While visiting Pigeon Forge, TN during Winterfest, be sure to schedule a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! With snow remaining on the ground in the upper elevations, and beautiful ice framing the streams and waterfalls, the magic of the mountains cannot be beaten.
One of the most popular destinations within the park during the summer months continues to awe visitors even in February. Laurel Falls, a roughly paved 2.6 mile round trip trail leads visitors along sunny ridges, through patches of rhododendron, and even reveals some scenic views in winter months. This pleasant walk ends with a grand finale… The water plummets 75 feet through this two-layer falls. With the recent freezing temperatures, you can plan to see a large amount of the falls and its surrounding boulders covered in beautiful ice formations! I visited February 10th and will never forget the amazing scene. While standing on the small wooden bridge that places you in between the two layers of the falls, you will see huge mounds of ice in the middle of rushing water. The calm pools of water have ice lining their edges and forming within their depths.
To learn more about Laurel Falls or other hiking trails, visit our Smoky Mountains page. Winter time is the perfect chance to experience the serenity of these mountains. On a Saturday morning in the summer, one could expect to see large numbers of people along the trail and resting around the falls; however, on my hike, we passed only three small groups and enjoyed the falls without any other people in site. Take advantage of the mountains year round!
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