How Long Does It Take To Hike Laurel Falls Trail?

Trail Notes: The roundtrip distance to the waterfall is 2.6 miles and the hike is considered moderate in difficulty. It takes about

2 hours

to hike to the waterfall and back. Carry drinking water with you. Pets and bicycles are prohibited on the trail.

Do you have to pay for Laurel Falls?

How much does it cost? At the time of this writing,

you do not have to pay

to go to Laurel Falls, reservations are not required and parking is free.

Is Laurel Falls in Smoky Mountain National Park?

Laurel Falls is one of the most popular destinations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the park

and parking lot at the trailhead is limited. There is potential for parking along the sides of the road, please watch for all rules and regulations and be careful when driving amongst pedestrians.

Can you swim at Laurel Falls?

Like the nearby Mooney Falls, I would pair this waterfall hike with one or more of the other outdoor activities close by. However, unlike Mooney Falls,

plan to take a dip in one of two swimming holes located here

. The first swimming hole will be rather obvious, due to it being at the base of the main, two tier falls.

What is so special about Cades Cove?

Located about an hour away from downtown Gatlinburg, TN, Cades Cove is famous for its

well-preserved historic buildings, lovely mountain vistas, and unrivaled wildlife viewing

. All of the valley’s major landmarks are conveniently located along an 11-mile loop road, which makes the Cove ideal for auto touring.

What time can you hike Laurel Falls?

If you wish to avoid crowds your best bet is to begin your hike

early in the morning, during the early evening hours, on a weekday, or during the off-season

. The Laurel Falls Trail was built in 1932 to provide fire crews with access to the Cove Mountain area in the event of a forest fire.

Can you take a stroller to Laurel Falls?

Laurel Falls

The 2.5-mile trail is paved, making it

stroller accessible

, but a baby carrier would be a better option if you don’t want to fight with ruts in the road.

Are dogs allowed on Laurel Falls Trail?

Dogs must be on a leash at all times while in the park

. Dogs are allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas, and along roads, but must be kept on a leash at all times.

Do you need reservations for Laurel Falls?

Laurel Falls trailhead parking reservation

tickets are required from 8am-5:30pm

. Parking lots are for day use only unless you have a printed backcountry permit.

How long does it take to hike Abrams Falls?

Trail Notes: The roundtrip distance to the waterfall is 5 miles and the hike is generally considered moderate in difficulty. Due to the length and terrain however, some visitors may rate it as difficult. It takes about

3-4 hours

to hike to the waterfall and back.

How long is the trail to Clingmans Dome?

It’s seven miles to the end of Clingmans Dome Road and there are scenic pullouts with endless views of ridges and valleys along the way. The road ends in a large parking area from which a

0.5 mile

trail leads to the summit. The trail is paved but steep, and leads to an observation tower on top.

Is Cades Cove Loop Open?

Primary roads such as US-441 (Newfound Gap Road), Little River Road, and the Cades Cove Loop Road are

open year round, weather permitting

.

How long is the hike to Greeter Falls?

Greeter Falls Loop Trail –

0.80 Miles

– Intermediate – One of the best short waterfall hikes on the plateau, this loop leads to three waterfalls, numerous bluffs, and a historic site. The terrain is very rocky under the bluffs and easy above. The trail begins across the entrance road from the Greeter Falls parking lot.

How do I access Clingmans Dome?

Clingmans Dome Directions

Turn off Newfound Gap Road 0.1 mile south of Newfound Gap and follow the 7-mile-long Clingmans Dome Road to the large parking area at the end

. The peak is accessible after driving Clingmans Dome Road from Newfound Gap, and then walking a steep half-mile trail.

How long is Meigs Falls hike?

The hike is about

3.5 miles

round trip and moderate in difficulty. You’re not likely to see very many people on the trail, mainly because of the limited parking.

Where do you enter Cades Cove?

The entrance from

Townsend, Tennessee

, is closest to Cades Cove. From Townsend, TN: Take TN-73 E into the park. Then head southwest on Laurel Creek Road to Cades Cove. From Gatlinburg, TN: Enter the park on TN-441 south through Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge to Sugarlands Visitor Center.

How many waterfalls are in Cades Cove?

3

Cades Cove Waterfalls You Have to See to Believe.

Why are there no deer in Cades Cove?

Also,

disease outbreaks in the 1960s and 1970s took a toll on the deer population in Cades Cove

, Miller said. “In some outbreaks, up to 80 percent of the deer population was wiped out,” he said. Some critics have accused the National Park Service of removing deer from Cades Cove to reduce the population.

Is Cades Cove still closed?

Cades Cove is

open year round from sunrise to sunset

, weather permitting.

How much does it cost to get in Cades Cove?

Admission is free

. Cades Cove features an 11-mile, paved loop road around the cove. A self-guiding auto tour booklet is available for $1 at loop road entrance.

What is the elevation of Laurel Falls?

Is Gatlinburg trail paved?

The trail surface is a natural surface (dirt, rocks, roots), gravel, or

paved asphalt

. It is typically at least 4 feet wide. The most accessible portion of the trail is about the first 1.2 miles when going north.