Laurel Falls Trail - 7 Reasons You Should Hike It

Laurel Falls Trail, near Gatlinburg, TN is busy – like BUSY! Every time we drive past the parking area it is full, with cars parked as far as a mile away in both directions. There’s got to be a good reason for that, right?

Well, there is! There are, in fact, several reasons Laurel Creek Falls Trail is so busy. Read on for the 7 reasons you should take this hike the next time you’re in the Smoky Mountains!

What's Inside This Post...

1. Location, Location, Location

Location is everything, right?

Laurel Falls Trail sits right on Little River Gorge Rd., one of the two main roads through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As such, hundreds of cars drive right by it every day.

It’s less than 20 minutes from Gatlinburg, and less than 10 minutes down the road from the Sugarlands Visitor Center.

Just drive southwest from Gatlinburg on Highway 441 and turn right on Fighting Creek Gap Road at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Fighting Creek Gap Road quickly becomes Little River Gorge Road, you’ll soon be at the parking area for Laurel Falls Trail.

(Click anywhere on the map to enlarge it.)

Map to Laurel Falls Trail Gatlinburg, TN

2. Parking

You’ll probably start to notice cars parked in what seem to be remote parking areas and on the side of the road (where it is permissible) up to a mile before you get to the trailhead.

There is a good bit of parking at the trailhead – there are parking lots on both sides of the road. But the trail is so popular and the lots fill up so quickly that some folks are forced to park up to a mile away and walk up the road to the trailhead.

Pro Tip – Arrive at the trailhead early morning, or wait until early evening when the crowds aren’t so large. It will be easier to find a parking spot; the weather will be cooler; and your odds of seeing a bear will go up!

3. It’s an Easy Hike on the Laurel Falls Trail

This hike is 2.6 miles out and back, and is rated “Easy” by AllTrails. It climbs 403′ on your way to the falls, but it is fairly gradual.

Sign at the trailhead for Laurel Falls Trail

The trail is asphalted, but as one reviewer put it, “It’s been shown a lot of love”. There are a LOT of spots where the asphalt has worn off the edges or developed pot holes in the trail, so watch your step.

But the trail is short, and we saw people of all ages easily hiking it.

4. The Views Are to Die For!

About halfway to the falls look off to your left and you will see some stunning scenery. We were last here in early autumn, and some of the trees had begun to show their fall colors. So don’t forget your camera!

View of the Smoky Mountains in the distance from Laurel Falls Trail

5. Laurel Falls is a Wonderful Little Waterfall

When you arrive at the top of the trail, this bridge in the photo below is the first thing you’ll probably see, and those people across the bridge are probably the second thing you will see.

The bridge crosses over the small pool at the base of Laurel Falls. From there the pool spills over the edge on the left side of the bridge. Cross the bridge and you will find yourself in a small area with a lot of people.

The waterfall is on the right side of the bridge. It’s not too big; it’s not too small; it’s just right! I like to say it’s “cute”.

The falls come down over multiple levels and divide into several cascades on their way down. From the far side of the bridge, you can easily step into the pool at the base of the falls, and even walk right up to them. Photo opps!

6. Laurel Falls is a Great Place to Mix and Mingle

Because there are usually so many people in such a small area, this is a great place to make new friends. We sat down on a large rock where we struck up a conversation with a man from another part of the country. My wife took photos for a couple who were recreating a scene from a trip to the same spot years ago. We enjoyed watching people take baby pictures by the waterfall.

Lots of people in a small space at the top of Laurel Falls

PRO TIP – Talk to people you encounter on the trails. Often the people you meet become some of your favorite memories of your trip!

PRO TIP – Watch your kids! There is a serious drop-off beyond the ledge on the left side of the bridge. Please don’t let your children wander too close to the edge.

7. Bears

We have a contest every time we visit a national park – whoever is the first to see a bear wins $5.

The young fellow in the photos below was walking right by me, just off the trail, when I saw him. He just walked right on by – I suppose he had somewhere to be.

Black bears in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are rarely dangerous, as long as we use common sense. Don’t approach a bear; don’t taunt a bear; don’t try to touch a bear; and don’t try to feed a bear.

The National Park Service has some excellent guidelines regarding black bear encounters. Visit www.nps.gov to check them out.

Young black bear ambling down the hiking trail

Young black bear trying to hide behind a tiny pine tree

BIG UPDATE!

Renovations will include…

Repaving and widening the trail
Widening the bridge that crosses in front of the falls
The construction of a new viewing platform
Expanding the available parking for Laurel Falls Trail
A shuttle service to the trailhead, as well as timed entry to the trail

Go to nps.gov for more info and updates on the progress of the project.

The Verdict – Laurel Falls Trail, Gatlinburg, TN

This is a great little hike to a wonderful little waterfall with gorgeous views along the way. You should do it!

Try to get there early or late to avoid the crowds. Weekdays are better than weekends.

Keep an eye on the start date for the renovations, though, because when they begin, the trail will be closed for up to 18 months or longer.

Laurel Falls Trail, Gatlinburg, TN – 7 Super Reasons So Many People Hike It, and So Should You