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Laurel Fork Falls
4.8 ★★★★★ 407 Google reviews · Running trail in Hampton, Tennessee · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 1 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Laurel Fork Falls' 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.
Trail leading to a waterfall in a wilderness area with rocky paths and inclines.
What runners say about Laurel Fork Falls
“Like some of the other reviews, the hike was not a mile but still beautiful and well maintained.”
“The scenery is beautiful, the falls are stunning, and the whole hike feels peaceful and nostalgic.”
“Easy trail until you leave then good luck climbing back up the endless stairs.”
It was a challenging 5-mile round trip hike with a lot of elevation change. The whole trail was beautiful and had a few bridges for creek crossings. The waterfall is one of the more beautiful waterfalls in Tennessee.
We took the Dennis Cove Trailhead to Laurel Fork Falls (Laurel Falls). It's the shorter trail which is a little over a mile to the falls or approx. 2.5 round trip. The trail is easy until you get to the steps leading down to the falls. I did it with 5 kids. My 8, 7, & 5 year old did it themselves.
Like some of the other reviews, the hike was not a mile but still beautiful and well maintained. If you 60+ it can be a challenge depending on your shape. We're in pretty good shape and were tired at the end but still glad we did it. The falls are amazing.
Quite a bit more strenuous than other reviewers indicated. I walk 5 days a week, so I'm decently fit. I actually cried during this hike and almost turned around before completing. I have never “ hiked” a mountain trail, so I was not prepared for this experience. I was so glad when it was over.
Trail conditions & character
“The scenery is beautiful, the falls are stunning, and the whole hike feels peaceful and nostalgic.”
“be forwarded it is a steep long set of stairs but is quite a bit shorter of a hike!”
“No bathrooms at the parking area so either make a stop to the gas station before arriving or do the thing in nature.”
“The entire walk to the fall was NOT muddy or slippery either.”
Plan your run at Laurel Fork Falls
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
- Distance1 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websiteeasttn.us
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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