Laurel Falls Hiking Trail
| Trail | Distance (Round-Trip) | Difficulty | Elevation Gain | Viewing | Natural Beauty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laurel Falls | 2.6 miles | Easy to Moderate | ~314 ft | Early morning / late afternoon (Peak blooms: mid-to-late May) | 80-foot tiered waterfall, mountain laurel & rhododendron blooms | Paved path with steep drop-offs. Arrive early for parking. |
Overview
Named for the dense thickets of mountain laurel that canopy the trail and bloom vibrantly each May, the Laurel Falls Trail is one of the most accessible and celebrated waterfall hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trail climbs steadily along the forested slopes of Cove Mountain, crossing an 80-foot, two-tier cascading waterfall bisected by a concrete bridge.
Trail Description & Highlights
⚬ The Ascent (1.3 Miles): The paved pathway begins with a moderate, steady incline through an oak-hickory forest canopy. While paved, the pavement is aged, uneven, and pitted in several areas, with steep, drop-offs along the outer edge.
⚬ The Falls: Upon reaching the 1.3-mile mark, hikers cross a concrete walkway directly between the upper and lower cascades. The upper falls plunge into a shallow pool above the bridge before cascading down into the rugged gorge below.
⚬ Flora & Seasons: Late spring (mid-to-late May) brings peak blooms of pink-and-white mountain laurel and rhododendron. In autumn, the Cove Mountain ridges deliver vibrant fall foliage.
Important Trail & Parking Regulations
⚬ Parking Pass Required: A valid Great Smoky Mountains National Park parking tag must be displayed on your vehicle. Parking lots fill up quickly; plan to arrive before 8:30 AM or after 4:30 PM to secure a spot.
⚬ Strollers & Wheelchairs: Despite the paved surface, the steep grade, rocky exposed edges, and rough pavement make this trail unsuitable for strollers or standard wheelchairs.
⚬ Stay on the Path: Rocks near the waterfall are exceptionally slick due to algae and mist. Climbing on the rocks around the waterfall is prohibited and dangerous.
⚬ Bear Safety: Laurel Falls is an active black bear corridor. Keep all food sealed in packs and maintain at least 50 yards of distance if wildlife is spotted.