The Laurel Falls trail surface is mostly paved as it winds up the side of the mountain. However, it is rough and uneven throughout the path. With short steep sections, the trail can be slightly dangerous in wet weather conditions so watch your step if you're hiking in the rain.

Yes, the Laurel Falls Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a paved trail, but it is currently undergoing a major transformation. As of early 2026, the trail has been closed for a significant rehabilitation project that began in January 2025. The National Park Service is repaving and widening the 2.6-mile roundtrip path to improve accessibility and safety, as the original 1960s asphalt had become cracked and uneven. When it reopens later in 2026, it will remain the longest paved trail in the park, making it one of the few options suitable for strollers and wheelchairs (though it remains steep in sections). The project also includes new viewing platforms at the 80-foot waterfall to reduce crowding and environmental impact. Before the closure, it was one of the most popular hikes in the park, attracting over 300,000 visitors annually.