The National Park Service (NPS) works tirelessly to ensure everyone has a safe and fun visit to the Smoky Mountains, and one way they do so is by making improvements to national park trails. Currently, the Laurel Falls Trail is closed for rehabilitation; however, we’ve got an exciting update to share about the progress that has been made so far! Read on to learn more:
The Milestones
Here are some of the milestones the NPS has reached on the repairs of Laurel Falls Trail:
- Demolishing the Old Trail Asphalt: The NPS can then put down new asphalt that’s smoother and makes the hiking trail safer.
- Adding Drainage Basins and Piping to Rest Areas: This can help prevent flooding after heavy rain and snow. Hikers will have clean and safe places to relax during the hike.
- Progress on the Foundation for New Viewing Areas: Hikers have new places to sit and admire the picturesque mountain views.
- Progress on the Foundation for New Parking Spaces: More space for vehicles ensures that people have ample opportunity to enjoy Laurel Falls Trail every day!
Why the NPS is Making These Improvements
Why is the NPS making these improvements to the Laurel Falls Trail? The trail receives around 300,000 visitors per year. The goal of these repairs is to enhance both the safety and visitor experience of Laurel Falls. The NPS is also very careful to preserve the beloved natural beauty that is thousands of years in the making. While work is continuing to take place, the trail will remain closed. When it is open again, you can expect to take an even better hike. Look forward to having picnics in the new rest areas and getting a closer look at the natural scenery at the viewing areas. Keep an eye on the Smokies Road Info Page (@SmokiesNPS) on X for up-to-date information on road openings and closures on the Laurel Falls Trail and throughout the park!
Alternate Trails to Explore
What trails can you explore while Laurel Falls is closed? You’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of options. One of them is Grotto Falls. This is an easy 2.6-mile roundtrip trail that starts at the Trillium Gap trailhead. While the namesake is only 25 feet tall, it has a unique feature. Grotto Falls is the only waterfall in the Smokies that you can walk behind. The water is also teeming with many different kinds of salamanders. Look closely to see if you can spot one! Another waterfall trail to check out is Rainbow Falls. The route is a little longer at 5.4 miles roundtrip. The namesake is an 80-foot waterfall. You’ll see rainbows along the water created by the mist and sun. When doing any waterfall trail, be careful when exploring along the water because the terrain may be slippery. Wear sturdy, close-toed shoes to help maintain your balance!
We hope you enjoyed learning about the progress on the rehabilitation of the Laurel Falls Trail. Want to know about even more great waterfall hikes? Check out our list of the best waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains!
