Laurel Fork Gorge: Difference between revisions
Update after recent hike |
Add new owner and wilderness fields |
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| Image Name = Laurel Fork Gorge Falls.JPG | | Image Name = Laurel Fork Gorge Falls.JPG | ||
| Trail Number = 501 | | Trail Number = 501 | ||
| Park = Pond Mountain | | Park = | ||
| Land Owner = Cherokee National Forest | |||
| Wilderness Area = Pond Mountain | |||
| City = Hampton | | City = Hampton | ||
| State = Tennessee | | State = Tennessee | ||
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| Other = | | Other = | ||
| Comment = Convert to hike plan and reference trail pages since it uses multiple trails? | | Comment = Convert to hike plan and reference trail pages since it uses multiple trails? | ||
| Date reviewed = | | Date reviewed = 12/4/2016 | ||
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Revision as of 11:27, 4 December 2016
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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. SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE DIED HERE INCLUDING THOSE COMING TO HELP. They were not being seemingly careless, not drinking, not jumping from the top, simply swimming near the falls. There is an underwater rock shelf in the deep pool below the falls. The strong current will take swimmers underwater and keep them trapped below the shelf. Therefore, 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 Cove, 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. Also dogs must be on leashes.
Overnight parking is not recommended at Hampton trailhead due to occasional vandalism to break into vehicles to steal items.
After the Hike
Misc. Information
A bit of history...
The Koonford Bridge was destroyed by flooding in 1998. Its center span was 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. And the rock steps by the falls were also created in 1998 through concerted effort. story link2
Forest Service website information.
Maps
Photos
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View of Laurel Fork Gorge from Potato Top -
White Rhododendron bloom -
Laurel Fork Falls -
Steps heading up!
