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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a great hike along the Laurel Fork of Doe River leading to a beautiful waterfall. It also runs with the AT for part of its length. The trail is in good shape along most of its length, but there are a few rough spots where mountain runoff has cut into the trail. These places can get very muddy if it has rained recently. The trail also has a short section where you have to climb over rocks along the side of the river. The trail will seem to end, but there are two white blazes on a large boulder that show you where to go. The trail over the rocks isn't difficult, but it is along a river, so watch out if you have children or small dogs with you. They may need help climbing up or down some of the rocks. The only down side to this trail is that it can get very crowded. In late spring or during the fall when the leaves change, there can be 30-40 people out on a weekend. If you have a dog that you like to hike with off lead, avoid these crowded times. Trailhead: This trailhead is in Hampton, TN, which is located a few miles south of Elizabethton TN. Starting from Interstate 81, take exit 57A to Johnson City. This puts you on I-26, formerly I-181. (All of your maps will say I-181, but the road signs changed in August 2003 to I-26.) Take Exit 31 to Elizabethton/Milligan College. This will put you on US Highway 321 N. Continue on this road for about 8.5 miles. After you go through the main part of Elizabethton, you will come to a T-intersection. Turn right onto TN-37/US-321 /VETERANS MEMORIAL PKWY. Continue going south on this road for about 5 miles. On the left, you will see a Shell gas station. Just beyond the station, US-321 will split off from TN-37. Take the left there, following US-321 toward Watauga Lake. The trailhead is about 1.5 miles down this road, on the right, along with the parking area. (As of 3/04, the turn onto 321 by the Shell is blocked by construction. Follow the detour signs to get back onto 321) (Lat:36.28546 Lon:-82.15204) Trail Guides for Laurel_Falls: Wilderness Trails of Tennessee Cherokee National Forest by William H Skelton (University of Tennessee Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Watauga Ranger District 432-542-2942 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Ashley Blevins, who has posted 2 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Bob on 1/16/2010 Went on a cold day in January. Falls almost completely covered with ice. Came in from Hampton trailhead (US-321). Can be a little confusing at first, with several side trails/roads. Just follow the blue blazes until you get to the AT. After you cross the two bridges and start climbing the steep ridge, look for a wooden sign high on a tree pointing down to the right. Follow that trail to get to the falls.
Reviewed by Judy on 1/21/2007 I took this hike on a warm day in January. The trail was in good shape and well-marked. At one point when the trail left the side of the river and headed up the side of the mountain, I questioned whether I had taken a wrong fork, but the trail came back down to the river. Apparently, this was a bypass around a section where there was no trail beside the river. The trail became very narrow at one point, with a rock cliff on one side and the river on the other side, but I passed through that area with little difficulty. The waterfall was one of the nicest I have seen in the local area. The area was very clean. I strongly recommend this hike. 
Reviewed by Robert on 5/7/2006 Great hike. I've always enjoyed hiking out to the falls. I went yesturday, and it was a perfect day to be out. The sun was shinning and the flowers were blooming. It was beautiful.
Reviewed by James on 10/16/2005 I hiked this yesterday. It was beautiful! Tammi, I think you should've followed the river at the fork. Make sure it's a fork with a sign clearly marking the way to the Falls (right) and the shelter (straight). You'll have to scamper over some big rocks, but you'll hit the falls within 15-30 minutes of taking the fork. Also, it sounds like Matt didn't come from the trailhead off of highway 321. If you come from 321, you've gotta cross those two wooden bridges to get to the falls. (However, if you come from the other direction-- over by the AT shelter -- you won't pass the bridges on your way to the falls.)
Reviewed by Matt on 8/30/2005 Very nice hike if you pass two wooden bridges you have hiked too far, after hiking back up after the first bridge look for a rock stairwell off to the left of trail, its marked by a dark wooden sign on the tree i believe it says kincora because that is the part of the trail you are on it is very steep so pace your self but you will hear the waterfall and see it as you reach the bottom allow around an hour of daylight for the hike back out to the parking area happy hiking
Reviewed by Tammi on 5/9/2005 I really enjoyed this hike. I hikeed on 5/8/05. Cant wait to go back when the flowers are in real bloom. After crossing the two wooden bridges, I ask how far the falls would be. A man replied that if I make a right at the fork and climb the hill it would be just at the top. Now I did the view was great but didnt see no falls. Can anyone tell me should I have followed the river at the for??? I plan to go back and would like to know the best route to take.
Reviewed by Becky on 2/16/2005 I really enjoyed the hike to this fall and the beauty of the fall once I arrived. On the way out I was talked into going off the trail to an area called "tater top" This was straight up and hard, but the view was awesome. I will visit this area again, no doubt. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Tennessee Hiking, Tennessee Trails, Tennessee Hikes, Carter County Hiking, Carter County Trails, Carter County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||