Laurel Falls in Tennessee Will Soon Be Surrounded by Beautiful Fall Colors

Editor's note: This trail is closed until mid-2026.

Fall is coming hot and heavy; it's on its way to Tennessee and will soon take over the whole of the Volunteer State with stunning colors of orange, yellow, and red. There's nothing like spending the chilly edge of the year in the heart of the American South. It's not too cold and not too warm — instead, it's just perfect for a quick hike through the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. If you haven't been to Laurel Falls, by way of Laurel Falls Trail in Tennessee, then it's a must-visit as soon as possible. What better way to start out the season? It's one of the best places to see fall foliage in Tennessee, adding an extra reason to take one of the state's best waterfall hikes.

The Great Smoky Mountains are stunning all year 'round, but it's really in the autumn that they show out. The mountains are suddenly taken with flaming colors and beautiful, expansive vistas

Laurel Falls can be accessed from Laurel Falls trail, and is located toward Cades Cove from the popular Sugarlands Visitor Center.

The falls are an impressive 80 feet high, and are named for the evergreen mountain laurel shrub. It blooms along the trail and falls in May, and makes for a stunning springtime view.

Of course, it's the autumn that really takes the cake. Here you can see how the falls present during the green of spring and summer...

...but it's the transformation of autumn that really makes our hearts happy.

Laurel Falls is made up of an upper and lower section, and remains one of the most popular sites in the park. If you're looking to visit, know that parking is limited and you'll want to show up on off-hours.

Want an up-close look at Laurel Falls without having to make the trek into the Great Smoky Mountains? Check out this popular video by CampTravelExplore, taking you along the trails and to the grand waterfall!

Laurel Falls Trail just might be the place to indulge your love for natural beauty. The round-trip hike to the falls is 2.6 miles and is considered moderately difficult. If you have two hours to spare, it's a beautiful way to spend the day. You can learn more about the Laurel Falls Trail through the National Park Service if you're looking. If you're planning more hiking adventures, you might want to subscribe to AllTrails Plus for access to the app's many helpful features.

What are some of your favorite places to see Tennessee in the fall? Tell us all about your picks through our nominations page.

Hungry after all that exploring? Make sure to check out neat, hidden gems like this epic bbq restaurant in Tennessee!