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Cumberland Trail Laurel-Snow Segment Click for PDF Description of Laurel-Snow Trail Click for Detailed Nat Geo Explorer Topo Map of Laurel-Snow Trail
Length: 9 miles;
Rating: moderate.
The trail will travel along the eastern escarpment of the Cumberland Plateau, connecting the watersheds of many creeks, and giving the hiker access to waterfalls in any season, as well as a fine show of spring wildflowers. Location: The current Laurel-Snow Trailhead is located on the west side Dayton (2.5 miles from town), in an isolated hollow on Richland Creek. Parking is ample and water is plentiful year-round. The primary focus of this segment is the Bowater Laurel-Snow Wilderness (Tennessee's first National Recreational Trail). The natural area contains a section of gorges deeply cut into Walden Ridge of the Cumberland Plateau by Morgan, Henderson, Laurel and Richland Creeks. The site is named after two scenic waterfalls, Laurel Falls (80 feet) and Snow Falls (35 feet), and features three scenic overlooks, Buzzard Point, Dunn Overlook, and Bryan Overlook (also known as Raven Point). The area features scenic creeks, steep gorges, geologic features, a small stand of virgin timber, and a wide variety of plants and animals. Logging and deep mining took place in some portions of the area in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Some remnants of mining activities can still be seen along the trail. Part of Henderson Creek was dammed to serve as the Dayton Reservoir and water supply for the town of Dayton. The low dam across the stream can still be seen although water is no longer collected for the town. A day-hiker can easily access both waterfalls with a 9 mile hike. However, either waterfall can be visited with no more than a 6-mile day-hike. |
Photo contributed by Trail Volunteer Jim McCullough LAUREL FALLS IN WINTER  Photo contributed by Trail Volunteer Karla Miller LAUREL FALLS IN SUMMER  Photo contributed by Trail Volunteer Don Deakins SNOW FALLS  Map contributed by volunteers Don Deakins and Caroline Woerner MAP OF LAUREL-SNOW TRAILS
 Map contributed by Trail Volunteer Don Deakins ROAD MAP FROM DAYTON TO TRAILHEAD PARKING  Photo by Don Deakins LAUREL-SNOW TRAIL PARKING  BREAKAWAY VOLUNTEER BLAZING TRAIL 
 Photo contributed by Karla Miller VIEW FROM SCENIC BUZZARD POINT  Photo contributed by Karla Miller BRIDGE OVER RICHLAND CREEK  Photo contributed by Karla Miller FALL COLORS ALONG CLIFF |
Send email to
cumberlandtrail@rocketmail.com
Cumberland
Trail Conference
409 Thurman Ave, Suite 102
Crossville, TN 38555
(931)
456-6259
You are REQUIRED
to register to camp and/or park after sunset at the trailheads. There is no fee. The information you provide will help us to provide security and also to determine if there is a need to expand the camping area and provide designated campsites in order to enhance your hiking and camping experience. As people discover this spectacular area, public use is increasing rapidly.