Laurel Snow Falls (Laurel falls portion Cumberland Mountain Trail) - Member Hike
| Hike Name: | Laurel Snow Falls (Laurel falls portion Cumberland Mountain Trail) |
|---|---|
| Country: | United States |
| State: | Tennessee |
| Nearby Town: | Dayton |
| Rating: |  |
| Directions: | Laurel-Snow is located north of Dayton and is accessible via Highway 27/29. From the north turn right, and from the south turn left, onto Walnut Grove Road north of Dayton (new Eckerd Drug on corner). Proceed 3/4 of a mile to Back Valley Road (pass La-Z-Boy factory) and turn left. On Back Valley Road, proceed 0.7 miles to an unmarked gravel road/Richland Creek Road (small white church on the left) and turn right. Proceed about 1 mile to the parking area at the end of Richland Creek Road. |
| Total Hike Distance: | 6.00 miles |
| Hike Difficulty: | Moderate to Difficult |
| Permit Required: | No |
| Hike Type: | In & Out, Backtrack Hike |
| Hike Starts/Ends: | Parking lot at Trail Head |
| Trails Used: | Laurel Falls Trail |
| Backcountry Campsites: | Yes |
| Backcountry Water Sources: | Streams, Rivers, Springs |
| Management: | Bureau of Land Management |
| Contact Information: | Unknown |
| Best Season: | Spring, Summer, Fall |
| Users: | Hikers, Dogs |
| Road Conditions: | Maintained Gravel or Dirt Roads |
| Hike Summary: | This is an absolutley beautiful hike! There is a trail map at the trail head, and you can get one online as well. The trail has white blazes. It follows the river until you get to the first switchback. There are a couple of different options along the way. You will see waterfalls and rapids throughout the hike. There is a coal mine near the beginning of the trail. Lots of great swimming holes if you are there in the summer. When you get to the beginning of the first switchback, there is an option to go left, which will take you to the Old Dayton Resevoir. Throughout the swtichbacks, there are a lot of cut throughs, just be aware, if you take the first one, you won't see the turnoff for the resevoir. You will cross a couple of wooden bridges. You will eventually come to a 50 foot metal bridge that crosses the creek that actually come down from the falls. After you cross this bridge, you will have the option to go the left - which would take you to Snow Falls (35 foot). If you go to the right, it will take you to Laurel Falls (85 feet.) If you arent' careful when you return to this area, you will miss the crossover back to the metal bridge. Both Laurel falls and Snow falls have a 900 foot ascent. There are wet spots on the trail, so be prepared for wet feet. There are lots of rocky spots as well, so be prepared for that. You will even go under large rocks through a "tunnel" of sorts. We did this hike with a 5 and 6 year old and a puppy. We made it up in 2.5 hours. The descent was about 1.5 hours. ENJOY!!! |
One reply on “Laurel Snow Falls (Laurel falls portion Cumberland Mountain Trail) - Member Hike”
Enjoyed this trail two times. Took our dogs and they loved it. The first part of the trail is very easy. Nice flat cleared area. As you go in a little further it starts to take on a little more difficulty. Watch the ground in front of you and you will be fine. Path goes from two person width to a very narrow one person. Both times we were there it was very unpopulated of people so that was very enjoyable.