Laurel Falls was the second waterfall on our list to visit. Located about 4 miles west of U.S. 441 on Little River Road the parking areas are on each side of the roadway and fill up quickly, as this is one of the busiest trails in the park. Vehicles were also parked along both sides of the road for some distance on both sides of the parking lots. Luckily as we arrived a vehicle was leaving and we parked fairly close to the trailhead. A pamphlet was available here that gave a short description of areas along the trail marked by numbered sign post, I believe it was $1.00. It was on the honor system, you dropped a dollar in the box and took a pamphlet. It’s a 2.6 mile round trip up to the waterfall and back on a nice paved walk way. The trail is a steady incline so we had to stop and rest several times on the way up. There was only one park bench on the path and it was close to the end of the trail but we were able to find several large rocks along the way to rest on. I read that the waterfall is named after the Mountain Laurel that grows in the area. I believe it was past the peak season for this plant but there was still a lot of it blooming along the trail and it made for a pretty walk. There are actually two levels to Laurel Falls, an upper and lower portion. The trail leads to the upper portion and has a narrow bridge that crosses over in front of it. Once we crossed the bridge we were walking on part of the rocks that form the waterfall. These were damp and pretty slick to walk on. The immediate area to view the falls was fairly small and quit crowded. Children were playing in the pool at the base and everyone was taking turns standing in front for pictures. It was enjoyable to sit and watch everyone’s reaction to the beauty of the water cascading down the mountain. The lower portion of the waterfall appeared to be accessed by climbing down the rocks off the side of the trail. Several people were down there however it looked to be a little dangerous to be climbing down. This is a very popular area so it would probably be better to visit here early in the morning or early evening. We were coming down from the falls about 5 pm and there were still a lot of people going up. But this is a lovely waterfall and well worth the walk to witness it’s beauty.

Laurel Falls is the easiest waterfall hike on the Tennessee side of the park. It is 2.5 miles round-trip and follows a paved trail. The trail cuts through the middle of a series of cascades. Laurel Falls is 60 feet high.

We chose this hike because of the moderate terrain. We went with our 1-year-old daughter.

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/gsmsite/home/index.html is a link to other Great Smokey Mountains National Park activities and information.

The trail was nice and paved so it's very good for the elderly and small children. It was usually four foot wide, but due to its popularity, the trail does have its share of foot traffic and you should heed the warnings of controlling your children on the trails. The falls were nice and again crowded. A clearing in the trees just 1/4 mile before the falls reveals a wonderful view of the mountains. Along the way, we found beautiful butterflies, a snake, and we smelled a skunk that seemed too close for comfort. Grottoes Falls trail off of Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, which is nicer, but more difficult to get to.

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains and an easy hike for almost everyone. The trail is paved all the way to the falls. My recommendation is to go early. It is a very popular place during mid-day.

When you drive up into the smokies, take the pull off that lets you hike back to the famous Laural Falls. It is a long hike, almost three miles, at a slow incline, so you need to be fit for hiking, but the views of the falls are spectacular. You can walk right up to the falls and feel the spray at your back and look out over the valley that falls below.