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SPECIAL THANKS

We'd like to extend a special thanks to the following folks who helped us make this project possible:

We'd like to that our funders USDA Rural Development , Tucker Foundation, Tennessee Department of Tourism Development, the Cracker Barrel Foundation, our sponors, and the numerous other private and public donors that made this Web site and it's promotion possible.

MMA Creative
Thanks to Darrell Kerley, Jesse Kaufman, Donna Zec and all the Web site programmers at MMA Creative for nuturing the idea of this project and making it a reality. 

Thank you Randy Williams of the Upper Cumberland Development District for giving this project the Edge, and thanks to all our members and partners who have always participated with the Alliance, and supported our efforts to pursue a more inclusive vision for the region's future.  

 

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Natural Sites Natural Sites

Laurel Snow State Natural Area

Laurel Snow State Natural Area

Best Waterfalls

This 2,259-acre natural area located in Rhea County is home to the 80 ft. tall Laurel Falls and the 35 ft. Snow Falls. Both of these waterfalls can be reached with a 9 mile round-trip hike that is a segment of the greater Cumberland Trail. It is a very popular destination for simmers and is rated a class V for paddlers.

The natural area also has scenic creeks, steep gorges, geologic features, a small stand of virgin timber, and a wide variety of plants. Buzzard Point and to Snow Falls can be hiked to by following the trail as it forks to the left going west. The trail to the right leads to Raven Point, which overlooks Laurel Snow. The trail eventually climbs to the top of the falls. 

Laurel-Snow State Natural Area is managed by the Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail, and the area includes trailhead parking and an open section of the Cumberland Trail. Backcountry camping is available by permit only call 423-566-2229 or go to www.cumberlandtrail.org about camping opportunities. 

Things to do at Laurel Snow State Natural Area

Hiking
This moderate 9 mile round-trip splits after 1.5 miles to access Snow Falls or the 80 ft. Laurel Falls. The best online trail description we could find is on LocalHikes.com.

Swimming
This is a popular place for swimming and has numerous swimming holes but swimmers need to beware of how quick the waters of this creek can rise in a thunderstorm up higher in the watershed. 

Paddling
As a class V, American Whitewater's website recommends that none of this 2.65 mile run is paddled with careful planning. It offers some of the Southeast's greatest paddling for those experienced and skilled enough to attempt it. Read more at the American Whitewater Website

Camping
Available by registration at the trailhead or online
 

For More Information

100 Pockett Wilderness Road
Dayton, Tennessee 37321

Phone: (423) 566-2229
Website: http://www.tennessee.gov/environment/na/natareas/laurelsnow/

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