Do you have to pay for Laurel Falls?
Parking reservations for Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Laurel Falls opened Tuesday at recreation.gov. The park will charge $14 per vehicle for timed-entry parking at the trailhead as part of a pilot program from Sept.
Is Laurel Falls close to Cades Cove?
Trailhead: From Sugarlands Visitor Center, turn toward Cades Cove on Little River Road and drive 3.5 miles to the trailhead where there are parking areas on both sides of the road. Trail Notes: The roundtrip distance to the waterfall is 2.6 miles and the hike is considered moderate in difficulty.
Can you swim in 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 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.
Do you need reservations for Laurel Falls?
Reservation Details One vehicle/motorcycle per reservation. 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.
Are dogs allowed on Laurel Falls trail?
Dogs must be on a leash at all times while in the park.
Is Cades Cove worth the drive?
The drive to Cades Cove alone will definitely be worth the trip. As you drive through the beautiful wooded areas of the Smoky Mountains and enjoy breathtaking views, you and your family will feel like you arrived in Cades Cove in no time.
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.
Where are the sinks in Gatlinburg?
The Sinks parking area is located between Gatlinburg and the Wye near the Townsend entrance of the national park. From Sugarlands Visitor Center in Gatlinburg, drive 11.5 miles on the Little River Road towards Cades Cove.
Is Laurel Falls hiking trail open?
The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Laurel Falls is one of the most popular destinations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and parking at the trailhead is limited. There is potential for parking along the sides of the road.
Where do you park for Laurel Falls trail?
From Sugarlands Visitor Center, turn toward Cades Cove on Little River Road and drive 3.5 miles to the trailhead where there are parking areas on both sides of the road.
Can you bring dogs to Clingmans Dome?
Dogs are allowed at Clingmans Dome in the Parking lot. However, dogs are not permitted on the paved path to the Clingmans Dome Tower. It is also park policy that pets are not allowed on most hiking trails in the national park, including hiking trails around Clingmans Dome.
What is Laurel Falls Trail?
Laurel Falls Trail is the longest of four paved trails in the park. The trail was originally built to allow fire crews access to the Cove Mountain area in the event of a fire. Planning for the trail and a fire tower to be built at the top of Cove Mountain began in early 1930s.The trail was completed in 1932 at a cost of approximately $590.
Why is it called Laurel Falls?
The name Laurel Falls comes from the evergreen shrubs (rhododendron and mountain laurel) that grow near the trail and waterfall. During a hike, you will experience vast greenery as you make your way toward the 80-foot waterfall that consists of an upper and lower section.
Is there parking at Laurel Falls?
Laurel Falls is one of the most popular destinations in the park and parking at the trailhead is limited. The area is especially busy on weekends year-round and on weekdays during summer.
How high is the elevation gain on Laurel Falls Trail?
The elevation gain during the hike is a manageable 314 feet, which is an easy 273 feet per mile. Originally, the Laurel Falls Trail was built in the 1930s as an access trail for fire crews in the event a blaze broke out in the Cove Mountain area.