Laurel Falls is an 80-foot waterfall reached by a paved 2.4-mile round-trip trail off Little River Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it one of the most popular and accessible waterfall hikes in the park. The trail closed in January 2025 for an extended rehabilitation.
At 80 ft, it stands above roughly 63% of the 775 documented falls in this guide.
The falls are fed by Laurel Branch. You'll find it in Sevier, Tennessee. It is protected within Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NPS).
This is a short hike waterfall: reached by a short trail, generally under about a mile each way. A short walk gets you to the viewpoint, so it works for most casual visitors and families. The walk to the main viewpoint runs about 2.4 miles round trip. Base a visit out of Gatlinburg, the closest town.
When to go: Spring; year-round (note: trail closed for rehabilitation starting Jan 2025). Expect the strongest flow in spring and after big storms, with a quieter trickle by late summer; confirm current conditions with the land manager before committing to the drive.
