Laurel Fork Gorge: Difference between revisions
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== Route Description== | == Route Description== | ||
<!-- Detailed description of the route. Is there any side trails that are worth traveling? --> | <!-- Detailed description of the route. Is there any side trails that are worth traveling? --> | ||
The listed mileage and elevation change are for complete end-to-end and return hike. More typically the day hikes are an out-and-back from either access point. | The listed mileage and elevation change are for complete end-to-end and return hike. More typically the day hikes are an out-and-back from either access point. From Hampton, it's a 5.5 mile round trip. From Dennis Cover, it's about 2.6 miles round trip. | ||
== Typical Conditions == | == Typical Conditions == | ||
Revision as of 21:18, 23 June 2012
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Trail Overview
The Appalachian Trail travels through Laurel Fork Gorge, rarely straying far from the creek. Probably the most popular hiking destination for TEHCC is Laurel Fork Falls, a 50' cascading waterfall. There are AT access points at both the NW end of the gorge (Hampton) and SE (Dennis Cove).
Swimming is not allowed at the falls because of dangerous undertow in the pool. Wading downstream of the falls is suggested for enjoyment.
How to get there
Hampton
- From Elizabethton, go southeast on US 321 through Hampton for 1.3 miles.
- Look for parking area on the right.
Follow blue blazed trail to AT.
Dennis Cove
- From Elizabethton, go southeast on US 321 through Hampton for 0.8 miles.
- Turn right (south) on FR 50 (Dennis Cove Road) and travel 3.9 curvy miles.
- Look for AT access parking area on your left.
Route Description
The listed mileage and elevation change are for complete end-to-end and return hike. More typically the day hikes are an out-and-back from either access point. From Hampton, it's a 5.5 mile round trip. From Dennis Cover, it's about 2.6 miles round trip.
Typical Conditions
Well maintained Appalachian Trail, including blue blazed side trail from Hampton. Sometimes during spring, the upper trail may be required due to flooding.
Fees, Permits, etc.
Group size is limited to 10 people in the Pond Mountain Wilderness Area.
After the Hike
Misc. Information
A bit of history...
The Koonford Bridge was destroyed by flooding in 1998 - and replaced few weeks later in one day by many volunteers. story link
Two further wilderness trail bridges destroyed in the same flood were replaced before the thru-hikers arrived that year. story link2
And the rock steps by the falls were also created in 1998 through concerted effort. story link3
Maps
<googlemap version="0.9" lat="36.275" lon="-82.148" type="terrain" zoom="14" width="725" scale="yes" icons="http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/marker{label}.png"> http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/Laurel_Fork_Gorge.kml
(C) 36.27277,-82.135 Laurel Fork Falls (G) 36.28542,-82.15211 Trailhead - Hampton (G) 36.264067, -82.1231 Trailhead - Dennis Cove </googlemap>
Photos
View of Laurel Fork Gorge from Potato Top
