Tennessee Eastman Hiking & Canoeing Club
Supporting hiking and canoeing in the North East Tennessee area
Today (8/15/2024), Cherokee National Forest personnel reported that this shelter was damaged by fire, thus closed to use. The site does not really have good campsites, so please bypass on your journey. Once an incident investigation is completed, the plans for its future will be discussed.
UPDATE: Laurel Fork Shelter continues to be temporarily closed because of the July 8th high wind storm. While the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards (SAWS) removed the hazard tree in front of the shelter, there are two oak trees and a large locust tree still laying on roof. The major concern is a , which will require an expert sawyer from USFS to remove.
Closure signs have been posted at the shelter trail junctions. Please do not plan to visit or even stay in its vicinity until the storm damage has been safely cleared.
August 19, 2016 photo:
July 17, 2016 photo: