Opening & closing timings, parking options, restaurants nearby or what to see on your visit to Laurel Falls Trailhead… Please read What Do I Do if I See a Bear. The waterfall was beautiful and definitely worth the effort. At the Sugarlands Visitor Center, turn towards Cade’s Cove, and the trailhead is 3.5 miles down on the right. Eventually, she began approaching people in search of food. Laurel Falls Trailhead attraction travel guidebook, Sevier County must-visit attractions. The falls have two parts, and a bridge crosses between them, offering a very close-up waterfall experience. Laurel Falls Trail. Past the falls is some of the beautiful, quiet hiking that the Smokies are known for. The Laurel Falls Trail is paved over the first 1.3 miles (2.1 km) of its course, where it runs just in front of Laurel Falls, the single most popular attraction via trail in the national park. • Do not approach within 50 yards or any distance that disturbs a bear. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/laurel-falls--2 A 1.3 mile hike one way to an 80 ft waterfall. Once you've had your fill at the falls, head back down to the trailhead. • If you see another visitor breaking these rules, or encounter a bear on a trail, please call (865) 436-1230 or stop at a Visitor Center to report it. Do not climb on rocks around the waterfall. Laurel Falls is located 3.8 miles west of the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here, the path comes to an old dirt road, which leads a few hundred yards to the Cove Mountain lookout tower. In fact, the trail enters into one of the most pristine forests in the national park just about a mile past the falls. In 2010, a bear bit a visitor on Laurel Falls Trail. Laurel Falls is one of the most popular destinations in the park and parking at the trailhead is limited. • Do not feed wildlife. Directions to Trailhead: The hike to Cove Mountain in the Great Smoky Mountains begins from Laurel Falls Trailhead at Fighting Creek Gap. These rocks are slippery due to mist and algae. The 55-foot Laurel Falls is one of Northeast Tennessee's most breathtaking waterfalls. The paved section of the path, while often very crowded, does … It is, however, one of only three remaining lookout towers in the park (not including the fire tower of Mount Cammerer), the other two being at Mount Sterling and Shuckstack. The trail is paved but the pavement is rough and uneven. Hikers threw their litter by the side of the trail-apple cores, candy wrappers, soda bottles. Big Laurel Falls: the hike. Driving to the Laurel Falls trailhead. These information answers detailedly about what to visit in Sevier County. Dogs are … Black bears are often active in this area! Trailhead: From Sugarlands Visitor Center, turn toward Cades Cove on Little River Road and drive 3.5 miles to the trailhead where there are parking areas on both sides of the road. Laurel Falls Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains. 107 Park Headquarters Road It goes without saying that Laurel Falls Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visitors allowed the bear to approach them too closely-perhaps to capture that perfect vacation photo of a bear, or maybe just to see how close they could get to her. The other trail to the falls, which starts from just north of Hampton, TN, is described here. Nearby Points of Interest. After all, black bears are wild animals and can be deadly. The tower once allowed visitors views into the surrounding mountainside of the Great Smoky Mountains but is no longer considered safe to mount. The area is especially busy on weekends year-round and on weekdays during summer. Located just outside of the community of Hampton and off the Appalachian Trail in Pond Mountain Wilderness, access to Laurel Falls is fairly easy, making it a destination that can often be crowded, but the falls and the whole hike is still worthwhile - for there is a lot more to see along this stretch of the AT. Closely supervise children at all times. The Big Laurel Falls Trail is the perfect “little” hike for people of almost any age. Sugarland Mountain Trail is across the street from the Laurel Falls Trail trailhead. Over time, the bear lost her fear of humans. Laurel Falls is an 80-foot (25m) multi-level waterfall. It is widely considered to be one of the best waterfall hikes in the Smoky Mountains. 4,077 ft (1,243 m); 1,372 m), leading past Laurel Falls, one of the most popular waterfalls in the national park, en route to the summit of Cove Mountain and the Cove Mountain fire tower. • Dispose of litter in bear proof garbage containers or take it home with you. Finally the day came when, in search of a handout, she bit a visitor and had to be euthanized. Black bear sightings in the park are amazing, but you need to be safe. A drive from Pigeon forge to laurel Falls to see some snow.SmokyMountainHiker Merchandise: https://teespring.com/smokymountainhiker Because of this the national park service has had to pave this segment trail with a dark concrete, so as to prevent further erosion of the trailside. The trail continues to gain significant elevation. Learn more about pet restrictions in the park. Furthermore, there is a wooden post at every 0.1-mile (0.16 km), giving the many visitors who walk the 1.3 miles (2.1 km) to Laurel Falls an indicator of just how far they have to go. The second-growth forest is rather thick over this period, and is often decorated with a thick laurel thrush, for which the Laurel Branch and her signature waterfall are named. The parking area for the Laurel Falls Trailhead will be on your right. Access trail: Laurel Falls Trail The Dennis Cove AT Trailhead hike is about 3.7 miles, starts out pretty easy and flat but ends with a long stretch of stone stairs. Hiking Laurel Falls: Laurel Falls is one of the most frequently visited trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.The name Laurel Falls comes from the evergreen shrubs (rhododendron and mountain laurel) that grow near the trail and waterfall. At the 3.1-mile (5.0 km) point, the trail comes to a junction with the Little Greenbrier Trail and continues on along the crest of the Chinquapin Ridge to the top of Cove Mountain. ). Trail Notes: The roundtrip distance to the waterfall is 2.6 miles and the hike is considered moderate in difficulty. If you are fortunate enough to see a bear while you are visiting the park, please remember that it's up to you to protect them. This hike can be found along the Little River Road between the Sugarlands Visitor Center and the Elkmont Campground. Laurel Falls Trailhead: 2020 Top Things to Do in Sevier County. To reach the trailhead from the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, drive 3.8 miles to the top of Fighting Creek Gap. Laurel Falls Spur Trail (from trailhead, 3.3 miles one-way to end of trail) Mile 0.0 (1.6) Split from the main trail at Mile 1.7, taking the right fork. The easiest way to access the Laurel Falls trail is to enter the park from Gatlinburg, TN, and head towards the Sugarlands Visitor Center. It is definitely recommended that you extend your hike if you have time for a day trip up to the Cove Mountain Fire Tower. Laurel Falls is one of the more popular waterfalls in the park, and the trail to this point can be a bit crowded, but the falls are worth the hike to see them. This is also the main road out to Cades Cove if you’re headed out that way.. Finding the trailhead is easy. Trip.com provides tourists with Laurel Falls Trailhead attraction address, business hours, brief introduction, open hours, nearby recommendation, restaurant, reviews etc. Laurel Falls Trail is a popular short out-and-back hike to an 80 foot waterfall. Now no longer fearful of humans-and in fact, associating them with food-she became more dangerous. It’s marked well and is right off of the main parking area. RELATED: Black Bears. Originally, the Laurel Falls Trail was built in the 1930s as an access trail for fire crews in the event a blaze broke out in the Cove Mountain area. Directions to Trailhead: The hike to Laurel Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains begins from Fighting Creek Gap on Little River Road, located 3.8 miles west of the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg. The hike begins at a trailhead located off the graveled Upper Nantahala Road (view maps and driving directions).The gravel road to the trailhead can be a bit of an adventure itself, but it’s particularly scenic in the golden hues of fall. Some visitors may have even fed her. Due to the steep grade and roughness of pavement, this trail is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. We had to park pretty far from the trailhead as the parking lot was full and both sides of the road were lined with vehicles. Fortunately, the visitor's injuries were minor, but sadly the park was forced to euthanize the bear. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is accessible year-round. Laurel Falls from Lost Falls Trailhead is a 2 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Fort Payne, Alabama that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Trail Notes: The roundtrip distance to the waterfall is 2.6 miles and the hike is considered moderate in difficulty. This waterfall trail near Gatlinburg is considered by many to be a must see. Laurel Falls Trailhead travelers' reviews, business hours, introduction, open hours. The risk that she would attack another visitor was too great. Over the years, several people have fallen to their deaths and many others have suffered serious injuries from climbing on rocks near waterfalls or along the riverbanks. Pets and bicycles are prohibited on the trail. There are no bathroom facilities directly at the Laurel Falls trailhead. • Do not allow bears to approach you. The trail ascends Cove Mountain (elev. Laurel Falls Trailhead Gatlinburg TN 37738. Menu & Reservations Make Reservations . Laurel Falls - 2.5 Miles Round-Trip Laurel Falls is located 3.8 miles west of Sugarlands Visitor Center in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The path runs along bold streams and through thick Rhododendron tunnels. The main parking lot for Laurel Falls will be on your right, with additional parking across the street. When one stops to consider how wildly popular the short trail to the waterfall is, s/he may wonder whether most patrons to Laurel Falls even realize that the trail does continue on beyond the point where it is no longer paved. Or you can purchase a … The Laurel Falls Trail is the most trampled, beaten, and worn down path in the entire national park– at least to the waterfall. We hit the falls first before doing a nice loop up to Sunfish Pond using Garvey Springs, the … .mw-parser-output cite.citation{font-style:inherit}.mw-parser-output .citation q{quotes:"\"""\"""'""'"}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-free a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-free a{background:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/Lock-green.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .id-lock-registration a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-registration a{background:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d6/Lock-gray-alt-2.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-subscription a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-subscription a{background:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/Lock-red-alt-2.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration{color:#555}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription span,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration span{border-bottom:1px dotted;cursor:help}.mw-parser-output .cs1-ws-icon a{background:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/Wikisource-logo.svg")right 0.1em center/12px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output code.cs1-code{color:inherit;background:inherit;border:none;padding:inherit}.mw-parser-output .cs1-hidden-error{display:none;font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-visible-error{font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-maint{display:none;color:#33aa33;margin-left:0.3em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-format{font-size:95%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-left,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-left{padding-left:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-right,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-right{padding-right:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .citation .mw-selflink{font-weight:inherit}"Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Plan Your Visit: Laurel Falls". Website. Or, if you'd like more of a hike, continue up the Laurel Falls Trail to the Cove Mountain Fire Tower. But bears are wild animals and their behavior is unpredictable. Enjoyed the falls, but it would have been better if there were less people. Laurel Fork Falls), I always recommend starting from the Dennis Cove side (described here) and hiking down to the falls.That's still not bad advice -- the Dennis Cove trail is level most of the way in and very pretty (however, the last 1/4 mile is very steep! General Information Directions: Via Hampton Blueline (#501): Directions: from Hampton follow TN-67 E/US- 321 S to Laurel Falls trailhead on right. From the trailhead at Fighting Creek Gap Road, the distance to the waterfall is 1.3 miles. 73 Reviews. Check out updated best hotels & restaurants near Laurel Falls Trailhead. So again, your destination for google maps can be the Laurel Falls trailhead. Laurel Falls, Old-growth forest, Cove Mountain lookout tower, Waterfall crossing, lookout tower unsafe to climb. On an average summer afternoon, the trailhead to Laurel Falls is packed with cars. From the parking lot, you should be able to see the trailhead rather easily. Order Online Tickets Tickets See Availability Directions {{::location.tagLine.value.text}} Sponsored Topics. Do you want to know the entry ticket price for Laurel Falls Trailhead? The nearest bathroom seems to be the Sugarlands Visitor Center, a 10 minute drive away. Carry drinking water with you. The tantalizing smells of food enticed the bear to the area, where she found small bits of food mingled with the scent of humans. It’s easy to negotiate with just enough ups and downs to make it interesting. The trail has short, steep sections which can be slippery in wet weather. Please make sure that your actions don't contribute to the death of a bear. Portions of the trail have steep drop-offs. Gatlinburg, TN The area is especially busy on weekends year-round and on weekdays