A roadside waterfall and swimming hole with a documented history of drownings; NPS warns against swimming despite its popularity.
Great Smoky Mountains parking tag required for any parking over 15 minutes
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Based on this listing's approximate location — see the note on coordinates below.
The Sinks is a roadside waterfall and deep swimming hole on Little River Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about 1 mile past Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area. Despite its inviting appearance and popularity, NPS explicitly warns that visitors have drowned at this location. The hazards include strong currents and depths that can surprise swimmers.
Access requires a GRSM parking tag for stays over 15 minutes. Heed NPS warnings: viewing only is recommended despite the site’s apparent appeal to swimmers.
Any time for roadside viewing; avoid swimming despite the site's appearance.
Under 15 minutes
You plan to swim or wade; NPS explicitly warns 'visitors have drowned at this waterfall.'
Great Smoky Mountains parking tag required for any parking over 15 minutes
It's viewable without a hike, from a pullout or short walk near the parking area.
We track 6 waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains, 2 of which are roadside like this one.
There are 4 other waterfalls we track in Sevier County. All Great Smoky Mountains waterfalls →
nps.gov
NPS GRSM official 'places' page, checked Sept 2026; no closure listed. Page explicitly warns 'visitors have drowned at this waterfall' and swimming is a known hazard, so swimming_allowed left null rather than asserting it's sanctioned. Located on Little River Road, ~1 mile past Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area.
Checked September 2026.