Summary

We will begin the hike from the Laurel Falls Trailhead located on US 321, just to the east of Hampton, and end at Watauga Dam Road in the Watauga Recreation Area. This will be a one way south to north hike of 11.1 miles and will require an auto shuttle. Plan on spending 6 to 8 hours on this hike.

The hike begins on a blue blazed trail (Laurel Fork Trail) and will continue for about one mile before intersecting the AT. We shall take a left on to the AT at this point. The next mile will be the most difficult portion of the hike, as it will gain about 1700 feet in that mile as we ascend Pond Mountain. We will have views of Laurel Creek Gorge and Potato Top and the Roan Massif during the ascent.

The trail then descents slightly to Pond Flats. There are mountain ponds here that may be dry this time of year.

As the trail descends via switchbacks from the Pond Flats the trail will go through alternating rhododendron and oak forest. We will get a view of Watauga Lake and the dam at the 4.9 mile mark .From here we descend through white pines and hemlock which give way to large smooth-barked beeches. A pretty farm valley opens up on the right. 

We walk US 321 for 0.2 of a mile into the Shhok Branch Recreation Area. 

The remainder of the hike, leaving the Shook Branch Recreational Area, has some easy ups and downs as it winds along the southern edge of Watauga Lake. We will cross Watuaga Dam into the Watauga Recreational area and the end of the hike.

The meeting place for this hike will be the Subway Restaurant in Hampton. The address for the Subway is:

4861 US -19E, Hampton, Tennessee 37658. Telephone number for the Subway is (423) 725-2400.

We will be leaving the Subway for the trailheads at 8:30 AM sharp. Please arrive earlier for breakfast and trip information.