The Can’t-Miss Tennessee Hike for Every Nature Lover’s Bucket List

Don’t you just love to find hidden gem trails that no one seems to be talking about? There is a sense of accomplishment when I find a hike in Tennessee that nobody knew about before. I feel privileged to show them the way and introduce them to a hike they might have otherwise passed over. That is what I found with Laurel Run Falls. This simple hike on paper might seem like an easy, straightforward hike, but if you know where to look, there are surprises tucked away all throughout the hike. 

We have friends who love Laurel Run Falls and told us about this little hidden gem near Kingsport Tennessee. We decided to venture out and what we found was yet another amazing trail in the Volunteer State. The waterfall was stunningly beautiful with a steady stream of cascading water into a calm and clear pool. There are plenty of flat rocks to sit on and enjoy the peaceful cadence of the waterfall and an interesting ledge you can climb up on right next to the water. As much as I loved this waterfall, the journey of getting there was just as exciting. 

Our journey started at Laurel Run Park which had picnic tables, a playground, and bathrooms. Pro trip, if you are hiking with kids, reward them with a little time on the playground if they are good on the hike. The park was very nice and you can walk right to the end of the parking lot and directly onto the trail. Immediately you will be following a creek and enjoying the soft trickle of water as you walk. We took our time to soak in the soothing sounds and stopped on the bridge to admire the stream for a moment before continuing on.

One of the greatest joys I have when hiking is finding points of interest along the way. If you are like me then you won’t have to wait long to find your next treasure. There is an old structure right along the path like a long-lost relic of the past. These abandoned cabins and wooden buildings, when found in the forest, spark my imagination. Wild stories of pioneers and rugged mountain living come across my mind as I picture the people who worked the very land I am hiking. 

The path is wide and spacious as you follow along with the topography of the land. The last time we traveled this trail was during the spring and the wildflowers were blooming everywhere! Around every corner were new splashes of color which really stood out amidst the bland gray hues that winter left us. This hike is perfect for any season whether you want to dip your toes in the cool water during the summer, hike among crunchy leaves in the fall, or time it just right to see a frozen waterfall in the winter.

I love it when a trail gives me the thrill of adventure and besides the waterfall itself, my favorite part of this hike is the river crossing. During dry seasons you can simply splash along or hop on a few rocks to avoid getting wet. That was not the case when we went as the water was flowing and had us hiking through past our ankles. The rush of the cool water as I helped my family across was just enough to feel out of the ordinary and make this trail just a little bit more exciting.

If you are looking for a hike in Tennessee for any season then this little hidden gem of an adventure is perfect for you. If you are using your AllTrails app and pull up Laurel Run Falls the trail will take you a bit further than the waterfall. If you want to just see Laurel Run Falls then you should know it can be found shortly after the river crossing. If you would like to see it more clearly, then check out our Adventuring in the Moment video. I encourage you to follow in our footsteps and see this amazing hike in Tennessee.