4 Alternatives to Laurel Falls Trail While It is Closed for Renovations
As the National Park Service works on making improvements to Laurel Falls Trail, you may be looking for some alternative spots to enjoy a hike while visiting the area. If that is the case, we have got you covered! We have gone ahead and put together a list of some great alternatives to Laurel Falls Trail while it is closed for renovations. Whether you are looking to discover a different waterfall, enjoy a casual hike, or simply spend some time breathing the fresh air of the Smokies, we believe you will love checking out these alternatives to Laurel Falls Trail while it is closed for renovations:
1. Trillium Gap Trail to Grotto Falls
If you were hoping to see a waterfall on your hike here in the Smoky Mountains, taking Trillium Gap Trail to Grotto Falls is among the top alternatives to Laurel Falls Trail. The roundtrip length of the hike to Grotto Falls and back is 2.6 miles, which is almost exactly the same length as the roundtrip hike to Laurel Falls and back. Plus, Grotto Falls offers the unique feature of allowing guests to explore behind the waterfall! Make sure to step carefully, however, as the rocks are slippery.
2. Gabes Mountain Trail to Hen Wallow Falls
Although it is longer than Laurel Falls Trail, taking the hike to Hen Wallow Falls is another excellent option when it comes to alternative excursions. To reach Hen Wallow Falls, you will hike for 2.1 miles along Gabes Mountain Trail until you reach the waterfall. If you happen to visit shortly after the area has gotten rain, the 90-foot waterfall will be even more impressive! Plus, this trail tends to offer plenty of peace and quiet, as it is located a bit further from the main areas of the park than some of the other choices on this list.
3. Gatlinburg Trail
If you are looking for nice and easy alternatives to Laurel Falls Trail, the Gatlinburg Trail definitely deserves your consideration. This is a 3.8-mile roundtrip hike that features minimal elevation gain, allows pets, and runs along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. Along the way, you will cross the river via a footbridge, pass remnants of old Smoky Mountain homesteads, and more, making this a fun outing for the whole family.
4. Abrams Falls Trail
Yet another of the alternatives to Laurel Falls Trail that features a waterfall of its own is Abrams Falls Trail, which can be accessed from Cades Cove. This hike is a 5-mile roundtrip, so it is almost double the length of Laurel Falls Trail, but if you are looking for a bit of a longer adventure, this trail is perfect for you! It is suggested that you wear good hiking shoes, as this hike is considered moderately difficult.
As you can see, there are plenty of great alternatives to Laurel Falls Trail that you can check out while it is closed for renovations! And, of course, we will keep you updated on the progress of the Laurel Falls renovation project, including information about its reopening date. In the meantime, you can find out even more information about Great Smoky Mountains National Park right here! We look forward to helping you plan your perfect adventure here in the Smokies.
