #waterfallhikes
Rees's Roots
[{'start': '0.000', 'end': '4.800', 'text': 'Imagine hiking through a magical forest\xa0\nand ending up behind a waterfall! Yep,'}, {'start': '4.800', 'end': '8.320', 'text': 'you can actually walk behind the\xa0\nroaring water at Grotto Falls!'}, {'start': '8.320', 'end': '12.000', 'text': 'This is one of the most unforgettable\xa0\nhikes in the Great Smoky Mountains.'}, {'start': '12.000', 'end': '17.200', 'text': 'Grotto Falls is tucked away along the Trillium\xa0\nGap Trail, just outside Gatlinburg, Tennessee,'}, {'start': '17.200', 'end': '22.000', 'text': "and it's one of the only waterfalls in the Smokies\xa0\nyou can walk behind without any crazy climbing"}, {'start': '22.000', 'end': '27.440', 'text': "or dangerous drop-offs. The hike is about\xa0\n2.6 miles round-trip! It's family-friendly,"}, {'start': '27.440', 'end': '32.240', 'text': 'dog-free because it’s in a protected area, and\xa0\nabsolutely packed with lush scenery year-round.'}, {'start': '32.240', 'end': '36.240', 'text': 'The trail winds through a gorgeous old-growth\xa0\nforest, dripping in moss and alive with'}, {'start': '36.240', 'end': '40.880', 'text': 'wildflowers, especially in the spring and\xa0\nsummer. As you get closer, you’ll hear the'}, {'start': '40.880', 'end': '46.480', 'text': 'rush of Grotto Falls before you see it! And\xa0\ntrust me, that first glimpse is pure magic.'}, {'start': '46.480', 'end': '49.520', 'text': 'The cool, misty cave-like space behind the falls'}, {'start': '49.520', 'end': '54.160', 'text': 'has made it a popular stop not just\xa0\nfor hikers, but also for wildlife!'}, {'start': '54.160', 'end': '58.320', 'text': 'Black bears are sometimes spotted along\xa0\nthe trail, especially in the early morning!'}, {'start': '58.320', 'end': '62.880', 'text': 'It’s heartbreaking that some visitors trample\xa0\noff-trail, destroy fragile plants, and even climb'}, {'start': '62.880', 'end': '67.760', 'text': 'the rocks behind the falls! Causing permanent\xa0\ndamage. Grotto Falls has survived for thousands'}, {'start': '67.760', 'end': '72.640', 'text': "of years… but at this rate, it might not survive\xa0\nanother generation if we don't treat it better."}, {'start': '72.640', 'end': '77.280', 'text': 'Fun fact: This same trail is used by\xa0\nthe park’s llama supply train! Yep,'}, {'start': '77.280', 'end': '83.040', 'text': 'llamas! They carry supplies up to LeConte Lodge,\xa0\none of the highest lodges east of the Mississippi.'}, {'start': '83.040', 'end': '88.960', 'text': "If you're planning a trip to the Smokies, Grotto\xa0\nFalls needs to be on your list. Sunset or early"}, {'start': '88.960', 'end': '94.000', 'text': 'morning are the best times for fewer crowds! And\xa0\nif you catch the mist glowing in the sunlight,'}, {'start': '94.000', 'end': '96.560', 'text': "it feels like you're stepping\xa0\ninto a real-life fairytale."}]