Hike to Laurel Falls
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
The rocks around the falls are perpetually wet and dangerously slick — multiple visitors are injured here every year from slipping near the water. Stay behind the railings and watch children closely, especially on the bridge.
CRITICAL CLOSURE NOTICE: Laurel Falls Trail closed in January 2025 for an eighteen-month rehabilitation project. Check the NPS website for reopening status before planning your visit — the trail is not expected to reopen until mid-2026.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Arrive before 8 a.m. or after 4 p.m. to dodge the crowds — this is one of the busiest trails in the entire national park system, and midday parking is a blood sport. The small lot fills fast, and overflow parking along Fighting Creek Gap Road disappears shortly after.
The trail is paved but deceptively uneven in spots, so skip the flip-flops. Proper shoes with grip will save you from the slick sections near the falls where mist coats the pavement year-round.
Cross the stone bridge at the falls and scramble (carefully) to the base of the lower tier for a completely different perspective that most visitors miss. The morning light hits the upper cascade beautifully from this angle, and you'll have far fewer people in your shots.
Photos
Smokies Life Photo
