![]() Laurel Falls ParkingParking in undesignated spots impacts adjacent habitats, damages road edges, and causes erosion. ![]() Crowding at Laurel FallsHow is the Smokies working to provide a high-quality experience in America's busiest national park? ![]() Mike Baker With more than 800 miles of trails across the park, you can pre-plan to choose a less congested area to visit during peak time periods. ![]() Laurel Branch and the 80-foot high Laurel Falls are named for mountain laurel, an evergreen shrub which blooms along the trail and near the falls in May. The waterfall consists of an upper and a lower section, divided by a walkway which crosses the stream at the base of the upper falls. Laurel Falls is one of the most popular destinations in the park and parking at the trailhead is limited. The area is especially busy on weekends year-round and on weekdays during summer. Trail Notes: The roundtrip distance to the waterfall is 2.6 miles and the hike is considered moderate in difficulty. It takes about 2 hours to hike to the waterfall and back. Carry drinking water with you. Pets and bicycles are prohibited on the trail. Learn more about pet restrictions in the park. The trail is paved at the trailhead but the pavement is rough and uneven and does not extend the full length of the trail. The trail has short, steep sections which can be slippery in wet weather. Portions of the trail have steep drop-offs. Closely supervise children at all times. Due to the steep grade and roughness of pavement, this trail is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. Do not climb on rocks around the waterfall. People have fallen to their deaths and many others have suffered serious injuries from climbing on rocks near waterfalls or along the riverbanks. These rocks are slippery due to mist and algae. What Do I Do if I See a Bear?Black bears are often active in this area. If you are fortunate enough to see a bear while you are visiting the park, please remember that it's up to you to protect them. Bears pay the price for visitors' mistakes and carelessness. Please make sure that your actions don't contribute to the death of a bear.
![]() NPS Photo Why is Laurel Falls Trail Paved?There are over 800 miles of trail in the 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 to allow fire crews access to the Cove Mountain area in the event of a fire. Planning for the trail and a fire tower to be built at the top of Cove Mountain began in early 1930s.The trail was completed in 1932 at a cost of approximately $590. The fire tower was completed three years later. |
Last updated: July 15, 2022