Next on our agenda was the hike to Laurel Falls. It is a 2.4 mile round trip hike on a mostly paved, although crumbling, asphalt path. It is a very popular hike. The hike is rated as “moderate difficulty”; however, the parking is rated as challenging.
We had been advised to arrive early in the morning if we wanted to get a parking spot at the Laurel Falls trail head. We complied with the “morning” part of the ranger’s advice, arriving about 11 a.m. Even though it was a Sunday, we managed to snag a parking spot. Probably the time of year – early Spring – contributed to our success.
at Laurel Falls
It was a gorgeous hike, culminating in a scenic spot with a cascading waterfall. I wore a bell to scare away any bears, but all the bell did was give fodder for conversation with other hikers. While we saw many hikers, I was the only one jingling along the way. It was thanks to me that nobody got attacked by a bear that day.
After our visit, I learned of the National Park’s proposed plan for improvements to the Laurel Falls Trail. These improvements include widening the trail, additional parking and a multi-level viewing platform. More about the plan, its environmental impact, as well as an option to comment (until June 2, 2023) can be found here.
There is currently no way to view the falls from down below.
After our hike, we headed to our favorite Chimneys Picnic Area to eat our lunch and play some Scrabble. Later, we stopped at the nearby Chimney Tops overlook to enjoy another beautiful view in the park. There are numerous overlooks all throughout the park, but this has to be one of the prettiest.
On another day we decided to hike to Grotto Falls. This is a three mile round trip hike, also rated as moderate difficulty. However, the parking for Grotto Falls is rated as “You got a better chance with the lottery, sweetheart.” And once you start on the drive to Grotto Falls, there is no turning back. The drive is on a narrow, one way road which curves around trees and roadside cliff overhangs. Buses, RVs and trucks are not allowed on this road.
As a result of our efforts, we had a very scenic one hour drive to the trail head and back. There would be no parking and no hiking to Grotto Falls for us that day. Considering the number of parking spots we saw and the number of cars trying to get a parking spot, we decided we would not try again during our time here.
I have not read or heard about any plans to improve the public access to Grotto Falls. I guess the park is tackling one waterfall at a time. However, a later experience in the park, did give me a great idea for another way to access Grotto Falls. My secret plan – or more accurately – my secret dream – will be revealed in another Smoky post. So, if you’re a National Park planner – or even if you’re not, please plan to keep reading this blog.
After driving for an hour, we wanted to get out and HIKE. So, we went to our backup plan and drove to the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Here there is plenty of parking as well as a short, 0.7 mile, hike to Cataract Falls. Cataract Falls is a 40 foot high waterfall. On the way back after viewing the waterfall, we took an offshoot of this trail to the John Ownby cabin. The additional hike to the historic cabin adds about one mile.
The John Ownby cabin is just one of many historic structures in Smoky Mountains National Park. Many of them are located in Cades Cove – which is one of the places we’ll visit in my next post.
Chambers on the Road 
My 2 favorite things are waterfalls and lighthouses.
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I like lighthouses, too! I do like a hike where there is a “destination”, and a waterfall on a hike is perfect! Have a great day, Linda!
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I’ve heard how crowded this park is. I’m glad you were able to get some hikes in despite that! The views from the trail look great.
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I have heard that, too. Smoky Mountains NP is one of the most visited, if not THE most visited. We went in early Spring, so I think that helped some. The views were wonderful. Enjoy your day!
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I am really enjoying your Great Smoky Mountains NP posts. Yes, it is one of the most visited and can get crowded but I still love it! We have also visited the park from the Cherokee entrance and from Waynesville to see the Elk in Cataloochee Valley. We camped in Sevierville, TN once to visit Cades Cove.
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I am so glad you are enjoying these posts. Especially since I have 4 more to go. 🙂 Yes, it is crowded, but I still love it, too! Since we stayed two weeks, I feel that we really got to see, know and enjoy the park. Of course, there’s more we didn’t do, so if we do ever go back, there will be some new adventures. It’s such a beautiful area, and we truly enjoyed every moment there. I appreciate you telling me you are enjoying the posts; that’s nice to know! I hope you have a great day!
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Looks like a beautiful place to hike Betty.
In our area the standing joke in finding out if there are any “bad bears” in the area is to get a stick to look through any bear scat found. If there is “bad bear” you will find bells
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Yes, it was beautiful everywhere. Thanks for the laugh about the “bad bears.” I expected lots of people on the trail – and there were – so, I was comfortable with just a bell. In Yellowstone, we carried bear spray. Have a great day, Gary!
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I would carry bear spray in Yellowstone as well
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You crack me up, Betty! I applaud your public service efforts of wearing the bear scaring bell, and I was happy to see your report that no hikers were harmed that day. Sadly, one of the worst things about national parks is the traffic and lack of parking around trail heads. It looks like you and Dan made the best of it though. Your photos are stunning!
