I was on the trail to Laurel Fork Falls(sometimes called Laurel Falls) once before but never found the falls because the website I found directions to said it was only .3 miles from the parkling lot. I went more than .3 miles and decided to head back. On my 2nd attempt, I found more information. The falls are about 1.3 miles from the parking lot… about 1 mile in an easy hike and then .3 miles down to the falls. The falls trail is an offshoot of the Appalachian Trail. There’s a small parking lot off Dennis Cove Rd near Hampton, Tennessee. Take the trail on the left that for a while parallels the creek. Along the trail you’ll find rock formations and all kinds of vegetation including various types of mushrooms and fungi. The trail is very rocky so be careful. There are no hand rails going down to the falls. Also, there is a bridge that crosses the creek. Be careful here as well because there is a handrail on only one side. The falls are beautiful. You can sit on a nearby rock and enjoy the view. There is a also a pool below the falls which I’m sure is popular with waders. But again be careful. I found myself slipping a bit on the rocks. The falls are part of the Cherokee National Forest and close enough to Roan Mountain, and Elk River Falls in NC. It’s a short drive from Grandfather Mountain and the high country of NC. So they are definitely worth checking out if you are doing other things in the area.
