Laurel Falls Tours

Great Smoky Mountains National Park which includes forest scenes and fall colors
Great Smoky Mountains National Park which includes a river or creek and a cascade
Great Smoky Mountains National Park which includes forests
Laurel Falls featuring forests and a waterfall as well as a small group of people
Great Smoky Mountains National Park showing mountains, tranquil scenes and forest scenes


Bring the kids on a serene and easy paved trail to reach some of the most stunning cascades in the mountainous park.

Laurel Falls is a lovely waterfall at the end of its namesake hiking trail on Cove Mountain. The 80-foot (24-meter) cascade is one of the highlights of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Marvel at the powerful force of the water as it spreads across several layers of rock and tumbles into the gorge below.

Due to the popularity of the trailhead, the first 1.3 miles (2.1 kilometers) of the path is paved with dark concrete, providing a moderate journey to Laurel Falls for the entire family. Note, however, that portions of the trail have steep drop-offs. Check the regular wooden posts to see how far you are from the waterfall. Bring food along to enjoy a picnic in the dense woodland.

Listen for the roar of the crashing water as you begin to approach the towering waterfall. When you reach the falls, admire the multi-level cascades and feel the cool mist in your face.

If you want more exercise, continue along the steeper upper section of the trail, which delves into dense woodland filled with ancient trees. In springtime, pink rhododendrons provide a flowery canopy. Complete the trek and take care as you approach the base of the historic lookout tower on Cove Mountain. The tower is no longer safe to climb however, you can appreciate the serenity of this peaceful spot.

The cascade takes its name from the evergreen laurel shrub that decorates the scenic woodlands. The trail was created in 1932 to allow fire services to reach Cove Mountain in case of a forest fire. Hike to these popular falls in the morning to avoid the crowds and have good lighting for photographs. Note that the trail is paved, but it is considered too rough for strollers or wheelchairs.

Laurel Falls is in the northwestern section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Drive 8 miles (13 kilometers) southwest from Gatlinburg, which will take roughly 20 minutes. Visit other landmarks in the park, such as the Sugarlands Visitor Center, Cataract Falls and Little River.

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Best Lodging Options Near Laurel Falls

Private Heated Indoor Pool, Mountain View, Hot Tub, Pigeon Forge Cabin, Pool Table, Theater Room

Private Heated Indoor Pool, Mountain View, Hot Tub, Pigeon Forge Cabin, Pool Table, Theater Room

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Gatlinburg Town Square

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The Park Vista - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel - Gatlinburg

The Park Vista - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel - Gatlinburg

4 out of 5
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Spectacular Mountain Views, Gatlinburg Log Cabin over-looking the National Park

Spectacular Mountain Views, Gatlinburg Log Cabin over-looking the National Park

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Spectacular Mountain Views, Gatlinburg Log Cabin over-looking the National Park
Edgewater Hotel - Gatlinburg

Edgewater Hotel - Gatlinburg

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402 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN
Edgewater Hotel - Gatlinburg
Sidney James Mountain Lodge

Sidney James Mountain Lodge

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Glenstone Lodge

Glenstone Lodge

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Walk to the Smokies! Hike, King Beds, Hot tub, Dogs Welcome, Bears, Game Room

Walk to the Smokies! Hike, King Beds, Hot tub, Dogs Welcome, Bears, Game Room

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Hot Tub, Game Room, Theater, Fire Pit, VIEWS, Luxury! - Ski View Lodge

Hot Tub, Game Room, Theater, Fire Pit, VIEWS, Luxury! - Ski View Lodge

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Laurel Falls

When visiting Laurel Falls in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, be sure to enjoy the breathtaking waterfall and explore scenic hiking trails. The area offers a nature trail perfect for wildlife observation, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local flora and fauna. For those looking for a bit of leisure, there is also a nearby golf course to enjoy after a day of outdoor adventure. Don't forget to check out the local shopping options to round out your experience.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, check out the Mountain Mall, located 5 miles away, offering a vibrant shopping atmosphere with entertainment and family vibes. The Village Shops, also 5 miles away, features a charming mix of local businesses and community spirit. Iron Mountain Metal Craft is 8 miles away, perfect for unique gifts.

Recreation

Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area offers a tranquil space for relaxation and wellness, surrounded by nature’s beauty, perfect for a peaceful picnic. Hillbilly Golf combines sports and adventure in a fun mini-golf setting, ideal for families. Experience the outdoors at Gatlinburg Municipal Golf Course, featuring scenic landscapes for golf enthusiasts.

Adventure

Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park, located 3 miles from Laurel Falls, offers thrilling skiing and snowboarding. For aerial views, try the SkyPark ski lift, situated 5 miles away, perfect for adventure seekers. Wild Bear Falls Indoor Water Park, 6 miles away, combines water fun with family entertainment.

Nightlife

In Laurel Falls, Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction offers a delightful blend of culture and entertainment just 7 miles away. For thrill-seekers, Ripley's Haunted Adventure and Ripley's Mountain Coaster, both 5 miles away, provide exhilarating experiences in a lively atmosphere perfect for a fun night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Laurel Falls

At Laurel Falls in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, visitors can immerse themselves in a blend of culture and adventure. Explore the striking Laurel Creek Falls and nearby private waterfalls, or take in breathtaking mountain views. For those seeking natural attractions, don't miss the scenic Rainbow Falls. With a variety of landmarks, national parks, and museums, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful area.

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Explore the stunning beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, where lush forests, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking vistas await. Enjoy hiking, picnicking, and immersing yourself in the great outdoors just 5 miles from Laurel Falls.
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park Headquarters: Visit the modern headquarters located 3 miles from Laurel Falls, where you can learn about park conservation efforts, gather maps, and get valuable information to enhance your national park experience.
  • Anakeesta: Just 5 miles away, Anakeesta offers a fun-filled adventure for families, featuring treetop canopy walks, zip-lining, and beautiful gardens, making it an ideal spot for entertainment and relaxation.

Best time to go to Laurel Falls

The best time to visit Laurel Falls can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Laurel Falls falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Laurel Falls falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January35.2°F (1.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February40.3°F (4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March47.3°F (8.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
May63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June70.9°F (21.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July73.8°F (23.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August72.5°F (22.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September67.3°F (19.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November45.9°F (7.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Laurel Falls

To save money on your trip to Laurel Falls, visit during the off-peak months of January to March, when accommodation prices are lower. Tuesdays typically offer the best rates for stays, while Saturdays are pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter options based on your budget and preferences, and consider eco-certified hotels for sustainable choices. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into an Expedia package can lead to significant savings. Lastly, join Expedia's One Key program for exclusive discounts and cash rewards on future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Laurel Falls are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July, October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Laurel Falls is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Laurel Falls is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your travel preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the “Eco-certified” filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotel options currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your Laurel Falls hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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