Laurel Falls is one of two falls in the Laurel-Snow Pocket Wilderness. Located near Dayton Tennessee, Laurel Falls is part of a 710-acre pocket wilderness set aside by the Bowater paper company.

The first part of the trail is near the Richland Creek in which was used for companies that mined coal and ore. There is still a mining tunnel that can be accessed just off the trail. There are natural swimming pools along Richland Creek that is a favorite of the locals. 

The trail is well maintained and marked with white paint on trees and some rocks as the trail winds it's way from the river bed up some steep inclines into the wilderness. Volunteers constructed most of the trail as part of the Cumberland Trail. The trail covers some distance over rock paths and boulders that you have to cross in which can be tricky when hiking after/during rain. take time along the way to exam the natural formations and some man made stack stone walls to provide stability for the mine workers. 

The falls is about 80 ft splash to flat area in which you can maneuver behind it for a "cool experience". Photographers can venture out onto huge boulders looking for that perfect photo location. Find a flat area near the falls and enjoy your lunch with just a hint of mist cooling you off from hike.

For the adventurous type your final trek is now about to begin. There is another trail leading away from the falls that takes you up quickly through rugged hillside and through some rock passages. You will reach a relativity flat trail that winds the edge of a mountain and you will have to cross a small creek (providing there hasn't been much rain at the time of your hike) that will lead you to Bryan Overlook. It is a .67 mile strenuous hike to the overlook but it is well worth it! If you visit Laurel Falls in the fall this is a must!

Suggested route for GPS users

Location 1: 35º 31.953N   085º 01.497W

Location 2: 35º 32.169N  085º 01.483W

Location 3: 35º 32.357N  085º 01634W

Location 4: 35º 32.556N  085º 01.824W

Location 5: 35º 32.764N  085º 01.727W

Falls: 35º 32.835N  085º 01.429W