Laurel-Snow Segment
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CUMBERLAND TRAIL
Laurel-Snow Segment |
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Click for Detailed Nat Geo Explorer Topo Map of Laurel-Snow Trail
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 1800’s and early 1900’s. 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.
points.
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 | GPS Waypoint in WGS 84 format |
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| Trailhead | N35 31.566 W85 01.310 |
| Richland Mine | N35 31.773 W85 01.382 |
| 50 Foot Bridge | N35 32.758 W85 01.767 |
| Laurel Falls | N35 32.841 W85 01.450 |
| 150 Foot Bridge | N35 33.001 W85 01.912 |
| Snow Falls | N35 32.792 W85 02.312 |
| Bryan Overlook | N35 32.628 W85 01.631 |
| Buzzard Point | N35 32.258 W85 01.850 |
| Campsite | N35 32.815 W85 01.824 |
| Dunn Overlook | N35 32.865 W85 02.023 |
| Old Dayton Reservoir | N35 32.560 W85 01.826 |
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To register your group on-line, please complete the
ONLINE GORGES CAMPSITE REGISTRATION FORM.
You will automatically be emailed a copy of your submission for your records. A confirmation code will be supplied upon submission of the online form. Please be prepared to supply this confirmation code to the Park Ranger if asked.
To register your group by phone, please call 423-566-2229 and give the information required on the online registration form by phone.
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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.