Laurel Falls Trail Guide (Great Smoky Mountains)
Updated March 2026
By John Doe, Certified Tennessee Wilderness Guide
John Doe has spent 10+ years guiding hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with a focus on family-friendly trail planning, Leave No Trace practices, and wildlife-aware hiking. He regularly updates local trail guidance based on National Park Service alerts and visitor information.
You’ll discover that Laurel Falls gets its name from the beautiful mountain laurel shrubs that line the trail—these evergreen beauties create a stunning backdrop for your 80-foot waterfall adventure. The waterfall has an upper and lower section divided by a walkway that crosses the stream at the base of the upper section. It’s easy to see why Laurel Falls has become such a beloved destination—once you experience this spectacular waterfall for yourself, you’ll understand why so many visitors return year after year. Today, the location receives visits year-round, with most weekends seeing large crowds. During summer, more people stream in both on weekends and weekdays to enjoy the scenic view offered by the Laurel Falls.
Why Is Laurel Falls Trail Closed, and When Will It Reopen?
The National Park Service closed Laurel Falls Trail on January 6, 2025 to repave cracked asphalt, add safer viewing platforms, and expand parking. The work should take about 18 months, so officials expect to reopen the trail in mid-2026. For updates, visit the NPS website before you travel.
Is Laurel Falls Inside Cades Cove?
No. Laurel Falls sits on Little River Road, about three miles west of Sugarlands Visitor Center and roughly 14 miles east of the Cades Cove loop. You’ll need to leave Cades Cove and drive along Little River Road to reach the trailhead.
Bear Sightings on the Laurel Falls Trail
While black bear sightings are definitely possible on the Laurel Falls Trail, don’t let that discourage you from this amazing hike! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to many black bears that are likely to wander onto the trail during the day. If you’re lucky enough to spot one of these magnificent creatures, remember to observe from a safe distance—this ensures both your safety and the bears’ well-being, making the experience memorable for all the right reasons.
Directions to the Laurel Falls Trailhead
From Pigeon Forge
Take the US-321 N/US-441 S/Parkway for 5.7 miles until you reach the National Park exit. Continue onto Gatlinburg Bypass for 3.5 miles, then merge onto US-441 S. After that, take a right onto Fighting Creek Gap Road and keep going for 4.6 miles.
From Gatlinburg
Head northeast toward East Pkwy, then slight right. Take a right onto Baskins Creek Bypass, which will turn into Newton Lane after 0.5 miles. Turn right onto Cherokee Orchard Rd. In 0.2 miles, continue onto US-441 S for 2.5 miles. Then, turn right onto Fighting Creek Gap Road and follow this road for 4.6 miles.
Turn toward Cades Cove on Little River Road and drive about 3.8 miles to the parking lot for Laurel Falls from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. From here, the parking lot will be on your right, with additional parking across the street. The trailhead is easily visible from the parking area.
When traveling from the Townsend Wye intersection by Cades Cove, the Laurel Falls trailhead is about 14 miles.
From Oak Haven Resort
Want easy access to the Laurel Falls Trail? There’s a secret entrance into Great Smoky Mountains National Park directly from Oak Haven Resort. Follow the signs towards the park through Wears Valley, TN to Line Springs Road where you will find the Wears Valley National Park entrance on Wear Cove Gap Road. This will cut 30 minutes off of your drive! Click here for directions from Oak Haven Resort.
Parking fills up fast during peak season (summer), so be sure to get here early in the day, on a weekday, or during the off-peak season.
Bathroom Facilities at Laurel Falls Trail
There aren’t restroom facilities at the trailhead itself, but we recommend planning ahead by using the facilities at the Sugarlands Visitor Center—it’s a perfect spot to grab any last-minute supplies and get oriented before your hike.
History of the Paved Laurel Falls Trail
The Laurel Fall Trail was originally built in 1932 to provide fire crews with access to the Cove Mountain area in case of a forest fire. A grant from the 1963 Accelerated Works Project to the Department of Interior was used to pave the Laurel Falls Trail. This project aimed to manage the soil erosion problem that was frequent in the area.
How Long Does the Hike Take, and Do I Need a Parking Tag?
The paved trail to Laurel Falls is about 2.6 miles roundtrip, and most hikers finish in one and a half to two hours, including time at the waterfall. When the trail reopens, you’ll need a Great Smoky Mountains parking tag (currently $5 per day, $15 per week, or $40 per year) if you leave your vehicle for more than 15 minutes anywhere in the park. You don’t need a separate entrance fee or timed reservation. Pets and bicycles aren’t allowed on this trail.
Heads-up: The trail closed on January 6, 2025 for an estimated 18-month rehabilitation project. Check the official NPS page for the latest reopening date before you visit.
Laurel Falls Trail Difficulty Level
The Laurel Falls round trip is considered to be moderately difficult. The trail features a 2.6-mile roundtrip on a paved path. Hikers can experience an elevation gain of 314 feet with a moderate 273 feet per mile.
Swimming Opportunities at Laurel Falls
Yes. You can swim in one of the two swimming holes found in the fall. The first swimming hole is located at the base of the main, two-tier fall, while the other is a little bit secluded and hidden.
Stay at Oak Haven Resort’s Cabins Near Laurel Falls
After your waterfall adventure, you’ll love returning to Oak Haven’s thoughtfully appointed cabins, where comfort meets mountain charm. Whether you’re traveling solo, with your partner, or the whole family in tow, our luxury cabins offer plenty of amenities with a convenient location near all that Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have to offer. We’d love to help you create the perfect base camp for your Smoky Mountain explorations—discover which of our cabins will make your getaway truly memorable.
