Note: Laurel Falls Trail is closed as of Jan. 6, 2025 for 18 months of rehabilitation work.
Laurel Falls is an extremely popular destination within Great Smoky Mountains National Park due to the fact that it has a paved trail leading up to it. Please note that while this trail is paved, it is not easily traveled by strollers or wheelchairs. There are many sections that have large cracks or gaps that are unpaved. The hike to Laurel Falls and back is 2.6 miles round trip. Hikers will climb roughly 314 feet in elevation before arriving at the 80-foot waterfall. I would rate this trail easy for your average hikers and moderate for those who are new to hiking or hike infrequently.
The waterfall consists of an upper and a lower section, divided by a walkway which crosses Laurel Branch at the base of the upper falls. For this trip we only visited upper falls, however you can look down from the trail and see lower falls. The falls receives its name from the mountain laurel that blooms along the trail and near the falls in May.
There are over 800 miles of trail in the Smoky Mountains National Park, but less than 3 miles are paved. Laurel Falls Trail is the longest of four paved trails in the park. The trail was originally built in 1932 to allow fire crews access to the Cove Mountain area in the event of a fire. By the early 1960s, Laurel Falls had become a popular hiking destination and erosion was taking a toll on the trail. As a result, the Laurel Falls Trail was reconditioned, graded, and paved to stop the erosion.
If hiking with children, I recommend keeping a close eye on them at all times as the trail passes next to some very steep drop offs, especially as you get closer to the falls. Some of these drop offs are after blind turns too. This is also bear country and bears have been seen along and near this trail, so please keep your eyes open.
The best time to see Laurel Falls is early in the morning or later in the day. During the midday, the sun creates many hot spots on the waterfall, making it harder to photograph. Plus, the waterfall is busier in the afternoons and it can be harder to photograph with so many people around. Parking can also be a problem during peak season, so if you wish to avoid crowds weekdays or during the off-season would be a better time to visit.
I was extremely pleased to discover this page. I need to to thank you for helping make planning my family’s vacation so much easier. I like the searchability on your page. I have bookmarked it to help me with future vacations.
Thank you Rex! Glad to help. Keep checking back for additional waterfalls!
Such a pretty waterfall. Thank you for the details about it. This one has always been one I’ve heard about but never seen. Hopefully one day I’ll see it too.
Wonderful blog! I love reading about waterfalls such as this one. Hopefully I’ll make it out to the Smoky Mountains one day. Until then at least I can enjoy them through your site.
Way cool waterfall! I highly recommend it!
This is one of my favorite waterfalls in the Smokies. Keep a lookout as bears are sometimes in this area, but otherwise a great fall to share with the kids.