|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 Reporter |
Summary: A great hike and enjoyed by all. It is one of the most popular hikes in the park thus given the paved trail that the original trail could not stand up to traffic and erosion. The easy stroll of 1.3 miles gains just 300' to the falls, which is the destination of most users of this trail. Once you rest and snap a few photos continue past the falls on Laurel Falls Trail. The trail is a steady climb over the next 2 miles into Virgin forest until you intersect with Little Greenbriar Trail. The last section is just under a mile to reach Cove Mtn and is almost level ridge top hiking. You will intersect with Cove Mtn Trail which leads to the visitor's center at Sugarland.1/10 of a mile stretch takes you to the end of the trail and the old fire tower now turned into a environmental research tower. The tower is off limits to hikers and cannot be utilized for views of the valley below. A nice grassy area provides a great lunch spot before you return via the same route. Trailhead: Preferred route: I-40 (Knoxville) to 140 East to 129 South follow signs to 411N/321N then continue on 321N to 73 East and you will enter the GSMNP. 7 miles to the Cades Cove Loop. I-40 East (Sevierville) exit #407 Hwy 66 to 441 South through Gatlinburg into the GSMNP entrance then West (Sugarlands Visitor Center) on Little River Road to Fighting Creek Gap. The parking area is shared with the Sugarland Mountain Trail. ***Popular tourist hike and not suggested on the weekends*** (Lat:35.67179 Lon:-83.58074) Trail Guides for Laurel Falls Trail: Day Hikes in GSMNP by Johnny Molloy () Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: GSMNP 865-436-1200 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Bobby Trotter, who has posted 74 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 2 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by RLR on 5/23/2006 i love it! bring friends! 
Reviewed by Wayne on 1/7/2006 I hiked this about a month or two ago. It may be a good path for a beginner to take but the whole paved thing definately gave a comercialized feel to the hike. Its not a real long hike so if your just driving through and want to see one more fall then it'll be good. The fall was alright, nothing exciting compared to Abrams fall or ramsay cascades. It'd probably be great for a first hike or something to take some kids on, but I wouldn't say that it would be worth driving out to the mountains just for this one hike. 
Reviewed by Julie on 4/4/2005 I did this one 2.5 wks ago; Laurel Falls was very uninhabited for what I expected on a Saturday but the rain forecasted may have been the culprit. That 1st mile WILL get more congested as the season continues so go early or on a weekday if you can. Once past the falls the trail to Cove Mtn is quiet & virtually untravelled. I saw maybe 1-2 other people. Scenery was not spectacular, but again I think that gets better as Spring gets sprung! Lots of old growth trees, mossy knolls, stumps, and views of the mtns and valleys through the trees were pretty. I'll admit that for the steepness of the climb, I was a bit disappointed that the top was too forested for a view of any kind. But very peaceful! And there are bears; saw clear evidence of them! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Tennessee Hiking, Tennessee Trails, Tennessee Hikes, Blount County Hiking, Blount County Trails, Blount County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
