Are there fees or permits required for Laughing Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Laughing Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Laughing Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Laughing Falls.

Nearby gauge (Davidson River) · 60 ft³/s · About average

Laughing Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Laughing Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Laughing Falls.

North Carolina

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 1 other waterfall also named Laughing Falls, see below

Pisgah National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (4)

Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Sergiy Galyonkin CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Laughing Falls

Laughing Falls sits tucked inside Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The falls are a quietly picturesque cascade set among forested slopes, making it a popular short outing for hikers and photographers wanting a peaceful stop amid classic Pisgah woodlands. Access to Laughing Falls uses USFS routing, including a short stretch along GRASSY ROAD (USFS Trail TR364). That designated segment is recorded as a 0.08-mile portion of native-material tread and is classed by the Forest Service as Class 3. If you’re planning an overnight, the Black Mountain / South Toe River Area campground is nearby (about 2.23 km), making it convenient to combine this stop with a campsite in Pisgah National Forest.

The Setting

Laughing Falls sits at 2,365 feet within Pisgah National Forest, in the hills of North Carolina.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

High Falls (150 ft) lies 4.2 miles to the northwest. Also nearby: Looking Glass Falls (60 ft, 3.7 mi) and Slick Rock Falls (30 ft, 5.4 mi).

High Falls Looking Glass Falls Slick Rock Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Grassy Road (#TR364), a 2.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

GRASSY ROAD #TR364

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

USFS Segment

0.08 mi

Trail Description

The route follows native-material tread (USFS surface: NATIVE MATERIAL) and includes a short USFS-designated segment — GRASSY ROAD, Trail #TR364 — listed at 0.08 miles and Class 3 by the Forest Service. Expect natural dirt tread with intermittent rocky or uneven sections and occasional roots; the Class 3 section may feel rougher and more rooted underfoot. Good hiking footwear and basic trail experience are recommended.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil waterfall surrounded by dense greenery. The area is ideal for photography, picnics, and enjoying the sounds of nature. The trail may be muddy after rain, so proper footwear is recommended.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Laughing Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Laughing Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Laughing Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Pisgah National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 45°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Visitors should exercise caution on slippery rocks near the waterfall and be aware of changing weather conditions. Carry a map or GPS device, as cell service may be limited.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Davidson River, 1.5 miles away, not on Laughing Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

60 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

30 47 120 220

Based on 103 years of record

0.72 ft

Water depth at gauge

45°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 45 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.

About This Gauge

DAVIDSON RIVER NEAR BREVARD, NC

USGS 03441000

1.5 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 40 sq mi

Altitude: 2,115 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge DAVIDSON RIVER NEAR BREVARD, NC (2 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

60 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

60 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

60 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

61 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

60 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

57 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

60 cfs

5/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

64 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to late April, peaking in March.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Brevard hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Laughing Falls Frozen?

Updated about 17 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Laughing Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 44°F to 33°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 61 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 215 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 2,373 feet.

The whole reach is steep: about 231 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 144 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Laughing Falls near Brevard, North Carolina, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Laughing Falls near Brevard, North Carolina, showing about 215 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 2,373 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 215 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Laughing Falls is located within a forested area in North Carolina. Specific directions may vary depending on the trailhead used, so it is recommended to consult local maps or AllTrails for the most accurate route.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is not well-documented, but visitors may find parking near the trailhead. It is advisable to arrive early, especially during peak seasons.

Elevation

2,365 feet above sea level

Coordinates

35.294836° N, -82.701792° W

Land Management

Pisgah National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start your hike early to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough daylight for the return trip. Bring plenty of water and snacks, and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Check weather conditions before your visit.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

Black Mountain / South Toe River Area

1.4 miles away · 0 sites

Walking distance

The South Toe River area is on the Appalachian Ranger District near Burnsville, NC. This area includes the Black Mountains, the Blue Ridge, and the headwaters of the South Toe River. The Black Mountains, capped with a forest of red spruce and Fraser fir, are named for the resulting dark color. Along the South Toe River, you can camp, picnic, fish, swim, tube, bike, and horseback ride.

Book on Recreation.gov