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 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.


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


GPS Readings For Important Points:
LocationGPS Waypoint in WGS 84 format
TrailheadN35 31.566 W85 01.310
Richland MineN35 31.773 W85 01.382
50 Foot BridgeN35 32.758 W85 01.767
Laurel FallsN35 32.841 W85 01.450
150 Foot BridgeN35 33.001 W85 01.912
Snow FallsN35 32.792 W85 02.312
Bryan OverlookN35 32.628 W85 01.631
Buzzard PointN35 32.258 W85 01.850
CampsiteN35 32.815 W85 01.824
Dunn OverlookN35 32.865 W85 02.023
Old Dayton ReservoirN35 32.560 W85 01.826



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





ATTENTION OVERNIGHT CAMPERS

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.

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.


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 mail to cumberlandtrail@rocketmail.com


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