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Laurel Falls Trailhead and Appalachian Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 356 Google reviews · Running trail in Hampton, Tennessee · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 20 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Laurel Falls Trailhead and Appalachian Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Scenic hiking route featuring waterfalls and creek views.
What runners say about Laurel Falls Trailhead and Appalachian Trail
“It is NOT a path that it's recommended to take following wet weather, but it can be as beautiful as it is hazardous with snow on the ground.”
“A beautiful hike, mostly in the shade, though the beginning stairs are pretty hot.”
Beautiful place. The hike was not bad - it was tricky for me to find the direct path down to the waterfall from the mountain at first but it went smoothly. Fellow hikers asked if had seen copperheads by the giant rock coming into the waterfall - I did not, another biker did not as well but someone else did.
It was a beautiful trail. It was in between middle and high trail. It had some altitudes, gravel, and rocks in some parts of the trail. I love how it follows the river. It's just so beautiful. It looks like people go night camping. There are many flat spots to do that and already made areas to build a fire.
One of the most unique hikes with ups and downs around every corner! It's definitely intermediate and maybe even more advance. Took us a little over an hour with stops to look at scenery and taking our time. So many different areas to be able to build fires. We cooked our breakfast at the end 😋.
This place is truly magical, I enjoyed every step I hiked on this trail. I couldn't even imagine how beautiful this forest is. Trail is pretty easy to hike most of the time, there are some rocks and trees roots to keep an eye on.
Trail conditions & character
“It is NOT a path that it's recommended to take following wet weather, but it can be as beautiful as it is hazardous with snow on the ground.”
“When you turn off the Appalachian Trail to get down to Laurel Falls it becomes very steep with large steps.”
“Some splits are not easily distinguishable especially if you are looking down to maneuver the rocky terrain and missing the signs.”
“There is a small parking, not many spots to park, so if you are hiking on weekends make sure you arrive earlier.”
“Also, be aware of the trail markers; it branches off quite a bit with the Appalachian Trail and it can be easy to get turned around.”
“A beautiful hike, mostly in the shade, though the beginning stairs are pretty hot.”
“We saw several people with dogs though I think the trail would be challenging with a dog.”
“The trail is approximately 5.8 miles out and back, with some strenuous inclines, but nothing too bad.”
Plan your run at Laurel Falls Trailhead and Appalachian Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance20 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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