LRTC Hiking Series Quarter 3 - Hike 1

Laurel Falls Trail

Date: Saturday, July 19, 2025
State: Tennessee
Location: Laurel Snow State Natural Area, Dayton, TN
Height: 80 ft.
Water Source: Laurel Creek
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Laurel Falls is located in the Laurel Snow State Natural Area outside of Dayton, TN. The nature area features both Laurel Falls and the smaller Snow Falls, plus an old coal mine, the remains of the old Dayton Reservoir, and lots of scenery. Just outside of the nature area you can find Gooch Crea Arch.

The trail to Laurel Falls follows Richland Creek upstream, and starts out flat and level as it follows an old road over from the coal mining days. After a mile, just before the old reservoir, the trail climbs a bit and becomes much narrower. Another 1/4 mile or so takes you to a bridge over Laurel Creek. The final segment of the trail is a steep climb with several switchbacks to the base of Laurel Falls. The trail can be a little hard to follow in spots, and at one point you have to climb through a hole in the rocks.

The falls is an 80 ft plunge, followed by a long series of cascades whose total drop must be a few hundred feet.

*RSVP is required for this hike. Please RSVP to hike leader Dolphin Riggs at ZG9scGhpbiB8IGxpdHRsZXJpdmVydHJhZGluZ2NvICEgY29t.

Once registration is confirmed, Dolphin will shoot you hike details on where and when to meet.

You may also like the following events from Little River Trading Company:

• This August, 23rd August, 09:00 am, LRTC Hiking Series Quarter 3 - Hike 2 in Athens
• This September, 25th September, 05:00 pm, Pints For A Purpose in Maryville

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Dayton.