Laughing Falls Trail

Why hike it

If you like waterfalls, this one’s a layup. Starting near Takakkaw Falls, the trail follows the Yoho River upstream through mossy forest and past multiple cascades to the thunder and mist of Laughing Falls. It’s a moderate, well‑maintained out-and-back that delivers a lot of scenery for relatively little effort.

Distance and difficulty

It’s about 5.2 miles/8.4 km round trip (out-and-back) with a modest overall climb and one short, steeper hill after Angel Staircase Falls. Most hikers take around 3 hours, but plan extra if you linger at viewpoints or poke down side paths to additional falls.

What you’ll see

Expect an evolving soundtrack of rushing water as the trail tracks the Yoho River, with boardwalks over small creeks, fragrant pine forest, and pockets of mossy undergrowth. You’ll pass Takakkaw-area cascades early, a short steep rise mid-hike, and then the river tightening into a gorge as you near the destination. Laughing Falls drops roughly 30 m from the Little Yoho Valley—powerful, photogenic, and refreshingly misty on warm days. A backcountry campground sits right beside the falls if you’re turning day hike into overnight.

Route notes

Start from the Takakkaw Falls parking area, walk through/near the Takakkaw Falls Campground, and head up-valley along the Yoho River. Just before the destination, you’ll cross a bridge over the Little Yoho River (railing on only one side—take care). The path is clear and never stays steep for long.

Tips and tradeoffs

• Start early in peak summer to avoid the Takakkaw crowds; afternoons can be quieter deeper up the valley.
• Trekking poles are nice on the short climb but not essential. Dogs are allowed on leash. There are pit toilets at the start and at Laughing Falls (and other nearby campgrounds), plus bear hangs/food lockers where signed.
• This is a great family-friendly intro to Yoho’s valley hiking. If you want bigger views instead of riverside forest, consider continuing farther up-valley or tackling one of the longer linked routes another day.

Best time to hike

Go when the road is open and waterfalls are pumping: late June through mid‑October. Summer offers long days and lush greenery, but expect more people near the trailhead. Shoulder season brings quieter trails and earlier sunsets—pack layers and headlamps and watch the weather. Important: Yoho Valley Road to Takakkaw Falls typically closes outside this window.

Extend it

Feeling strong? From Laughing Falls you can continue toward Little Yoho Valley and the Stanley Mitchell Hut area, or link with other valley routes for a bigger day. Otherwise, savor the falls and enjoy the mellow walk back along the river.