Talk:Laurel Fork Gorge

Some extracts from the club newsletters are given here for reference in reverse chronological order:

Hike Report: Laurel Fork Falls, October 1, 2005 Neil Dotson reporting We were granted a great day for a hike - pleasant temperatures and only a slight haze in the air, but not enough to obscure any view within the gorge. Children do wonderfully on a hike with a reason for it all, and the reason for this hike is the falls. The falls were in good form despite little rain. At the falls, Jack was kind enough to lead some of the more goat-like among us (Neil, Eric) on the trail - no, not "trail": on the way to the top of the falls. That's a real delight I'd never enjoyed before; besides the good view down to the base of the falls, there are a few deep pools, decorated with erosion patterns, that would have been inviting on a blazing day. On return leg of the trip, three of us (Michael, Eric, Neil) took the side trail to the summit of Potato Top, a steep knob around which Laurel Fork runs. No tubers at the top, just a great view of the facing wall of the gorge, and the cliff which only looks like the top of a mountain from the falls. The approach to Potato Top is a narrow ridge that allows the hiker the delight of stereophonic waterfalls: the big falls are on one side and another, inaccessible set are on the other. Not counting the extra excursions, this is only a 2½-mile hike, and I highly recommend it!

Hike Notice: Laurel Fork Falls, January 25, 2003 Leader: Collins Chew This is an opportunity, I hope, to see the beautiful ice that bedecks Laurel Fork Falls most winters, and ice-covered beaver ponds in the gorge. We will drive to Hampton and hike the blue-blazed trail and A.T. to Laurel Fork Falls and on into Dennis Cove and return. The hike is 7.4 miles round trip with a climb of 700 feet. Bring lunch, water, and appropriate clothing for a cold outing. Meet in the parking lot between McDonalds and State of Franklin Bank in Colonial Heights along Ft. Henry Drive at 8:00 AM on Saturday, January 25, 2003. The hike will be cancelled if roads are icy. For more info, call Collins Chew. I guess the rating is B3C although there are a few narrow, rocky, and tricky spots along the creek that can be a bit hard to negotiate, particularly on ice.