Laurel Falls...

Scenic Waterfall and Trail in the Great Smokies

Laurel Falls is a popular destination, reached via the Laurel Falls Trail. The trail offers mountain views and is very scenic, especially during mountain laurel blooming season (May). This is the most visited hiking trail in the park, and can be crowded. (Detailed map and photos below.)

Note: Laurel Falls Trail will be closed for about 18 months starting the fall of 2024 while improvements are made to enhance the visitor experience and safety, improve parking, and resurface and improve the trail.

hiking, Great Smoky Mountains, Laurel Falls

Location Map...
Laurel Falls - Great Smoky Mountains

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Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee (See map)
Distance: 2.6 mile RT to the Falls
Surface: Paved to the Falls, unpaved beyond
Trailheads/Parking: Laurel Falls Trailhead (Little River Road)

Page Summary:

Laurel Falls and Trail
Laurel Falls Trail
Laurel Falls
More Information and Resources

Laurel Falls and Trail... Comments and Photos

The Laurel Falls Trailhead is along Little River Road, 3.5 miles from the Sugarland Visitor Center. Parking is on either side alongside the road, and is very limited given the high number of users. The nearest facilities and restrooms are at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Bring water. Bears are often sighted - stay back.

The trail continues past the Falls another 2.7 miles to the top of Cove Mountain and an old fire tower, but like most visitors we went as far as Laurel Falls and returned.

Laurel Falls Trail

The 2.6 mile (round-trip) paved trail is easy to hike and family-friendly, but could be moderate to others (depending on fitness level) because of the steep uphill climb, 314 feet gain. A good amount of pavement erosion was present, hopefully to be repaired in the construction project. Note the "caution" signs, there are steep dropoffs and the trail can be slippery when wet.