Experience the wild beauty of Appalachia with this The Sinks Great Smoky Mountains Poster by Swell Scenes. Featuring vibrant artwork of the powerful waterfall and deep swimming hole on Little River where adventurers leap from rocks into crystal-clear mountain water, this bold design captures the untamed spirit of Great Smoky Mountains National Park's hidden gem. Perfect for Smokies visitors, Tennessee outdoor enthusiasts, waterfall lovers, hikers, photographers, and anyone who's discovered this iconic swimming spot along Laurel Creek Road between Gatlinburg and Cades Cove.
Why You'll Love It
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Iconic Smokies Location: The Sinks is one of Great Smoky Mountains National Park's most powerful waterfalls and popular swimming holes—a 20-foot cascade where Little River plunges into a deep turquoise pool surrounded by Appalachian forest.
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Adventure-Inspired Design: Bold, vibrant illustration captures the exhilaration and natural beauty of this beloved swimming spot where visitors have cooled off and cliff jumped for generations.
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Perfect Smokies Gift: Ideal for GSMNP visitors, East Tennessee locals, Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge travelers, waterfall chasers, Appalachian Trail hikers, or anyone who cherishes memories of swimming in mountain rivers.
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Mountain Heritage Decor: Adds authentic Smoky Mountains character and outdoor adventure spirit to cabins, mountain homes, offices, or any space celebrating Appalachian wilderness and Tennessee's natural beauty.
About The Sinks: Great Smoky Mountains' Hidden Swimming Hole
The Sinks, located along Little River on Laurel Creek Road (Highway 73) in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, stands as one of the Smokies' most dramatic waterfalls and beloved swimming destinations. Just 12 miles west of Gatlinburg on the scenic drive toward Cades Cove, this 20-foot waterfall creates a spectacular display as thousands of gallons of mountain water plunge over rock ledges into a deep, swirling pool below—the powerful hydraulics creating the "sinking" action that gives the spot its name. The turquoise swimming hole, surrounded by massive boulders and lush Appalachian forest, has attracted swimmers, photographers, and adventurers for over a century, becoming a rite of passage for locals and a must-see stop for park visitors. The Sinks sits within America's most visited national park—Great Smoky Mountains National Park welcomes over 13 million visitors annually, more than twice the number of any other U.S. national park. This incredible biodiversity hotspot, straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border, protects ancient mountains, old-growth forests, and over 2,100 miles of streams. The park earned its name from the blue mist that often hangs over the mountains like smoke, created by moisture released by the dense vegetation covering these peaks. Little River itself flows 60 miles from its headwaters in the high Smokies down through pristine mountain valleys, providing crucial habitat for native brook trout and offering countless swimming holes, fishing spots, and scenic vistas along its course. The Sinks area offers not just the waterfall but also hiking access to trails including Meigs Mountain Trail, opportunities to spot wildlife (black bears, elk, white-tailed deer), and the chance to experience the cool mountain waters that define Appalachian summer recreation. The location's accessibility—right off the main road with a large parking area—makes it popular with families, photographers capturing long-exposure waterfall shots, and anyone seeking relief from summer heat in the mountains. While the spot's beauty and swimming appeal are undeniable, park officials emphasize water safety, as the powerful currents and underwater features require caution and respect. The Sinks represents classic Smoky Mountains character: the meeting of water and ancient rock, the lush green forest canopy, the sound of rushing water echoing through mountain hollows, and the time-honored tradition of Appalachian people and visitors seeking connection with these wild places. Whether you've parked alongside Laurel Creek Road to photograph the cascading water, carefully navigated the rocks to dip your toes in the frigid mountain stream, joined locals on a hot summer day for a refreshing swim, or simply marveled at the raw power of mountain water sculpting ancient stone, The Sinks embodies the accessible wilderness that makes the Smokies America's most beloved national park. This poster celebrates both the natural wonder of this waterfall and the generations of memories made in the cool, clear waters of Little River.
Print & Frame Details
- Premium 189gsm matte paper using archival pigment inks
- Vibrant color palette capturing mountain water, forest greens, and Smokies atmosphere
- Framed options include a 0.75″ (1.9 cm) Ayous wood frame in black, white, or natural
- Lightweight Acrylite front protector and hanging hardware included
- Available in multiple sizes, framed or unframed
- Printed to order to reduce waste and support sustainable practices
Thoughtful Craftsmanship
At Swell Scenes, every print is made to order with museum-quality materials. Our national park-inspired art series celebrates America's most treasured wild places — made for hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those who find home in the mountains.
About Swell Scenes
Swell Scenes turns iconic natural landmarks and national park destinations into bold, beautiful artwork that fits any space. With a passion for wilderness, Appalachian heritage, and design, our posters evoke adventure memories and bring the mountains into your home.
