Environmental Assessment for Laurel Falls plan out for comment
Laurel Falls is crowded during a Friday in August 2021. NPS photo
An Environmental Assessment examining the impact of proposed changes associated with the Laurel Falls Trail Management Plan is out for public comment through Friday, June 2.
The plan addresses visitor experience and safety, parking and trail infrastructure rehabilitation for one of the most visited trails in the park. Public input received during civic engagement in summer of 2021 and public scoping in winter of 2022-2023 helped shape the plan. The park is conducting public scoping for the proposed plan in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and National Historic Preservation Act.
The EA evaluates a no action alternative and a proposed action. Under a no action alternative, there would be no change to the existing Laurel Falls Trail or parking areas. The proposed action includes trail and parking improvements, rest areas along the trail and viewing platforms at the falls.
Learn more and submit comments at parkplanning.nps.gov/LaurelFalls. Hard copy comments can be mailed to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, ATTN: Laurel Falls Trail Management Plan/EA,107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738.
