Laurel Falls
Tennessee • 80 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
2.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
314 ft
About Laurel Falls
Laurel Falls is a popular, picturesque 80-foot cascade tucked inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, managed by the National Park Service. Named for the mountain laurel shrubs that bloom along the route each spring, the falls drop in an upper and lower section over a series of rocks and offer an accessible, photogenic reward for a short hike. The setting mixes classic Smokies hardwood forest with rhododendron and laurel corridors that frame the cascade. The trail to Laurel Falls is a family-friendly outing that draws visitors year-round. Its paved approach and modest elevation change make it one of the park’s more accessible waterfall hikes, so expect company on weekends and holidays; early visits tend to be quieter. Whether you’re after a quick nature break or a photo stop, Laurel Falls delivers a classic Smoky Mountains experience within a short distance of the park’s road network.
The Setting
Laurel Falls sits at 1,414 feet along the Mountain Creek, in the foothills of Tennessee. The falls drop 80 feet.
Height: 80 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Falling Water Falls (110 ft) lies 12.0 miles to the northeast.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 2.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 314 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Laurel Falls Trail — 2.6 miles round-trip (out-and-back), 314 feet elevation gain. Surface: paved pathway for the full route; Grade: generally gentle with a steady uphill to the falls; Class: Class 1 (walk-up), Difficulty: easy. The paved trail leads to a viewing area at the base of the falls, making the route suitable for most hikers; it’s a short, well-maintained walk but can be crowded during peak times.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 80 feet.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Laurel Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $5.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Laurel Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Laurel Falls, as the mountain laurel and other wildflowers are in bloom. Fall is also a great time to visit for the vibrant foliage.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail can be slippery near the falls, so exercise caution. Be aware of wildlife, including bears, and follow park guidelines. Stay on the trail to avoid damaging the environment and for your safety.
Current Water Conditions
0 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 6 years of record
1.61 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge MOUNTAIN CREEK NEAR GLENDALE, TN (10 km away).
Today
Low
0 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Low
0 cfs
6/10Tue
Low
0 cfs
6/10Wed
Low
0 cfs
6/10Thu
Low
0 cfs
4/10Fri
Moderate
0 cfs
5/10Sat
Moderate
0 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to mid April, peaking in February.
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 Wildwood hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
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 193 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 80 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 1,416 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 159 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 103 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northwest, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,416 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 193 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Laurel Falls is located off Little River Road in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trailhead is approximately 3.8 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the trailhead, but it is limited and fills up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
1,414 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.048686° N, -85.407738° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be slippery near the falls. Bring water and snacks, and be prepared for limited cell service in the area.
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This easy 2.6 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Chattanooga-Lookout Mountain
Hampton Inn Chattanooga West/Lookout Mountain
Days Inn by Wyndham Chattanooga Lookout Mountain West
La Quinta by Wyndham Chattanooga - Lookout Mtn
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Chickamauga Battlefield Group Campground
11.6 miles away · 9 sites
Overview THIS IS NOT A PUBLIC CAMPGROUND. SCOUTS AND CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS ONLY. These sites are for overnight camping by organized non-profit (501c) youth groups (scouts, church youth groups) under adult supervision for the purpose of education of the historic resources of the battlefield. Due to limited space and facilities, camping for solely recreational purposes is not allowed. Groups must choose sites according to the size of their group. Recreation Hiking, biking, and horseback riding are p
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Sugarlands Visitor Center, Cades Cove, and Clingmans Dome.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and numerous bird species. Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife.
Cities near Laurel Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Laurel Falls
5 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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