Laurel Fork Trail
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Trail Overview
Just a short distance up the road from the Laurel Fork Gorge section of the Appalachian Trail. Marked as USFS Trail 39, this trail provides a remote path along the Laurel Fork backcountry from Dennis Cove Road to Walnut Mountain Road (of the USFS 50 road system).
The trail is blue-blazed with a number of access points using forest roads. There are two (2) popular waterfalls; Dennis Cove Falls and Upper Laurel Falls. A smaller waterfall can be found along Hays Branch on the eastern end of the trail near Walnut Mountain Road.
The trail also has a historical significance as it follows the grade of the old Laurel Fork Railway which was used to transport timber to Hampton (also known as Braemar) to be cut. During the timber cutting, an area of open fields was created known as Frog Level. Today, Frog Level is used for wildlife food plots and limited horseback riding.
How to get there
Kingsport to Dennis Cove: -From Kingsport, travel to Johnston City on I-26. -Turn onto and follow US 321 to Elizabethton and Hampton. -In Hampton, from US 321 turn onto Dennis Cove Road (USFS 50). -Pass the Appalachian Trail. -Continue until Dennis Cove Road (USFS 50) crosses the Laurel Fork. A large turnout can be used for parking.
Dennis Cove Recreation Area: The trail has a number of access points. The main and most developed trailhead is on Dennis Cove Road (USFS 50) next to Dennis Cove Recreation Area campground. Continuing to drive on the gravel portion of USFS 50 will lead you to other access points. The road later on turns into Walnut Mountain Road when nearing the community of Buck Mountain.
Frog Level: Continue up the on a gravel section of USFS 50. Turn down the long and windy USFS 50F will lead you to a backcountry parking area at Frog Level. USFS 50F maybe unmarked at the turn. But it will approximately 1.8 miles from Dennis Cove Recreation Area, or your first right turn.
Bitter End: Access can also be made from USFS 293 from Bitter End area of the Buck Mountain community. About 0.8 miles from the Appalachian Trail.
Walnut Mountain Road: The eastern trailhead is located on the gravel section Walnut Mountain Road (USFS 50) is about than 0.1 miles south of primitive White Oak Road. There are no markers or signs for the trailhead; only a faint blue blaze.
Continuing on Walnut Mountain Road (USFS 50), one can turn onto Cherry Flats Road (USFS 50A) as well. The trail crosses and somewhat parallels the road. Continuing down the road, park at the Cherry Flats gates, one can walk down Cherry Flats horse trail (USFS 509A) and pick up the Laurel Fork Trail near the Bitter End access.
Route Description
The Laurel Fork Trail travels from Dennis Cove Road (across the small bridge from Dennis Cove Recreation Area/Campground) to Walnut Mountain Road and has a number of access points along the way. The trail mostly follows an old railroad grade. But the mainly obstacle along the trail are a number of water fords and lack of blazing and vegetation growth as the trail continues upstream. Be observant to any and all blazing and markers. Follow the waters of the Laurel Fork and stay close to woodline in the open fields. Some of the more obvious trails starting at Bitter End will lead are often spur-trails.
Typical Conditions
If anything, you will get wet on this trail. Be cautious during periods of high water. This trail has numerous ankle to knee deep fords. With some beaver-dammed areas reaching nearly waist deep. The trail conditions are generally good up until after Dennis Cove Falls.
After Dennis Cove Falls, the trail is less maintained, the creek fords become more difficult, blazing becomes sparse in open-fields around Frog Level, Bitter End, and Walnut Mountain areas, so you will need to be mindful of the route you take. Blowdowns and plant growth become more frequent as the trail continues.
Fees, Permits, etc.
No fees for day use of the trail. Dennis Cove Recreation Area campground is immediately next to the trail which does carry fees.
After the Hike
Misc. Information
Maps
National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map of South Holston Watauga Lakes
Cherokee National Forest Hiking Guide edited by William H. Skelton
