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Once finished, the Smokies said there will be new features at the popular spot, such as new viewing platforms that will improve the flow of visitors.
Great Smoky Mountains Natl. Park — The National Park Service will begin a major rehabilitation project to upgrade the ever-popular Laurel Falls Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park starting in 2025.
The project begins Jan. 6 and is expected to take 18 months to complete. During this time, it will remain fully closed to the public with access blocked to Little River Road, Sugarland Mountain Trail and connecting trails.
“Laurel Falls Trail is a beloved feature of Great Smoky Mountains National Park,” said Acting Superintendent Boone Vandzura. “The rehabilitation will provide for greater safety and an enhanced visitor experience; we look forward to enjoying the trail together once work is complete.”
According to NPS, the goal of the rehabilitation is to enhance public safety and improve the hiking experience of the trail’s over 300,000 annual visitors. Improvement plans include new viewing platforms to reduce hazards in slippery areas, guidance signs for wayfinding and bear safety, and repaving of cracked and uneven trail pavement. NPS says the current trail was first paved in 1963.
The trailhead’s parking area will also receive upgrades, including the construction of 50 new parking spaces and a new designated pathway for pedestrians. Parking area improvements are funded by recreation fee venues from campgrounds and parking tags, NPS says.