Now that the (unusually) frigid weather of the last few weeks has passed, I decided to get out for a short day hike to Laurel Falls, near Hampton, Tenn. This is a nice easy-to-moderate hike of about five miles round trip (from the Hampton trailhead; you can also hike in from Dennis Cove, which is a little shorter, but requires more driving.)

Trailhead Marker

The trailhead is on US-321, about 1-1/2 miles east of the intersection with US-19E, right outside the small town of Hampton. The signed trailhead parking lot is on the south side of the road.

From the parking lot, follow blue blazed Forest Service trail 501 about 1 mile to a signed junction with the AT. This first part is a little confusing; there are numerous side trails and roads. Stay with the blue blazes.

The walk is upstream along the Laurel Fork of the Doe River. There are a few climbs that take you above the river and then back down, with the river always in earshot.

Laurel Fork

The temperature was in the low 20’s when I started, and there was still a few inches of snow in the deep gorge. The river was covered with ice and snow, and there were a few icy spots on the trail to watch out for.

At the junction with the AT, bear right and follow the white blazes as the trail goes along the river, crosses two spectacular log bridges, and then turns left to climb steeply up a narrow ridge.

Log Bridge over Laurel Fork

In the middle of the ridge is a sign showing the route to Laurel Falls descending to the right. Take this fork and descend back to the river and another short climb and descent before reaching the falls.

Laurel Falls, Covered with Ice

The falls themselves are really impressive, and this morning they were almost completely covered with ice, with the roaring water cascading behind the ice. Took a few minutes to enjoy a cup of coffee from my thermos and snap some pictures, before returning the way I came.

Distance: 5 miles. Time: 2-1/2 hours.