Laurel Creek Trail — Attraction in Mountain City

I just love this place. It's easy to see and get to from the road and it's been clean every time I've been there. You can enjoy a picnic lunch or dinner at the picnic tables. If you aren't bringing something from home the best options are either in Damascus, Virginia or Mountain City, Tennessee.

The parking area is at the end of a short bridge. The trail at this point is wide and well maintained. I wear a leg brace and have an easier time on this portion than going the other way. Its brighter and seems to have fewer tree roots.

If you are looking at the bridge and go to the left, thisportion of the trail gives you a different type of hike. It is much more shaded and more difficult. There are more leaves and tree roots. It also seems narrower.

Don't get me wrong though. Its all beautiful. I took this picture of the roadway heading to Laurel Creek in mid-October 2020. The fall color...

We love this trail. About 2.5 miles total, it's a fairly quick walk, and absolutely beautiful. One side of the trail lined with so much wild vegetation to conjure images of a tropical rain forest, and on the other, a creek, wide and fast enough to look like a while water river, and waterfalls on both sides. Most of the trail is shaded, so even on the hottest days, it is peaceful and pleasant.

Kathleen,...

This was right off the highway and has a put toilet by the parking. Whoever put the little statues of gnomes and yoga frogs - that was fun to look for them; I know there must be more I didn't see. We walked partway in and just turned around for a mile and a half but there was more trail to go. It was all shaded and very...