Saturday Hike - Laurel Falls Portion of the Cumberland Trail

 

A crisp fall morning and plenty of sunshine greeted us at the trailhead. Luckily we got there early as this is a popular spot.

This "Pocket Wilderness" area was established in 1970 by Bowater Southern Paper Corporation and Hiwassee Land Company. At the time an action unprecedented in commercial forest management. 

The history of the area however dates back to 1887 with the establishment of the Dayton Coal & Iron Company. Which, at it's peak, operated 7 major coal mines, 17 miles of railroad, 375 coke ovens, 2 blast furnaces and homes for 200 employees. Remains of the infrastructure are prevalent in the first mile of the hike as it closely follows the stream.

 

Although there are occasional encounters with hikers and climbers one gets a deep sense of solitude, worldly concerns drowned out by the rushing stream. We took the opportunity to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet

After one and a half miles we turn east leaving the stream ascending up a steep set of switchbacks. Numerous rock outcroppings and caves dot the landscape. Journeying up the ridge we measured our expectations about the falls, recent reviews reported it was but a trickle. Even so we thought the sheer walls would be dramatic enough to justify the effort.

You don't get bored on this trail, the route has some interesting surprises.

 

Thanks be to God the recent rains provided sufficient volume for a stunning finale.