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| Trail Name
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Laurel River Trail
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| Nearest City
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Hot Springs
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| State
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North Carolina
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| Trail Marking
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Yellow Blaze
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| Trail Use/Features
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| Difficulty Rating
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Medium
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| Hiking Time
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4 Hours0.25 Days <br />240 Min <br />
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| Trail Type
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In-and-Out
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| Climb/Descent Elevation
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240 Ft73.152 Meters <br /> / -240 Ft-73.152 Meters <br />
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| High Point
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1640 Ft546.667 Yards <br />499.872 Meters <br />
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| Parking
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35° 54' 48.96" N, 82° 45' 25.02" W
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| Trailhead
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35° 54' 44.64" N, 82° 45' 24.62" W
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| Nearest Medical
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Hot Springs, NC
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| Trip Reports
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Click Here
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Trail Overview[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
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.[edit]
No fees or permits are required - even for parking.
Lots of dogs were seen being taken for walks. ALL had leashes.
After the Hike[edit]
Head into Hot Springs (ten minutes away) for a meal. Iron Horse Station and Spring Creek Tavern both have provided groups with good late lunches and adult beverages. There are also ice cream places for treats.
Misc. Information[edit]
Pisgah NF Trail #310
Video about the trail can been viewed here: https://www.hdcarolina.com/episode/laurel-river-trail
Loading map...
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