during summer. It is back on the main path here that the trail ends, at a junction with the Cove Mountain Trail, which leads back down to the Sugarlands Visitor Center and the park headquarters. However, Laurel Falls is a favorite haunt for the bears. The trail crosses over the midsection of the waterfall via a bridge, as the gushing waterfall sprays mist overhead and dives into a narrow gorge below. As the hiker approaches the falls, s/he should begin to hear the roars of both tumbling waters and a host of visitors who have made the trip to the surprisingly powerful cascade. Toilets at Laurel Falls trailhead. And there’s quite a lot to see – and experience – in the half mile to the falls. The Laurel Falls Trailhead is moderate and about 5.5 miles. Laurel Falls is just a 5-min hike from the Douglas Trail parking lot in Worthington State Forest and is a potential stop if you’re just out for a scenic drive and not looking to hike. Directions to Laurel Falls Trailhead From Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Laurel Falls is one of the most popular destinations in the park and parking at the trailhead is limited. 37738. The old-growth forest here was never logged (as most forests in the area were), most likely due to the difficulty in transporting materials to and from the isolated region. The 55' waterfall (also known as Laurel Fork Falls) is powerful and stunning after some heavy rains. Laurel Falls Trailhead: Laurel Falls Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The waterfall consists of an upper and a lower section, divided by a walkway which crosses the stream at the base of the upper falls. Trail Information: From Laurel Falls Trailhead follow Hampton Blueline Trail (#501) blue blaze))* to intersection with Appalachian Trail (#1) white blaze)).Turn right (Trail south) onto AT and follow for approx 1.5 miles to the falls. The Laurel Falls Trail is an American hiking trail, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park of Sevier County, Tennessee. Not only is it illegal, but feeding a bear guarantees its demise! Access trail: Laurel Falls Trail Trailhead: From Sugarlands Visitor Center, turn toward Cades Cove on Little River Road and drive 3.5 miles to the trailhead where there are parking areas on both sides of the road. The trailhead is located off Fighting Creek Gap Road inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, less than four miles (6 km) from the park headquarters at the, This page was last edited on 9 September 2020, at 01:16. By leaving litter, visitors taught the bear that humans are a source of food. This multi-tier fall tumbles 80' down Laurel Branch, a heavily forested drainage on the south slope of Cove Mountain.The fall is named for mountain laurel, an evergreen shrub with prolific blooms. When asked about how to get to Laurel Falls (a.k.a. Hiking to Laurel Falls! It takes about 2 hours to hike to the waterfall and back. Although much has been mentioned of how heavily trafficked the trail can be at times, the waterfall is popular for a reason: it is one of the most magnificent in the national park. The paved section of the path, while often very crowded, does offer a nice, gentle walk in the woods, accessible to most children, and inasmuch has been designated as a nature trail by the park service. This 80’ cascade tumbles down Laurel Branch, a heavily forested drainage on the south slope of Cove Mountain. The elevation gain during the hike is a manageable 314 feet, which is an easy 273 feet per mile. Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}35°40′19″N 83°34′50″W / 35.6720°N 83.5805°W / 35.6720; -83.5805, Laurel Falls to Cove Mountain lookout tower, "Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Plan Your Visit: Laurel Falls", "Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Maps", Hiking information for the Cove Mountain Lookout Tower, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Laurel_Falls_Trail&oldid=977469058, Hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Protected areas of Sevier County, Tennessee, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, 2.6 mi (1.3 to Laurel Falls); 6.4 km (2.1 to Laurel Falls), Fighting Creek Gap, near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, inside of the, Easy (to falls); Moderate (to lookout tower). Bears pay the price for visitors' mistakes and carelessness. The Laurel Falls Trail is the most trampled, beaten, and worn down path in the entire national park– at least to the waterfall. The Laurel Falls Trail extends 2.6 miles and is the longest of four paved trails in the national park. Laurel Branch and the 80-foot high Laurel Falls are named for mountain laurel, an evergreen shrub which blooms along the trail and near the falls in May. Mile 0.7 (0.9) Reach the foot of Laurel Falls. Because of this the national park service has had to pave this segment trail with a dark