Laurel Creek Road
Nine miles long and connects Townsend to Cades Cove.
Plan Around Laurel Creek Road
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Laurel Creek Road Details
Laurel Creek Road is nine miles long and connects Townsend to Cades Cove. It begins at the Townsend Y and leads directly to the start of the Cades Cove Loop Road. As the road snakes through the mountains you'll get some nice views of the river and forests, which are especially beautiful in the spring when full of wildflowers and Redbud trees in full bloom. The only downside is that there's often a lot of traffic, so just take it slow and enjoy the scenery. If you want to break from the crowd a bit, take a side trip up Tremont Road, which follows the middle prong of the Little River to the Great Smoky Mountain Institute, an environmental education center. The short trail to Spruce Flats Falls begins near the Institute, and you can pick up a self-guided auto tour book from a roadside box if you want to continue driving up the three-mile gravel road past the Institute.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
Region
Little River/Laurel Creek
Nearby Parks Around Laurel Creek Road
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Nearby Points of Interest Around Laurel Creek Road
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Laurel Creek Road while the map context is still fresh.
2.4 mi away
School House Gap Trail
An easy hike that's known for its spring wildflowers and an active bear population.
2.7 mi away
The Sinks
Legend has it that a lumber train once derailed and fell into the deep waters here.
3.2 mi away
Tremont
Formerly home to a pioneer Appalachian community and logging town.
