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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 2 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by C.W. on 4/25/2007 For anyone who boulders, come here. This place has hundreds upon hundreds of problems from V1 to V16. The hikes are great too. 
Reviewed by Andrew on 4/3/2007 The hike was great! Me and the boys had a blast. Just us boys hiking, oh man it was great. The trail was slippery but i handled it with ease. Me and the boys had a picnic along the way, fantastic! The falls were certainly beautiful, oh it was breathtaking! I recomend this trail to anybody wanting a great time, i would love to go back and do it again! Me and my boyfriend had a super time! I love you Todd !!! 
Reviewed by Ashley on 1/20/2007 Thought this hike was great - I would like to do it again in the spring. I'm not much of a winter hiker - I prefer the spring and fall. Great hike to bring your dog with along, excellent swimming holes and huge boulders. Highly recommend but wear the right gear for steep and wet.
Reviewed by mk on 9/2/2006 We just got back from hiking. We enjoyed the hike, but on the way back we got confused on the trail marker by the water pool where the 3 crosses are painted on the rocks. We did not make it to the falls because we started late. We plan to go back in the fall and hopefully we won't get lost on the way back. 
Reviewed by WJW on 8/1/2006 Two trails are easily confused on return trip. The wrong trail taken could take you 10 miles out of the way to an entirely different area. Must be aware that proper return only brings you back to the parking lot area. Rocks are slippery at top. Wife fell and broke her arm. All in all, I would never do this again.
Reviewed by Floyd on 5/12/2006 This is one of the best trails Ive been on this year! Unfortunately I was confused by the trail directions I had and did not get to visit Laurel Falls(like Robin I hit the Buzzards Point trail by mistake), but the sceneary of the parts I did make it to was absolutely breathtaking!!! I plan to go again this weekend!
Reviewed by JEG on 4/2/2006 A friend and I hiked this trail on March 30, 2006. It was one of the best hikes I've been on lately. Wildflowers, water, water falls, mill remnants, and a cave were all part of the walk. We only went to Laurel Falls, but it was beautiful. The trail markings seemed to peter out when we were within about 400 yards of the falls; that's not too suprising with all the downed trees. Highly recommended!
Reviewed by George on 11/14/2004 11-13-04 This is one of the most scenic and adventuresome hikes I have ever taken. I would highly reccomend it for any hiker that is in Eastern Tennessee. I have not uncovered a better place to hike in my life. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||