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We did try to make the best of it. We thought the parking could be an issue, so we did have the back up plan. As long as I was in the park and not in a car, I was happy. I agree with you about parking in national parks. The people who work for the national parks are smart and dedicated, so I expect they will work on solutions to address the issues going forward. I wouldn’t mind a reservation system or using shuttles if it kept us from driving around for an hour without being able to take a hike. Thanks for your comment, and I’m glad I cracked you up! Enjoy your day!
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Several of the parks do have shuttle services now, so they are thinking.
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Those were beautiful falls. Sorry you were not able to see the Grotto Falls as the name makes them sound lovely. I would have thought you were there very early in the season. In warmer weather, there must be little chance of seeing any of them. I’ve heard it is almost impossible to get into Cades Cove so I am anxious to hear how that went.
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After I wrote the post, I thought about the name “Grotto.” Usually, I associate a grotto with praying and holy happenings. So, now I think it takes a miracle to get a parking spot for Grotto Falls. 🙂 Yes, David, I think you are right. Later in the year, there is likely no chance at all unless you arrive before sunrise would be my guess. Besides seeing the falls, I enjoy hiking and seeing the park away from the road. If there had been a shuttle, we would have gladly taken it. The Cades Cove post is coming soon! Thanks for your comment, and have a good day!
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Thanks Betty and you too!
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These are three waterfalls I haven’t seen. I really like Laurel Falls. In your post you wrote there is no way to view the falls from below. Isn’t the picture of you and Dan taken at the bottom of the falls?
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It’s a little tricky, I think. On the picture where I say “there is no way to get down”, there are a few (young) people sitting on concrete. Right in front of those people, right past that ledge, the falls continue. I tried to get that part of the falls in the picture, but there wasn’t a good view of them. If I understand the park’s pdf document on the comment link correctly, there will be a lower viewing platform down there. Since we both like waterfalls so much, maybe we should start a WordPress tradition – Waterfall Wednesday! I think I need to see more waterfalls first though. Thanks for your question; I am glad you asked.
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I can just hear you, jingling away, Betty 😉 Great post and lovely photos!
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Thank you, Terry. The bears must have heard me jingling, too, as we didn’t see any. 😉 Enjoy your evening!
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Beautiful pictures! I am sure your hikes were very pleasant (along with your drive to the overflowing parking lot!). So many things to do, too!
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Yes, the hikes were pretty. The drive was really pretty, too, but I didn’t think to take any pictures of it – from the car. There are lots of things to do, that’s for sure. Thanks for your comment, and enjoy the rest of your evening!
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One thing about being a day late on reading is everyone said everything you planned to say, and saved a lot of time. 😎 I did want to thank you for looking out for everyone’s bear safety–laugh they may, but you always have others in mind and I appreciate you for that! Your posts have been making me think about a return visit again!
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When it comes to bears, it is safety first! Because if safety isn’t first, nothing else matters. I’m glad to know my posts have you thinking about a return visit. I have 4 more posts coming, and I hope you enjoy those as well.
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So many beautiful places to view and hike!
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Yes, there were lots of places to hike. We did several hikes, but there are others I would do if we were to go back. Some are too long for us, but there are many options. For example, the hike to Alum Cave is a 5 mile round trip, but, if I were to go back, I would hike it for 2 or 3 miles round trip. From what I have read, there are many pretty waterfalls on the hike. Thanks for your comment, and enjoy your day!
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So are you Tinker Bell, and Dan is Peter Pan? Glad you had a great day, too bad about the lack of parking. I bet sooner or later like other National Parks they’ll go to timed entrance.
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Ha ha! I’m not sure Dan would agree with your plan! I would like to see more shuttles. We would have been happy to take shuttles, like we took the trolleys in Gatlinburg. Seems like it would be good for the environment, too, rather than having cars circling, circling. The drive was really very pretty, but I just don’t want to be in the car that long. Hope you have a great weekend!
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All these hikes, you’re making me exhausted! No, seriously, you’re getting such great exercise in such beautiful surroundings. Good on both of you for doing these nature visits right. That Chimney Tops Overlook is amazing — it belongs in a frame at home! – Marty
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One morning, on the way to somewhere, we drove past the Chimney Tops Overlook. (We passed it several times during our time there.) That particular morning, it was stunning. The sun was shining on the mountains, and I just can’t describe how beautiful it looked. We didn’t see it until we were passing it, so it was too late to stop. When we stopped another time, it was still pretty. But I still don’t think my camera and photo skills quite captured how beautiful it really is. I did enjoy all the hiking in such a beautiful place. Enjoy your Saturday!
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It is sad when the parking lots are too full to stop. I do try to remember that it IS great that so many people are out enjoying the areas and nature. Always have a back up plan and yours was very nice. Thank you for sharing your trip.
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You are right that it is great that so many people are out and enjoying our parks and nature. That is a wonderful thing! And you are welcome. I am happy to share our adventures. And I do hope others will get a tip or two from time to time.
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