Laurel Falls, Tennessee, United States

4Cherry_Wonderdog 5:00 PM Nov 1, 2021

Pretty good if the opportunity presents itself
We really weren’t planning to visit Laurel Falls. Everyone had warned us about it being mobbed and impossible to access due to limited parking. Indeed, when we had to be strategic in terms of selecting the right destination first thing in the morning, knowing that our second destination would face even greater parking challenges, we opted to skip Laurel Falls in lieu of longer hikes with similar if not superior ratings. But Laurel Falls was always at the back of our minds, and when we happened to drive by on a Saturday afternoon, whilst six miles of heavily congested car traffic was headed in the opposite direction towards Gatlinburg, we noticed a few open parking spots nary a quarter mile from the Laurel Falls entrance. The Laurel Falls trail lacks a bit of the charm that others in the Great Smoky Mountain offer simply by virtue of it being partially paved. The tar is sufficiently aged so that it no longer qualifies as handicap accessible, but it’s not a clean dirt trail either. As such, it’s perhaps easier for walking, but, by definition, also in need of maintenance. Even at this off period, there was plenty of foot traffic – along with Clingmans Dome, the most heavily trafficked in the park. But it was to be expected. This wasn’t a trail for being intimate with nature – it was one to see a celebrated waterfall, one perhaps most easily accessible for families with children and people getting up in age. So we accepted the traffic, walked the relatively easy (but longer than expected) trail, and eventually reached a magnificent waterfall, approachable, somewhat but not exceedingly crowded, and had fun. Several younger folks climbed down the rocks below the falls to an area somewhat open for wading, but the views didn’t seem as glorious down there. Where we stayed, the photo ops abounded, and people of different nationalities congregated to ponder the awes of nature, listen to the running water, take self-perspective and scenic pictures or videos, and contemplate the existential soul of being. Our hike back was uneventful. Along the way (in both directions), there was only one especially grand spot for filming the scenic vistas in the mountains below. That along with the heavy foot traffic and difficult parking account for the Cherry Wonderdog rating of four stars instead of five.

4Glenda C 5:00 PM Aug 18, 2022

Moderate hike, beautiful forest and overlooks
This hike was enjoyable, and I would rate it moderate. The trail was paved once upon a time, but weather and rain have eroded a lot of the pavement so it can be rather rugged in certain areas. The trail is all uphill to the falls, and down on the return. The elevation is gradual, but you do feel it. Although several people on the trail reported seeing a bear cub run across the trail, we didn't see one. The falls are beautiful, but sadly with so many people there we were unable to really enjoy them. There were probably about 40 people at the upper falls and maybe 20 or more below. This was on a Wednesday in mid-August about 1:00 pm. On the weekend, I think the trail and falls would be a challenge if there were a lot of people. The trail can be dangerous in places due to steep dropoffs, so be cautious. Walking sticks are a big plus as is water and snacks. Note that there are no restrooms or areas to sit and rest on the trail. Allow 2 - 3 hours for the entire trail. Parking is an issue.