About
Length (round trip)2.6 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyEasy
Elevation gain314 ft up
Typical time1 hr 30 min
TrailheadLaurel Falls trailhead, Little River Road
SurfacePaved, cracked and uneven in places
Best seasonApril to June for wildflowers, mid-October for fall colour. High elevations are cold and icy from November to March.
DogsNot allowed
AccessibilitySome sections of the trail have cracked, uneven pavement.
What you'll see 💧 Waterfall

Overview Laurel Falls Trail is closed as of Jan. 6, 2025 for rehabilitation work-alternate hikes listed below. Learn more about the trail rehabilitation project in the news release . Hike 2.6 miles (4.2 km) roundtrip through a mixed hardwood forest to an 80-foot (24-m) waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park . On the way, enjoy dense mountain laurel and rhododendron plus views of the mountain landscape before arriving at the waterfall. Length 2.6 miles (4.2 km) roundtrip Parking & Trailhead Please consider a shuttle or park at Laurel Falls Trailhead on Little River Road 3 miles (4.8 km) west of Sugarlands Visitor Center, though these parking lots are often full due to this trail's popularity. Don't forget your parking tag . Nearest Restroom Sugarlands Visitor Center Alternate Hikes Little River, Cucumber Gap, Jakes Creek Loop : 5.4 miles (8.7 km) roundtrip Grotto Falls : 4 miles (6.4 km) roundtrip Lynn Camp Prong Cascades : 1.4 miles (2.3 km) roundtrip Gatlinburg Trail : 4 miles (6.4 km) roundtrip

Tips
Paved but not truly accessible - it is steep and broken in places, and there are unfenced drops. Parking is a serious problem; go at dawn or use a shuttle. Black bear encounters on this trail are common.
Location

Laurel Falls trailhead, Little River Road

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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