The Laurel Falls Trail at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Gatlinburg, TN is a moderate heavily-trafficked 2.5 mile out-and-back hike from Fighting Creek Gap rd to Laurel Falls - one of the Smoky's most iconic waterfalls.
The hike is very dangerous as there are many places along the trail where there are 50 to 70 foot cliffs. Some of them are right by the waterfall itself where traffic tends to pile up, so be careful. On our hike out, a group of people did not move over for us and blocked the trail in multiple dangerous places - do not be these people. Trail etiquette and space is highly recommended because people have died hiking this trail.
All dangers aside, this is one of the best day hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains because it's not a difficult hike. The entire trail is paved up to Laurel Falls, but has fallen apart in certain areas, so watch your step.
Prepare for a ton of people here. This is one of the most popular hikes at the Smokys, so the trail is often littered with people. If you like hikes with less people, Spruce Flat Falls is a much better option and quite honestly is just as good as Laurel Falls.
Dogs and biking are not allowed here.
The hike is very dangerous as there are many places along the trail where there are 50 to 70 foot cliffs. Some of them are right by the waterfall itself where traffic tends to pile up, so be careful. On our hike out, a group of people did not move over for us and blocked the trail in multiple dangerous places - do not be these people. Trail etiquette and space is highly recommended because people have died hiking this trail.
All dangers aside, this is one of the best day hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains because it's not a difficult hike. The entire trail is paved up to Laurel Falls, but has fallen apart in certain areas, so watch your step.
Prepare for a ton of people here. This is one of the most popular hikes at the Smokys, so the trail is often littered with people. If you like hikes with less people, Spruce Flat Falls is a much better option and quite honestly is just as good as Laurel Falls.
Dogs and biking are not allowed here.
