Mountain Laurel, as seen from the Cove Mountain trail.

Cove Mountain Trail


Beginning at the Wear's Cove road summit, the Cove Mountain trail follows the ridge for the most part. Mountain laurel is spectacular all the way with occasional flame azaleas. Blueberries are abundant, but scrawny. Many rhododendron, maple, sassafras, chestnut and other hardwoods grow along the way. Views are good, but not panoramic in summer. Forest is interesting and varied - changing from scrubby to thick rhododendron and laurel and then tall hardwood. At the intersection with Little Greenbriar trail, a left turn will take you out of the park down an interesting path for spring wildflowers. Their peak seems to be about a week or so before the bulk of trilliums in the lower elevations of the Smokies. The intersection of the Laurel Falls trail occurs at four and a quarter miles. The sign is good and new, so should remain up. The trail is well maintained and the hike is easy considering the length.

The Walker Sisters Cabin was still quite habitable as of 1989. Unfortunately, we have not been able to visit since that time.


Flame azaleas (wow!) on the trail!


Nice overlook along the Cove Mountain Trail (I think).

Beginning from the Laurel Falls trail, a paved section one mile and a quarter leads to the famous Laurel Falls. The walk is simple for enough for wheelchairs or those out of shape. The falls are quite crowded, but always attractive. I estimate the falls to be 60 feet or so above the trail. We saw a bear in the thicket on this particular trip.


Laurel Falls.

After passing the falls, the trail is almost deserted, however the path is exceptionally clear and wide. The two and three quarter miles from the falls to the top is not too steep, but all uphill; a definite moderate. The forest is predominantly hardwood, but mixing coniferous further up - especially on the north side of the ridges. The forest is boasted to be virgin hardwood, however, we found no giants. It seems more middle aged and predominantly hardwood. (I am from middle Tennessee where hardwood forest means hardwood forest.) The walk is very pretty and has variety enough to keep up interest. About two to three miles from the start there is a long stretch of mild grades to ease the wary. The last mile is not too bad either, though. The fire tower, as of August 1989, is in use, locked, and in excellent shape. The wooden steps were recently replaced and a 120V air conditioner hummed above us, although no signs of occupants were found. A jeep trail and many radio antennae also told of a busy site. From these I infer that the tower will be around for a few years. Our last trip offered a view that was terribly hazy, but we could still make out many familiar peaks surrounding us. At the top I picked out oaks, maples, pine, sourwood and locust in order of abundance. Blueberries were ripe on the way up, but not abundant. Blackberries on the peak were delicious, but few.

Mountain Laurel in full glory along the Cove Mountain Trail.

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