Editing Laurel River Trail

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-->{{Infobox Trail
 | Image Name = LaurelRiverTrail1.JPG
 | City = Hot Springs
 | State = North Carolina
 | Marking = Yellow Blaze
 | Trail Use = {{Hike}} {{Biking}} {{Dogs}} {{Fishing}}
 | Difficulty Rating = Medium
 | Hike Time = 4 Hours
 | Round Trip Distance = 7.2 Mi
 | Trail Type = In-and-Out
 | Elevation Gain = 240 Ft
 | Elevation Loss = -240 Ft
 | High Point = 1640 Ft
 | Parking coords = 35.9136,-82.75695
 | Trailhead coords = 35.9124,-82.75684
 | Medical = Hot Springs, NC
}}<!-- 

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== Trail Overview ==
<!-- Enter overview of the trail. What attracts you to this trail, points of interest, types of flowers, lakes, and peaks that you see along the way. -->
Rails-to-trail conversion - walk along Big Laurel Creek on an old railroad bed previously used to carry logs to the sawmill in the former town of Runion on the French Broad River.  Good place to see spring wildflowers.

== How to get there ==
<!-- Please enter detailed instruction on how to find the trail head. -->
From Greeneville, TN:
#Head south out of town on TN-107/TN-70.
#Cross state line where highway becomes NC-208.
#After just under six miles, turn right to stay on NC-208. Straight becomes NC-212.
#After 3.5 miles, NC-208 intersects US-25/70.
#Continue south for another 0.1 mile.  
#Parking along highway for a dozen vehicles.

== Route Description==
<!-- Detailed description of the route. -->
From south end of the parking lot, Laurel River Trail begins on a gravel road through private property. Hikers, bikers, and campers should stay on the trail to ensure the privacy of landowners along the route.  Pass two refurbished railcars on the hillside to the left. (Private property - keep away!)  Cross a gravel road leading up to the highway.  Pass a rental property and another home, where the power line finally ceases.  After one mile, the trail becomes a thin path as it enters the Pisgah National Forest and continues at a fairly level grade.  At roughly 2.5 miles, ruins from the former town of Runion are seen on the hillside.  Near end of trail, an active railroad is crossed to reach the French Broad River.   Reverse your direction to return to the parking lot.

Laurel River Trail is especially scenic in early spring when there are many wildflowers blooming along the path and riverbanks.  Bikers will find the path to be an easy ride; however, some short sections of the trail are a bit rocky and care should be taken when passing through these areas.

== Typical Conditions ==
<!-- Typical conditions throughout the year of what to expect on the trail. Rocky, muddy, sandy, flowers, lots of downed trees?  -->
Being a Rails-to-Trail, the path is gravel with sections of dirt, uneven rock, and tree roots.  Sturdy shoes are strongly suggested, but not flip-flops.  Brush along the trail might grow into the path.  Four crossable blowdowns were experienced in November 2017.

Note that bears have been seen in the area, thus be aware and take appropriate actions if one is spotted.

==Fees, Permits, etc. ==
<!-- Please list any Fees, Permits, Regulations, etc. that may be required on this trail.-->
No fees or permits are required - even for parking.

Lots of dogs were seen being taken for walks. ALL had leashes.

== After the Hike ==
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Head into Hot Springs (ten minutes away) for a meal.  Iron Horse Station provided us with a good late lunch.  There are also ice cream places for a treat.

== Misc. Information ==
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Pisgah NF Trail #310

Video about the trail can been viewed here:  https://www.hdcarolina.com/episode/laurel-river-trail

== Maps ==
<!-- You can place pictures, PDF's, links, or even create a Google map with your waypoints and place it here. -->
<display_map center="35.9,-82.79" type="terrain" height="550" width="auto" zoom="14" gkml="http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/Laurel_River_Trail.kml">
35.9136,-82.75695~Parking~ ~MarkerA.png
35.884747, -82.779891~Southern Terminus~~MarkerT.png
35.912480, -82.756861~Northern Terminus~~MarkerT.png
</display_map>

== Photos ==
<gallery>
<!-- Place any pictures from this trail below.  Add a picture by typing Image:imagename.extension  -->
Image:French Broad River at Laurel River Trail.JPG|French Broad River
Image:LaurelRiverTrail2.JPG|Active Railroad
Image:LaurelRiverTrail3.JPG|Refurbished RR cars
Image:LaurelRiverTrail4.jpeg|Photo by Gerald
<!-- Do not remove the end gallery code.-->
</gallery>

<!-- Categories. Please keep the State category. Keep in mind categories are case sensitive. -->
[[Category:North Carolina]]  [[Category:Medium]]  [[Category:Hiking]]  [[Category:Biking]]  [[Category:Dog Friendly]]  [[Category:Fishing]]