Laurel Falls and Grotto Falls are the two most recommended “easy” waterfall hikes near Gatlinburg, which makes the comparison a common one for families planning a Smoky Mountains trip. But before you pick a side, there’s a fact that changes the whole decision: Laurel Falls Trail is currently closed for a major rehabilitation project and isn’t expected to reopen until sometime in 2027.
That means for any trip happening now, Grotto Falls is really the only one of the two you can hike. Below is how they actually compare — trail surface, distance, elevation, what makes each one special for kids — plus what to know about the closure so you don’t show up at the wrong trailhead.
Quick Answer
Right now, Grotto Falls is the better (and only) choice, since Laurel Falls Trail is closed for construction until 2027. When Laurel Falls eventually reopens, it will be the easier, more stroller-friendly option thanks to its paved surface and gentler grade, while Grotto Falls will remain the better pick for families who want a real dirt-trail hiking experience and the novelty of walking behind a waterfall.
Why Laurel Falls Isn’t an Option Right Now
Great Smoky Mountains National Park closed the Laurel Falls Trail in January 2025 for a rehabilitation project: repaving and widening the cracked, decades-old asphalt path, building new viewing platforms at the falls, adding roughly 50 more parking spaces, and creating a guarded pedestrian route to the trailhead. The project was originally expected to take about 18 months, but crews ran into unexpected ground conditions while building the lower viewing platform, which pushed the timeline back. The park now expects the trail to reopen sometime in 2027, and the closure covers the entire route from the Fighting Creek Gap Road trailhead up to the Little Greenbrier and Cove Mountain trail junction.
If a trip listing, map app, or older blog post tells you Laurel Falls is an easy paved stroll, double-check the date — a lot of that content predates the closure. Before you drive out, it’s worth checking the park’s current closures page for the latest status.
How the Two Hikes Compare
When it’s open, Laurel Falls Trail is about 2.6 miles round trip, paved for its entire length, and gains a modest amount of elevation — making it one of the most accessible hikes in the park and a longtime favorite for strollers, wagons, and first-time hikers. It ends at an 80-foot cascading waterfall. The tradeoff for that ease is popularity: it’s consistently one of the most crowded trails in the Smokies, with a small trailhead lot that fills up early.
Grotto Falls, reached via the Trillium Gap Trail off the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, is roughly 2.6 to 2.7 miles round trip but unpaved — expect a dirt path with roots, rocks, and a steadier climb, gaining around 500 feet of elevation. It’s rated moderate rather than easy, and it’s not stroller-friendly. What you get in return is the only waterfall in the park you can walk directly behind, plus a real forest-trail feel with old-growth trees and rhododendron tunnels.
One bonus for families: hike Grotto Falls on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday and you have a decent chance of crossing paths with the llama pack train that carries supplies up Trillium Gap Trail to LeConte Lodge near the summit of Mount LeConte — a fun, genuinely memorable moment for kids on an otherwise ordinary hike.
Tips / Common Mistakes
Don’t plan around Laurel Falls for a trip before 2027 — check the park’s current closures page the week of your visit, since reopening dates for construction projects can shift.
Get to the Grotto Falls trailhead early. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a narrow, one-way loop that closes seasonally (typically early December through mid-March) and to buses, RVs, and trailers year-round, and its small pullouts fill up fast on weekends and in fall.
Skip the stroller on Grotto Falls — the roots and rocky sections make it a poor fit even for younger kids in a carrier if they’re prone to wanting to walk on their own.
Wear shoes with grip, not sandals. The rocks right behind and around the waterfall are constantly wet and can be slick, and the misty area behind the falls is the most common spot for slips.
Bring water and a light layer even for a short hike — the elevation gain on Grotto Falls is enough to work up a sweat on the way up and cool off quickly in the shaded, misty area near the falls.
Explore more: More Smoky Mountains trip planning guides.
Laurel Falls vs Grotto Falls FAQs
Is Laurel Falls Trail open in 2026?
No. Laurel Falls Trail has been closed since January 2025 for a major rehabilitation project and is not expected to reopen until sometime in 2027. Check the park’s official closures page before planning a trip around it.
Is Grotto Falls hard for kids?
It’s rated a moderate hike due to the unpaved, root-and-rock trail surface and roughly 500 feet of elevation gain over about 2.6 miles round trip, but most reasonably active kids handle it fine with a few rest breaks.
Can you walk behind Grotto Falls?
Yes — Grotto Falls is the only waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park where the trail passes directly behind the falling water, which is its main draw for families.
Where is the Grotto Falls trailhead?
The Trillium Gap Trailhead for Grotto Falls is located along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a one-way scenic loop just outside Gatlinburg. The nature trail is closed seasonally in winter and off-limits to RVs, trailers, and buses.
How long does the Grotto Falls hike take?
Most families take 1.5 to 3 hours round trip, depending on pace and how much time is spent at the falls, including walking behind the waterfall itself.
Plan Your Smokies Trip
Build your own Smoky Mountains itinerary — save the cabins, attractions, and restaurants you want to hit. Try the free ExploreTheSmokies trip builder.
Photo: Boyerhm74 / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.