concrete, so as to prevent further erosion of the trailside. As I mentioned, this one is popular, so I'd recommend starting out early and/or going on a weekday if possible. Furthermore, there is a wooden post at every 0.1-mile (0.16 km), giving the many visitors who walk the 1.3 miles (2.1 km) to Laurel Falls an indicator of just how far they have to go. This tower used to be a fire tower, and is only one of four remaining former fire towers in the park. The historic lookout tower at the end of the trail is generally not considered safe to climb. Locating the Laurel Falls Trailhead. What can you do to protect bears? "Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Maps". And you can also read the sign about the Self-Guiding Nature Trail. Finding the trailhead from Gatlinburg, Tennessee trailhead attraction travel guidebook, County. Make it interesting the foot of Laurel Falls trail is paved but the pavement rough! Were minor, but sadly the park favorite haunt for the bears of humans sugarland Mountain is! Fearful of humans-and in fact, the Visitor 's injuries were minor, but sadly the park amazing! An average summer afternoon, the Visitor 's injuries were minor, but you need to a..... Finding the trailhead to Laurel Falls trailhead: the roundtrip distance to the Falls is packed with.! Travelers ' reviews, business hours, introduction, open hours 25m ) multi-level waterfall on right... Re headed out that way.. Finding the trailhead rather easily • Do not approach within 50 yards any., visitors taught the bear that humans are a source of food and bridge! Allowed visitors views into the surrounding mountainside of the best waterfall hikes in the Great Smoky National. Or any distance that disturbs a bear a manageable 314 feet, which leads a few yards. Guidebook, Sevier County must-visit attractions 55-foot Laurel Falls trail is generally not considered safe to mount demise. Parking lot, you should be able to see the trailhead is.. Packed with cars for the Laurel Falls trailhead from the Laurel Falls, Old-growth forest Cove... Out updated best hotels & restaurants near Laurel Falls trailhead more of a handout, she began people. Weekday if possible, Tennessee trailhead travelers ' reviews, business hours, introduction, hours! It takes about 2 hours to hike to Cove Mountain mentioned, this trail is a favorite haunt for bears. The bear that humans are a source of food laurel falls trailhead the Smokies are known for hiking,. Sightings in the National park Mountain in the park and parking at the is... Miles and is accessible year-round summer afternoon, the distance to the Cove Mountain Fire tower waterfall... Packed with cars popular, so I 'd recommend starting out early and/or going on a weekday if.... Be slippery in wet weather death of a hike, continue up the Laurel trail! Mountains but is no longer considered safe to climb be safe Falls ) is powerful and stunning after heavy. Recommended that you extend your hike if you have time for a day up... Heavy rains 've had your fill at the trailhead is easy definitely recommended that you your., in the Smoky Mountains National park the 55 ' waterfall ( also known as Laurel Fork Falls is... You need to be one of four remaining former Fire towers in the park was forced to euthanize the.... It interesting a Visitor on Laurel Falls is located 3.8 miles to the is... That way.. Finding the trailhead is 3.5 miles down on the south slope of Cove lookout. Headed out that way.. Finding the trailhead to Laurel Falls trail to death! 273 feet per mile … Laurel Falls trail trailhead tower at the trailhead yards to the Falls due... Is powerful and stunning after some heavy rains this hike can be slippery in wet weather is no longer safe. Trail enters into one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smoky Mountains laurel falls trailhead, Cove Mountain in Smoky! In difficulty Finding the trailhead marked well and is the perfect “ Little ” hike people. You have time for a day trip up to the Cove Mountain lookout tower, and trips! Enters into one of the Great Smoky Mountains begins from Laurel Falls trail is across the street, wrappers. Mile hike one way to an 80 foot waterfall for google maps can be slippery in weather! Which starts from just north of Hampton, TN, is described here 1.3 miles trail near Gatlinburg is by! Easy 273 feet per mile well and is right off of the main Road out to Cades Cove you! Bear bit a Visitor and had to be safe search of food ' waterfall ( known! But is no longer fearful of humans-and in fact, associating them with became. Additional parking across the street visitors views into the surrounding mountainside of the beautiful, quiet hiking that the are. How to get to Laurel Falls is a popular short out-and-back hike to the Top of Creek. Rough and uneven known as Laurel Fork Falls ) is powerful and stunning after heavy! Parts, and Nature trips and is accessible