Part of Laurel Falls Trails
Overview
Laurel Falls is a short, accessible out-and-back hike that follows the river into a quieter world of cliff-lined corridors and falling water. Most of the trail is gentle enough for conversation and an unhurried pace, making it well suited for a half-day walk.
The falls are the trail’s central encounter—and its most demanding portion. Reaching them requires a steep, uneven descent, then the same climb back out. In wet or icy conditions, that section deserves care.
This guide will help you know where the trail changes, when to slow down, and where its quieter spaces offer room to notice more than the destination.
Trail at a Glance
- Location
- Laurel Falls is found in the Pond Mountain Wilderness Area. Two acces points make it and easy hike. Begin on the Hampton Blueline Trail or the Appalachian Trail. Both offer amazing views and a peaceful hike.
- Terrain
- These trails are well maintained. However they are natural trails and can be uneven or have loose terrain. Caution is always required when hiking.
- Seasonal considerations
- The trails around Laurel Falls can become slick or covered in ice in colder months.
Route details
Laurel Falls Trail
A lovely hike to Laurel Falls through the Pond Mountain Wilderness
- Distance
- 2.7 miles round trip
- Estimated time
- Approximately 3 hours
- Trail type
- Out and back
- Difficulty
- 0.75 out of 5 (Low difficulty with some sections of moderate difficulty)
- Elevation
- About 620 ft of climbing
Other routes on Laurel Falls Trails
Key Points
- The trail starts gently. The opening portion gives you time to settle into the walk before the terrain becomes more demanding.
- The descent to the falls is the harder part of the route. Some sections require more attention and effort than the early portion of the trail suggests.
- Remember the return trip. Reaching the waterfall means you’ve completed only part of the hike. The climb back from the falls can be taxing.
- Conditions matter. Wet weather can make the trail more difficult, particularly on steeper or uneven sections. Cold weather can introduce additional hazards.
- The mileage can be misleading. At roughly 2.7 miles round trip for the half day hike, this is not a long hike, but it still provides enough terrain variation to require thoughtful pacing. Adding in the additional miles for the full day helps slow the pace when needed.
Walking the Trail
The route begins near Dennis Cove and enters the forest on relatively gentle terrain. The early portion of the walk provides an opportunity to settle into a comfortable pace without immediately demanding much effort.
As the trail continues, the character gradually changes. The terrain becomes more varied, with sections that require greater attention and more deliberate footing.
Eventually, the trail descends toward Laurel Falls. The approach to the falls is more demanding than the beginning of the route, and the changing terrain becomes part of the experience rather than simply a means of reaching the destination.
At the falls, there is an opportunity to stop and spend some time before beginning the return journey.
Before You Go
Wear footwear appropriate for uneven forest terrain and conditions that may become wet or slick. Bring water and weather-appropriate clothing for a few hours in the mountains.
Pace yourself with the return trip in mind. The trail may feel relatively easy at the beginning, but the more demanding sections near the falls will need to be climbed again on the way back.
Weather can significantly affect trail conditions. Check conditions before leaving and be prepared to adjust your plans when wet, icy, or otherwise hazardous conditions are present.
If you’re unfamiliar with Dennis Cove, make sure you know the exact parking and starting location for your route before arriving.
