About Laurel Falls
Laurel Falls is a named waterfall in Marion County, Tennessee, located about 5.0 miles northwest of Lookout Mountain. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Wauhatchie 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 35°02′55″ N, 85°24′28″ W (35.04869, -85.40774). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Laurel Branch (historical) (stream, under 0.1 mi), Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Dam and Reservoir (reservoir, 0.6 mi), and Cummings Gap (gap, 0.9 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Ruby Falls, 4.4 miles to the southeast.
More Photos
7 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Laurel Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Laurel Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Chicago time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Laurel Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Laurel Falls holds a 4.2 average from 11 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Laurel Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Laurel Branch (historical) — stream, under 0.1 mi
- Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Dam and Reservoir — reservoir, 0.6 mi
- Cummings Gap — gap, 0.9 mi
- Grindstone Ridge — ridge, 0.9 mi
- John McNabb Branch — stream, 1.0 mi
- Wilcox Hollow — valley, 1.0 mi
- McNabb Spring — spring, 1.0 mi
- Piney Branch — stream, 1.1 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 35.04869, -85.40774. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Laurel Falls
- Falling Water Falls, TN12 mi northeast
- Freudenberg Falls, TN12 mi northeast
- Flatrock Falls, TN12 mi northeast
- Slider Falls, TN12 mi northeast
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Laurel Falls located?
Laurel Falls is in Marion County, Tennessee, about 5.0 miles northwest of Lookout Mountain. Its coordinates are 35.04869, -85.40774 (35°02′55″ N, 85°24′28″ W).
What town is closest to Laurel Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Lookout Mountain, TN, about 5.0 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Laurel Falls?
The closest is Ruby Falls (4.4 mi southeast). Others within reach include Subterranean waterfall (4.4 mi), Middle Creek Falls (5.3 mi), and Three Creeks Falls (5.3 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Laurel Falls?
Laurel Falls appears on the USGS Wauhatchie 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.