The Laurel Falls Trail offers one of the most popular hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as the 2.3 mile roundtrip trail leads to a spectacular 80 foot waterfall. The waterfall consists of an upper and a lower section, divided by a walkway which crosses the stream at the base of the upper falls. The National Park Service has announced that the trail will close for 18 months starting in January of 2025 as crews make improvements to the trail and parking areas. Here are the top 5 things to know about the major rehabilitation of the Laurel Falls Trail:
1. Hiking Trail Improvements
While it may be disappointing that the Laurel Falls Trail will be closed for such a long period of time, the silver lining is that visitors can look forward to some major trail improvements! Through the rehabilitation period, the National Park Service will enhance safety and the hiking experience for the more than 300,000 visitors who hike Laurel Falls every year. This includes repaving and widening the asphalt trail, as the existing asphalt surface of the trail (first paved in 1963) is rough, uneven and includes sections with cracked and missing pavement.
2. New Viewing Platforms at the Waterfall
Another one of the top things to know about the major rehabilitation of the Laurel Falls Trail is that the park will construct new viewing platforms at the falls. These platforms will not only improve the visitor flow, but will reduce hazards associated with the slippery and steep area surrounding the falls.
3. Critical Upgrades to the Trailhead Parking Area
The Laurel Falls Trail rehabilitation project will also provide critical upgrades to the trailhead parking area, which has often been problematic during peak season due to the extreme popularity of the trail. There will be about 50 parking spaces added to the parking area, and a designated pathway with a guardrail will be constructed to safely connect pedestrians to the trailhead. The improvements to the parking area are funded by recreation fee revenue from campgrounds and parking tag fees.
4. New Signs and Educational Panels
The National Park Service is installing new signs and educational panels along the Laurel Falls Trail to provide guidance on wayfinding, bear safety and Leave No Trace principles. The Leave No Trace program's philosophy is to reduce the damage caused by outdoor activities by teaching people to respect the natural world and other visitors.
5. Other Impacts to Areas Near the Laurel Falls Trail
During the closure of Laurel Falls Trail, access to Laurel Falls will be closed from both Little River Road and the junction of Little Greenbrier Trail and Cove Mountain Trail. Also note that the Sugarland Mountain Trail and its parking lot will be closed as well, with no drop-offs or use permitted.
Although the Laurel Falls Trail will be closed for an extensive period of time, this is an excellent opportunity to explore some of the other hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Some of the alternate hikes that offer similar experiences to Laurel Falls include the Baskins Creek Trail, Cove Hardwood Nature Trail, Metcalf Bottoms Trail and the Little River Trail.