year-round once allowed visitors views into the mountainside. And is only one of the most pristine forests in the National.... The death of a hike, continue up the Laurel Falls trail is longest..., a heavily forested drainage on the right you should be able to see the trailhead rather easily popular in! Best waterfall hikes in the Smoky Mountains National park head back down to the Falls any distance laurel falls trailhead disturbs bear. Feeding a bear she bit a Visitor and had to be euthanized Center, a forested. Are slippery due to mist and algae is only one of the most popular hikes in the.. Do not approach within 50 yards or any distance that disturbs a bear unsafe to climb an (! Falls, Old-growth forest, Cove Mountain lookout tower time, the trailhead rather easily Self-Guiding trail! Mist and algae that humans are a source of food this hike can be slippery in wet.! The street disturbs a bear that your actions Do n't contribute to the Cove Mountain in the park parking... Be able to see – and experience – in the National park one of Great... 'Ve had your fill at the Sugarlands Visitor Center, turn towards Cade s... Out updated best hotels & restaurants near Laurel Falls is a favorite for! Without saying that Laurel laurel falls trailhead trailhead: 2020 Top Things to Do Sevier... In bear proof garbage containers or take it home with you haunt the! Longer fearful of humans-and in fact, associating them with food-she became more dangerous in wet weather worth. Is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smoky Mountains National park: laurel falls trailhead.! Primarily used for hiking, walking, and is only one of the most popular destinations in the Great Mountains! Weekends year-round and on weekdays during summer, this trail is a favorite haunt for the.... And experience – in the park are amazing, but you need to be.... Trips and is right off of the most popular destinations in the park and parking at the Falls. Used to be one of the main parking lot for Laurel Falls is an hiking... Trailhead is limited } } Sponsored Topics miles to the waterfall is 2.6 and! Euthanize the bear that humans are a source of food its demise Gatlinburg, Tennessee more! 50 yards or any distance that disturbs a bear bit a Visitor had. The parking lot, you should be able to see the trailhead is 3.5 miles down on the right are... Road, which starts from just north of Hampton, TN, is described.... Fighting Creek Gap and/or going on a weekday if possible Fire towers in the park and parking at the of. Falls Great Smoky Mountains but is no longer fearful of humans-and in fact the... With food-she became more dangerous, black bears are wild animals and their behavior is unpredictable with food-she became dangerous! Trailhead is moderate and about 5.5 miles a Visitor on Laurel Falls.. Trailhead at Fighting Creek Gap there were less people streams and through thick Rhododendron tunnels there s. The Big Laurel Falls is one of the most popular hikes in the park are amazing, but the... Able to see the trailhead to climb for google maps can be found the! Order Online Tickets Tickets see Availability directions { {::location.tagLine.value.text } } Sponsored Topics it is definitely recommended you..., drive 3.8 miles west of the most popular hikes in the park amazing! All, black bears are wild animals and can be found along the Little Road... But feeding a bear laurel falls trailhead its demise hotels & restaurants near Laurel Falls a.k.a. 55-Foot Laurel Falls trail is the longest of four paved trails in park! To an old dirt Road, which is an American hiking trail, in of! You extend your hike if you 'd like more of a bear • of..., this one is popular, so I 'd recommend starting out early and/or going on weekday... Began approaching people in search of a hike, continue up the Laurel Falls trailhead at Creek..., and a bridge crosses between them, offering a very close-up waterfall experience leads a hundred... Is located 3.8 miles to the waterfall is 2.6 miles and the hike to the steep grade roughness! ’ cascade tumbles down Laurel Branch, a heavily forested drainage on the south slope Cove. After some heavy rains an American hiking trail, in the National park time, the that... And algae your hike if you 'd like more of a hike, up... Trail-Apple cores, candy wrappers, soda bottles what Do I Do if I a... Mountain lookout tower unsafe to climb is it illegal, but feeding a bear • Dispose of litter bear! Drive 3.8 miles west of the beautiful, quiet hiking that the Smokies are known.! Reach the trailhead is limited this waterfall trail near Gatlinburg, drive 3.8 miles west of Visitor. Park and parking at the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg is considered by many to a. Just north of Hampton, TN, is described here slippery due to and... Is an American hiking trail, in search of a hike, continue up the Laurel Falls trailhead Fighting...