Located in the designated Pond Mountain Wilderness of the Cherokee National Forest, find yourself trekking a section of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail to a hidden, yet well-known, lush waterfall.
Laurel Falls, located in Hampton, is a generational favorite hike in our region.
Imagine parking the car and hiking into a temperate forest wonderland. Vibrant green trees and rushing creekside views make this hike an off-grid escape from the daily grind of life. If you’re excited at the idea of an Appalachian Adventure, this is a great place to begin your journey through the highlands and valleys of East Tennessee.
To begin, first decide which trailhead is your preference. The cool thing about this hike, other than a refreshing dip into the creek on a hot summer’s day, is that there are two places to hike in from– and plenty of options to venture out off the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
First, the lower entrance to hike Laurel Falls is about 4.6 miles round trip with a 620-foot elevation gain. Head’s up, the parking lot can become quite full on the weekend, but there are plenty of other outdoor spots nearby if you decide to adventure out and swing back to find a spot.
This trailhead offers a nice, shaded hike alongside the Laurel Fork Creek with a few climbs over the rocks and uphill climbs.
Secondly, the upper entrance to hike to the falls offers a winding, scenic drive up to ‘mostly’ no cell service. This trail is a bit shorter at 2.4 miles round trip and 485-foot elevation gain. But be warned, there is a surprise downward rock staircase which is a nice challenge for trail runners– and a haunt to those looking for flatter terrain. However, what goes down must come back up, and the treasure that lies at the bottom of the staircase is worth every bit of the
climb.
Whichever path you choose, both lead you through an Appalachian oasis of well-hydrated terrain. The Appalachian temperate rainforest is a unique ecosystem with flora/fauna unlike any other. It is here where you will find birds, insects, and salamanders who thrive in these habitats that receive an abundance of rainfall each year. This lush biodiversity includes a forest of vibrant ferns and mosses, bright magenta rhododendrons, and white and pink mountain laurels.
Make no mistake that this hike will ignite or reaffirm your love for the natural world.
Appalachia is a haven like no other and offers a retreat to experience the magic of the forest and an appreciation for mountain waterfalls that offer a place to cool down and be present in the heat of summer.
Dogs are welcomed on this trail on-leash. Please practice Leave No Trace ethics when out adventuring on designated trails and respect the wildlife.
DETAILS
Trail: Laurel Falls
Mileage: (2.4- 4.6 mi round-trip)
Level: Moderate
Location: Hampton
Elevation: Depends on Trailhead (485-620 feet)
View: Waterfall
Height: 55 feet
