Laurel Falls Trail
A popular 2.6-mile paved trail in the Smokies leading to a stunning 40-foot waterfall cascading over a rock house.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Laurel Falls Trail
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A popular 2.6-mile paved trail in the Smokies leading to a stunning 40-foot waterfall cascading over a rock house.
"The fall was nice. Many people went with their children. Parking near the trail is a mess."
Check Trail Status
Laurel Falls Trail is closed until mid-2026. Look for alternatives! :warning:
Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is extremely limited and fills up fast. Go early or be prepared to wait. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Laurel Falls
End of the trail
A stunning 40-foot waterfall cascading over a rock overhang, creating a unique 'rock house' effect.
Paved, but Uneven Trail
The entire 2.6-mile route
A paved path winds through old-growth forest, offering scenic views and a relatively easy trek.
Bear Sightings
Along the trail
Keep an eye out for wildlife! Black bears are occasionally spotted along the trail.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Closure Alert!
Parking is a Challenge
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Trail Status
Laurel Falls Trail is closed until mid-2026. Look for alternatives!
Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is extremely limited and fills up fast. Go early or be prepared to wait. :car:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The 'paved' trail is broken and uneven. Sturdy footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Family-Friendly Hike
Great for kids and elderly due to the paved path, though uneven.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Trail Status
Laurel Falls Trail is closed until mid-2026. Look for alternatives!
Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is extremely limited and fills up fast. Go early or be prepared to wait. :car:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The 'paved' trail is broken and uneven. Sturdy footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Family-Friendly Hike
Great for kids and elderly due to the paved path, though uneven.
Pack Water & Snacks
No facilities on the trail. Stay hydrated and fueled for your hike. :water_wave:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Laurel Falls for its beautiful, unique waterfall and the relatively easy, paved trail, making it a popular choice for families. However, the trail's pavement is often broken and uneven, and parking is a significant challenge due to limited spaces and high visitor numbers.
"It's a fairly easy hike. The fall was nice. Many people went with their children. Parking near the trail is a mess. Very less spots available. Had to wait for a long time to get parking."
Md Nafiul Alam Nipu
"Loved this trail. Turned out to be easier than we thought. Can definitely be done with young kids and elderly as well. Took about 35 min to the waterfall and 25 or so back. Walk down to the base of the fall to great a great view!"
Sayeed Shariff
"We enjoyed this trail. Easy hike. Kids (9&11) did well. The falls are beautiful and there is a lot of space. We didn’t feel crowded while observing the waterfall. We were fortunate to see a beautiful bear sighting! Trail is paved, but choppy. There are a few good overlooks. The fall foliage was gorgeous. Parking is difficult!"
Ashton Waterman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is located off Little River Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The closest major town is Gatlinburg, TN. Be aware that the trail is currently closed until mid-2026.
From Gatlinburg, take Little River Road towards Cades Cove. The trailhead will be on your right. Parking is extremely limited.
Currently, there is no public transportation directly to the Laurel Falls Trailhead. Private vehicle access is the primary method, but parking is a major issue.
While Laurel Falls is within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it is not directly on the main Appalachian Trail. There are separate access points.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is the closest major town to the Laurel Falls Trail. Pigeon Forge is also a nearby option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee or ticket required to hike Laurel Falls Trail itself, as it's within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, a parking tag is required for any vehicle parked for more than 15 minutes within the park.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is generally open year-round, but specific trails can have closures. Laurel Falls Trail is currently closed for rehabilitation until mid-2026.
No, Laurel Falls Trail is currently closed for rehabilitation work and is expected to reopen in mid-2026.
Reservations are not required for Laurel Falls Trail. However, due to extreme popularity and limited parking, arriving very early is highly recommended.
Parking at the Laurel Falls Trailhead is extremely limited and often a significant challenge. Many visitors report difficulty finding a spot and long waits.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Laurel Falls Trail is approximately 2.6 miles roundtrip, making it a moderate length hike.
The trail is considered moderate. While paved, the pavement is broken and uneven, and there are some steep sections.
To avoid crowds and secure parking, visiting early in the morning is highly recommended.
Swimming is generally not permitted at Laurel Falls or in the pools around it for safety and preservation reasons.
The elevation gain on Laurel Falls Trail is approximately 300 feet, contributing to its moderate difficulty rating.
📸 📸 Photography
The base of the waterfall offers stunning views, especially after rain. The trail itself also provides scenic forest backdrops.
Yes, Laurel Falls is very photogenic, particularly the waterfall itself and the surrounding lush forest. Consider visiting during fall for vibrant foliage.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the waterfall and its surroundings. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on wet surfaces.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be ideal, offering softer light and fewer harsh shadows.
Drones are generally prohibited in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check current park regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 However, it's important to note that the pavement is broken and uneven, so sturdy shoes are essential for little ones to prevent trips and falls. When the trail reopens, remember that while the path is paved, it's not stroller-friendly due to the uneven surface.
Pack plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail. 🚶 Budget Travelers
The main costs would be transportation to the park and potentially a parking tag. When the trail reopens, packing your own food and drinks is highly recommended to save money, as there are no concessions available on the trail.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Laurel Falls Trail Experience
Important Note: As of recent updates, Laurel Falls Trail is closed for rehabilitation and is expected to reopen in mid-2026.
+1 This closure significantly impacts planning for visitors. When open, the trail's popularity leads to extreme crowding, especially during peak seasons and weekends. Parking at the trailhead is notoriously difficult, with very limited spaces that fill up quickly. When the trail reopens, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) to experience the beauty with fewer crowds. The fall foliage season is particularly spectacular, drawing large numbers of visitors.
While the waterfall is the main attraction, the journey through the old-growth forest also provides a serene natural experience. Navigating Parking and Crowds at Laurel Falls
To mitigate this, arriving as early as possible, ideally at sunrise, is the most frequently recommended strategy.
Given the current closure, it's crucial to stay updated on the park's official announcements regarding the reopening of Laurel Falls Trail. When it does reopen, be prepared for a popular destination and plan your visit accordingly to maximize your experience and minimize potential stress related to parking and crowds.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit