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 Reporter |
Summary: The trail starts at an abandoned coalmine area along Richland Creek providing multiple natural swimming pools. The trails are in great shape and well marked with white markers on trees. There could be a potential problem of hiking during current rain as some of the trails are formed of rock and some maneuvering over large rock areas are necessary. Pack a lunch and enjoy a cool “dinner table” nearby the waterfall, mist included. After lunch there are many photo opportunities just be careful climbing on the rocks in and around the falls. If you are feeling really adventurous there is a marked trail to Bryan Overlook which takes you up a rocky trail and some creek crossing but taking your and being careful you shouldn’t have any problem getting to the 1724’ overlook, the view is well worth it! This is a 1.35 mile round trip from the waterfall area and with steep elevation I would rate this part strenuous. Snow Falls can be reached the same day via 8-mile trip. Trailhead: Directions via I-75: Exit 60 Sweetwater. Follow Highway 68 West to Highway 27 and turn left (south) toward dayton. Turn right on Walnut Grove Road (first traffic light). Bear left when road splits, onto Back Valley Road. At 0.7 mile, turn right on the unmarked gravel road across from a small white church. A small "pocket wilderness" sign marks the road and follw this to the end of a large parking area. The trailhead is just ahead past the huge rocks. (Lat:35.52637 Lon:-85.02158) Trail Guides for Laurel Falls: Best Seasons: Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Laurel-Snow Bowater Pocket Wilderness Trail Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Bobby Trotter, who has posted 74 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Viewer on 11/17/2009 11/07/2009 took my wife and son very nice hike easy not hard beutiful scenery with the trees in fall we live in florida and loved it there so much that i just put the house up for sale and plan to move there . when we get back we plan to take up hiking im already a fly fisherman so i will fit write in .the falls are great but go during the week because there were to many people there on a sat and one woman pushed my 9 year old son and he tripped thankgod i was holding on to him because he could have gone over the edge so be careful with your kids. the trailis about 3ft wide but when people are coming from both ways there is not enofe room there should only be a certain amount of people alowd at one time.
Reviewed by Matt on 10/17/2009 If it was indeed "bought out" we never knew it. We drove right in, walked on the trail, and never had an issue at all. The first mile and a half or so is relatively flat, and you can see a couple of waterfalls along the way. After that, get ready to do some climbing. The more climbing you're willing to do, the more reward there is for your efforts. My warnings would be that 1.) some parts of the trail are hard to figure out, be watchful for the white marks and occasionally the orange tape. There is also a part after forking towards Laurel Falls where you will actually climb underneath a boulder. 2.) It's easy to miss your turn on the way out (where the trail forks) Be excessively watchful, and if needed, remember- downstream= ou 
Reviewed by sc on 7/19/2009 Please know that Laurel, snow, crystal, and morgan falls has been sold and is privately owned. I found this out the hard way after traveling 1 hr and 20 minutes to get to the first falls and more time thereafter. Disappointed and frustrated that noone cared enough to post this information.I had planned for weeks to visit the sites. 
Reviewed by Stephen on 5/2/2008 For those that can't find the falls, you're not looking hard enough. You are going to be required to climb some very rough terrain to find these falls. The first falls, which do not seem to be marked anywhere are just a few hundred feet in on the right just East of the first bridge. At the first bridge, go East directly up the rocks towards the source of the waters. You'll find a 40 ft waterfall with some amazing watershed caves that were improved by some of the mining or logging companies in years past.
Reviewed by Viewer on 9/23/2007 Marie... Hiked the trail Sept 19th.'07 saw no water falls. the trail was marked but no where did we see where it said '' water falls this way.'' ,,But if you love rocks and I mean BIG rocks this is a must trail to hike.
Reviewed by gb on 7/25/2007 I have spent much time hiking at Pocket Wilderness, but had never hiked to Laurel Falls until a few weekends ago. All in all it was a great hike, except for the fact there was no falls since it's been so dry. The trail is fairly well marked, but it is very easy to miss the bridge on the way back. I recommend going for a swim in the swimming hole on the way back! 
Reviewed by Rob on 6/17/2007 They still don't have a sign posted to direct you to Laurel Falls where the trails split. One mile into the hike the trail splits. Follow "Main Trail" sign to reach Buzzard Point, continue straight to reach Laurel Falls.
Reviewed by Greg on 6/5/2007 This is the best trail that you can get to from Cleveland, Tn. I personally love the Pocket Wilderness area because there is so much that it has to offer. With the Falls, the river/creeks (which are best in early spring), to the large amount of rocks and boulders, which offer alot to the bouldering type, there are plenty of places to explore. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Tennessee Hiking, Tennessee Trails, Tennessee Hikes, Rhea County Hiking, Rhea County Trails, Rhea County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||