Laurel Fork Falls — Attraction in Elizabethton

Wanted to write a much needed / more complete explanation of these falls and hiking routes.

-When searching online, don’t confuse descriptions/location of these falls in Hampton, TN (Cherokee National Forest) with the “other” Laurel Falls located in Sevierville, TN (Great Smokey Mountains National Park).

-2 ways to get to the falls: (a) LONGER, EASIER - 5.5 mile hike along Hampton Blue Line Trail #501 + Appalachian Trail #1. Search Google Maps for “Laurel Falls Trailhead” and it should show you the green hiker symbol at the parking & entrance on Hwy 67W (aka Hwy 321), just east of Hampton. Along the hike the trail splits into a high and low trail... they merge back together, so either gets you there, but I feel the low trail is easier and it follows the river side. 11 miles in/out round trip.

(b) SHORTER, HARDER - 1.3 mile hike starting from below the falls, near (but not at) the Dennis Cove Recreation Area. Search Google Maps for “Dennis Cove Trailhead” and it should show you the green hiker symbol just before where Dennis Cove Rd intersects with Estep Rd, as you drive south out of Hampton. Use the small free parking area on your left at the well-marked trailhead, or use the overflow/private paid lot on the right you pass just BEFORE the trailhead. First mile of hiking is easy and flat with 2 small railroad tie footbridges over 2 tiny “trickle” flows and then a single-rail wooden bridge over the wider stream. Shortly after, there is 30 feet of rock steps going up followed by some slightly windy but fairly flat trail at the top. Go a bit further and look for an obvious fork to the left with STEEP stone steps going down. This is the 300 foot descent (ALL ROCK STEPS) to the base of the falls and stream. This is bit tricky and you should be good on your feet for this. A walking stick or hiking poles help a lot. NOT SAFE ON WET/RAINY DAYS as the wet, leaf-covered steps can be super slippery. The hard part of course is the climb back up the steps, equivalent to those of a 30-story building! Little kids (under 5 or 6?) are probably a no-go as this is a single-file, steep descent/ascent. I’ve also found a couple sitting at the bottom of the falls who had been waiting 3 hours for EMS/Forest Rescue to come evac them out due to a badly twisted ankle with torn ligaments after slipping on the rocks! I’ve taken my own dogs down (and up) this route, but you definitely need a short leash and a nimble dog that doesn’t pull a lot. 2.6 miles in/out round trip.

-Do NOT confuse the Dennis Cove Trailhead with the “Laurel Falls Blue Blaze Trail” spot farther downstream (and closer to the rec area) that you can also find on Google Maps.

The falls and rock formations are well worth either route you take... I personally prefer late October to enjoy the fall foliage and avoid the crowds....

Started walking at 9:50am on Thursday morning August 29, and got to waterfalls at 11am. We were the only ones there. There was a white car that was parked at the lot but it low key looked abandoned, we didn’t see anyone on our way to the waterfall. Lollygagged for about 45 minutes, only when we were just about to leave to get some pictures together we saw two guys. Then after that everyone and their mother started to show up. So we’re pretty grateful we had the get away time we wanted from people and just a nice moment to ourselves at that waterfall, got lucky I guess - especially for the amount of reviews this waterfalls has. I think the guys that just got there probably only had 20 minutes until the next couple were going to show up and there on our it was just people after people. But at least they got about 40 minutes until alone.

For 11am, I would say the waterfall had nice amount of sunlight for that hour and time of year. The falls wasn’t as full as other peoples photo seem to have shown but it was perfect enough for us. The entire walk to the fall was NOT muddy or slippery either. There were either deer flies/horse flies and black flies and random other annoying little bugs on the path but we had pants on and I had a long sleeve so thankfully wasn’t getting chewed up.

No bathrooms at the parking area so either make a stop to the gas station before arriving or do the thing in nature.

We didn’t bring snacks or water with us while hiking because that’s just annoying, but when we got back to the car we did have it there. So we drank some water and I had some pretzels.

Annoyed by the amounts of people who have to engrave in the trees and sharpie on every possible sign.

All in all just shy of a two hour walk there and back. Personally I would say the walk is easy, but I could see how other would think moderate. Some of the uphill walking gets a little winded but by the time that starts - you’re back to flat terrain and you can catch your...

There are a number of beautiful waterfalls throughout the Smokies, but few are as easy to hike to as Laurel Falls. The trailhead is located about 4 miles SW of Gatlinburg. Take a Right off 441 beside Sugarland visitors center, and you’ll be to the trailhead in only about 5 mins. It’s just about 1/2 mile before the Elkmont Campground. Parking stays packed here daily, especially in peak seasons. So It’s best to get an early start; while the bulk of tourists are still in town shoveling pancakes. Though there is a slight up n down elevation along this easy hike, the trail is paved, and quite easy to trek(I’ve seen 4 yr olds make it up n back with relative ease)... You’ll pass several folks with strollers pushing along as well. Laurel Falls is only a about a mile or so up, and the same coming down. The falls themselves aren’t the tallest or most majestic in the Smokies, but they do have a magnetism to them: making it a very popular photo spot. There’s a wooden bridge here that serves up some nice photo opportunities too. Note: Please be careful climbing in or around the falls; especially children. The rocks in this area are very slick; have been the cause of serious injuries, and sadly, even deaths. I’d honestly rate the falls themselves at about a 4.5 overall; especially when compared to other waterfalls in the Smokies: But the simplicity of getting here, allowing folks of all ages to enjoy their beauty, I’m compelled to rate them at a 5.... Enjoy...