Smoky Mountains Attraction Popular With Louisiana Guests to Close

Altitude is not a word that is spoken very often when describing the topography of Louisiana. In Abbeville, the official elevation is listed at 16 feet above sea level. In Lafayette, the folks that measure elevation say we are 36 feet above sea level. If you go to Baton Rouge you better be prepared for your ears "to pop" as that city is listed at a blistering 56 feet above sea level. 

It's no surprise to Louisiana folks that we are "low landers" and "flat landers". That's probably why so many Louisiana travelers like to head for the mountains when they have time away from work. In most cases, the mountains we head for are the Great Smoky Mountains. 

The Smoky Mountains are close enough to drive and they offer some amazing attractions. If you love shows and theme parks you can find those in abundance. If you're looking for alpine coasters and wave pools you can find those too. And there are some who just love the Smoky Mountains for the hiking and scenic views. 

If you're into hiking then the news we've just learned is going to affect your next trip to the Smoky Mountains if you have plans to visit anytime in 2025 or the first half of 2026. The most popular hiking trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been closed by the United States Parks Service.

The reason for the closure is for your safety and to make improvements to the very well-traveled Laurel Falls Trail. It's estimated that nearly 400,000 hikers traverse the trail in an average year. The trail that leads to the 80-foot-high falls is now in a state of disrepair and the decision has been made to close it while the work is being done. 

Park officials say the trail will close on January 6, 2025, and the rehabilitation project should take about 18 months to complete. In addition to reworking the footing on the actual trail the Parks Service will add additional parking at the foot of the trail and the trail will be widened to ease crowding around the attraction.

If you do have a trip already on the books for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park rangers suggest you visit Cataract Falls or Hen Wallow Falls. Those attractions and trails will be open for visitors while the Laurel Falls Trail is undergoing rehabilitation.