The Sinks

Meigs Creek Trailhead is located 11.4 miles west of the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Sinks is a turbulent waterfall along Little River that plunges into a deep gorge and suddenly slows, forming large pools ideal for swimming and recreation. While the gorge area teems with visitors throughout the year, few venture out on the Meigs Creek Trail to Upper Meigs Falls. Upper Meigs Falls sit just beneath the confluence of Curry Prong, Henderson Prong, Bunch Prong, and Bloody Branch on Meigs Creek. This secluded fall drops 15' into a small pool shaded by thick rhododendron and a tall hardwood canopy. Though only 1.5 miles away, two hill climbs make this a moderately difficult hike. Visitors will enjoy access to The Sinks, varied terrain and light crowds en route to Upper Meigs Falls: The trail drops from The Sinks viewing area into a quiet forest and begins the first of two climbs. Look for bear in the thin understory of this second-growth cove. The trail climbs steadily west to a hairpin at .7 miles (1,939'), where it turns sharply east and crests (1,960') with views of Lumber Ridge and Meigs Mountain (4,004').