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Published on July 30, 2026. Last Updated on August 26, 2026.
If you are heading to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and only have time for one family-friendly hike, make it Laurel Falls. With a scenic 2.6-mile round trip, a paved path, and an 80-foot waterfall at the end, it is one of the most popular waterfall hikes in the entire park, and for good reason. After a fun hike, Buddy and I are sharing our 5 simple tips for hiking Laurel Falls.
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2026 Update: According to the National Park Service, the Laurel Falls Trail is currently closed for rehabilitation work through Fall 2026. For the most up-to-date information, visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park Current Conditions.
The details: Hiking Laurel Falls Trail
Laurel Falls Trail is a 2.6-mile round-trip out and back paved trail that gently winds through lush forest. The popular trail is rated as easy with a 445 foot elevation gain that takes approximately 1.5-2 hours to hike. There is parking at the trailhead, but the parking lot does fill up fast. More on that below.
Our #1 hiking must have! A comfortable and practical hiking backpack.
The paved pathway makes this hike unique among Great Smoky Mountain waterfall trails, offering accessibility that attracts families, seniors, and visitors with mobility considerations. This gentle incline makes the hike manageable for children and adults alike. It is an excellent hike for the family and hikers of all ages and abilities. For that reason, this is one of the most popular trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Our Laurel Falls Hike
Buddy and I love hiking! We I hiked Laurel Falls around 2pm on a Sunday afternoon in early June. It was a very easy hike, which was perfect for our first day at Great Smoky Mountain National Park. There were a lot of people on the Laurel Falls trail at that time. But there was safety in numbers as we did see a bear on the trail. We loved this hike. In fact, it was our favorite hike of the trip.
5 Simple Tips for Hiking Laurel Falls Trail
1. Parking is limited
Parking is the biggest challenge at Laurel Falls. The parking lot at the Laurel Falls trail head fills up quickly, especially during peak seasons and weekends. The Laurel Falls trailhead lot on Fighting Creek Gap Road only holds about 30–40 cars, and it fills up quickly. To ensure a parking spot, arrive early, before 9am if you can. Early arrival not only guarantees parking but also provides a more peaceful hiking experience before crowds arrive.
Laurel Falls is a popular hike and the parking lot does fill up. During our hike, we were lucky that there were two empty spots at the Laurel Falls trailhead as we drove by. Before heading to Laurel Falls, we decided that if the parking lot was full, we would return the next day early in the morning to do the hike. Luckily, we found a spot and could hike that afternoon.
2. Get your parking tag at the Visitor Center
While Great Smoky Mountain National Park itself is free to enter, you do need to pay to park. Stop by the Sugarlands Visitor Center (about 3.5 miles away) to buy parking tag. There are different options for parking tags including daily, weekly, and annual. For the most up-to-date information about parking tags, visit the Great Smoky Mountain National Park fees and passes.
In addition to buying your parking tag, the Visitor Center is also a great place for families to
- Use the restroom
- Fill up water bottles
- Check trail conditions and wildlife updates
- Learn more about the park’s ecology and history
- and buy a souvenir
before heading out to explore the trails and scenic drives.
Before we hiked Laurel Falls, we first stopped at the Visitor Center to purchase a parking tag, check trail conditions, and stamp our Passport to Your National Parks book. Given that we spent multiple days in the park, we bought a weekly parking tag.
3. There are bears on the trail
Black bears are common throughout the Great Smoky Mountains, and the Laurel Falls Trail passes through prime bear habitat. These intelligent animals are attracted to the same water sources and food opportunities that make the area appealing to hikers. Teach your family proper bear safety before beginning your hike. Talk loudly, clap your hands, or use bear bells to announce your presence. If you encounter a bear, remain calm and follow park guidelines.
Yes, we saw a black bear on Laurel Falls trail. And yes, it was just casually chewing on a piece of Styrofoam someone left behind. It was sad to see.
Pro Tip: Remember to leave no trace by packing out all trash and respecting nature during your outdoor adventure.
Laurel Falls cuts through prime bear habitat, so safety is key. We hiked with our bear bell and whistle. However, we did not have our bear spray with us because we flew into Tennessee.
4. Laurel Falls Trail is great for families, but skip the strollers
Laurel Falls Trail is a paved hiking trail, but parts of the trail are really degraded. This makes it challenging for strollers. If you are hiking with your family, plan to go slow and help younger or older hikers through the steeper, more rugged sections.
The Laurel Falls trail is doable for elementary aged kids and maybe even some littles. That said, be careful with the kiddos around steep areas and near the waterfall.
When we hiked Laurel Falls, we saw a lot of families with kids hiking the trail.
5. Watch out for ticks
The forested environment and moderate elevation of Laurel Falls create ideal conditions for ticks, particularly during warmer months from April through October.
If you are from the Southwest like us, you may not be used to checking for ticks after hiking. Afterall, there are not a lot of ticks when we hike in the desert. But, Great Smoky Mountain National Park and Laurel Falls trail is a hotspot, especially between April and October. Make sure to take precautions to prevent ticks before hiking.
Here’s how to prep:
- Use bug spray
- Wear light-colored clothing
- Stick to the trail
- Do a full-body tick check after the hike
What to bring on your Laurel Falls hike
When preparing for a hike on Laurel Falls Trail, make sure to pack the essentials. Here are some items that worked for us!
Lots of water and a refillable water bottle. We always carry extra gallons of water in our car.
Bear spray and a loud bell in case you encounter any bears. A simple first aid kit, a whistle that also has a compass and thermometer, a pocketknife. And a hiking back pack to carry it all.
Sunscreen, a hat, lip balm, a light jacket with UPF, and moisture wicking clothing (most of my stuff is from Stitch Fix).
A Teenager’s Perspective
Buddy says, “I thought Laurel Falls were really pretty. Once you get to the falls, you can hike around the area. I recommend it for teenagers. I saw a lot of teens and preteens on the trail so it seems popular for people taking family vacations.”
Final Thoughts
Hiking Laurel Falls Trail with your family is a easy, fun, and beautiful outing. This trail is a fantastic intro to everything that makes Great Smoky Mountains National Park special. By following our tips, you can make the most of this incredible outdoor adventure. So lace up your hiking boots, pack your backpack full of essentials, and hit the trail to see this gorgeous waterfall at Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
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Hello! We are Yvonne & Buddy and we create family travel blogs based on firsthand knowledge and experiences of a destination. Our goal is to inspire teens, parents, and families to share time together engaging in new experiences whether the destination is near or far from home. Come join us on our travels!
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