Every year, more than 10 million visitors come to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to see the stunning natural scenery. While the beauty is timeless, the National Park Service (NPS) may make changes to some areas in an effort to improve the visitor experience. With that being said, take some time to read about the major improvements that Laurel Falls Trail is going to receive in 2024:
Proposed Improvements
The plan in place by the NPS aims to improve both safety and parking along Laurel Falls Trail. Some of the proposed improvements include resurfacing and widening the paved trail, as well as building a wider bridge along the upper falls. They also plan to install new signs at the trailhead and along the trail. As for parking, the NPS plans to expand and improve the designated parking spaces along with implementing a timed-entry parking reservation system and shuttle service at the trailhead. While making these improvements, the popular trail is set to close for at least 18 months beginning sometime this year. When it reopens, visitors are in for an even better hiking experience. When planning your visit, keep an eye on the Smokies Road Info X page (formerly known as Twitter) — @SmokiesRoadNPS — for the most up-to-date road closure information in the park.
About The Laurel Falls Trail
Laurel Falls Trail is popular because it is a scenic and easy hike. It has a roundtrip distance of 2.3 miles. The route may seem short, but it is jam packed with beautiful sights. The crown jewel is Laurel Falls itself. It is an 80-foot waterfall that has an upper and lower section. In the warmer months, you’ll see the mountain laurel bloom along the trail. This is the flower for which the trail is named! You may also see black bears and other wildlife. If you do, be sure to maintain a distance of at least 150 feet away!
Hiking Tips
When hiking Laurel Falls or any other trail in the park, follow these simple tips for a fun and safe experience! Before your hike, make sure to eat a full meal and drink plenty of water. This will ensure that you have plenty of energy. When hiking, make sure to wear good shoes. This is especially important when hiking the Laurel Falls Trail, as the areas around the waterfall can be slippery. If you’ve never taken a particular route before, don’t hike alone. It will be easier to find your way in a group. Plus, hiking can be a great activity to do with your friends or loved ones. No matter how experienced of a hiker you are, don’t hike at night. Temperatures can drop when the sun goes down, and the darkness makes it harder to see important markers along the trail as well as wildlife. The best time to plan a hike is in the morning. You won’t have to worry about running out of daylight or getting too hot!
Now you know all about the new improvements to Laurel Falls Trail coming in 2024! When the trail does close, there will still be plenty of other great places to explore! Check out our list of waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains.
