Part of Laurel Falls Trails
Overview
Scenic point-to-point trail. Laurel Falls is a stop early on the trail.
This trail follows the river for a majority of the hike. It rise away and descends back to the river a few times.
This is a accessible trail all year round. For the colder months ice and snow may persist. This forces hikers to slow down as they traverse key points along the trail.
Trail at a Glance
- Location
- Laurel Falls is found in the Pond Mountain Wilderness Area. Two acces points make it and easy hike. Begin on the Hampton Blueline Trail or the Appalachian Trail. Both offer amazing views and a peaceful hike.
- Terrain
- These trails are well maintained. However they are natural trails and can be uneven or have loose terrain. Caution is always required when hiking.
- Seasonal considerations
- The trails around Laurel Falls can become slick or covered in ice in colder months.
- Parking and Transportation
- Since this is a point-to-point transportation will need to be arranged. Either parking one vehicle at each end or arranging for transportation before or after tha hike.
Route details
Laurel Falls to Hwy 321 via Hampton Blueline Trail
A short point-to-point trail in Hampton, TN
- Distance
- 3.6 miles one way
- Estimated time
- Approximately 3-5 hours
- Trail type
- Point to point
- Route
- Laurel Falls to Laurel Fork Trailhead
- Difficulty
- 0.75 out of 5 (Low difficulty with some harder sections.)
- Elevation
- About 290 ft of climbing
Other routes on Laurel Falls Trails
Key Points
- The trail starts gently. The opening portion gives you time to settle into the walk before the terrain becomes more demanding.
- The descent to the falls is the harder part of the route. Some sections require more attention and effort than the early portion of the trail suggests.
- Beyond the Falls Just beyond the falls along the Appalachian Trail the trail asks for a little more attention as hikers need to traverse around a rock ledge before stepping back onto the trail.
Walking the Trail
Laurel Falls is easy to return to. The trail begins beside the river on a wide, nearly level grade, and the first stretch gives conversation room to unfold. In late fall through early spring, it can feel almost empty. In the warmer months, its accessibility brings a steady stream of hikers.
The trail narrows as it approaches its first river crossing. A sturdy bridge leads to a short climb on uneven stairs. They are not especially long, but rain, snow, and ice can make them slick. At the top, the character of the trail changes.
The route moves through two narrow corridors where high cliffs rise on either side. The outside world grows quieter, then the sound of the river returns from far below. Before descending to the falls, the trail passes through a third corridor just beyond the falls spur. Most people do not walk this far, and it offers a quieter place for teaching, reflection, or simply being still.
The trail down to Laurel Falls is steep and longer than it first appears. Uneven steps, bare rock, and loose stone ask for attention, especially when the trail is wet. At the bottom, the falls meet a rocky riverbank with places to sit and take in the water. Conversation is difficult here; the falls carry their own sound.
In the coldest part of the year, the falls can freeze into an astonishing display of winter’s force. The air often feels noticeably colder as you approach them, and ice may be present from early winter through early spring.
Continuing to follow the Appalachian Trail takes you beside the river as it flows below Laurel Falls. This section does require some balance as you walk along the edge of a ledge.
Climbing up to rejoin the Laurel Fork Trail the AT turns left and begins a steady descent. Remember this section. It will return shortly. We return to river level and follow it as it winds through the forest before coming to a trail junction.
The At continues to the right toward HWY 321 and Shook Branch. The Hampton Blueline Trail continues straight toward HWY 321.
Following the Hampton Blueline Trail the trail rises away from the river.
The final descent brings you to the parking lot for the Laurel Fork Trailhead.
Before You Go
Wear footwear appropriate for uneven forest terrain and conditions that may become wet or slick. Bring water and weather-appropriate clothing for a few hours in the mountains.
Pace yourself with the return trip in mind. The trail may feel relatively easy at the beginning, but the more demanding sections near the falls will need to be climbed again on the way back.
Weather can significantly affect trail conditions. Check conditions before leaving and be prepared to adjust your plans when wet, icy, or otherwise hazardous conditions are present.
If you’re unfamiliar with Dennis Cove, make sure you know the exact parking and starting location for your route before arriving.
