Laurel-Snow Pocket Wilderness is a 710-acre wilderness area that is named for two of the waterfalls along the trail. The complete hike involves two ascents of about 900 ft. This trail was the first National Recreation Trail in Tennessee.

The natural area contains a section of gorges deeply cut into Walden Ridge of the Cumberland Plateau by Morgan, Henderson, Laurel and Richland Creeks. The area also features scenic creeks, overlooks, steep gorges, geologic features, a small stand of virgin timber, and a wide variety of plants and animals.

Related Activities: camping 

Address: Rhea County, TN

Distance from Outdoor Chattanooga HQ: 25 minutes

Map(s) and directions: Laurel Snow is located north of Dayton. The Pocket Wilderness is accessed via Hwy 27/29. From the north turn right, from the south, turn left onto Walnut Grove Road, a street sign is not posted, but there is an Eckerd Drug store on the corner. Proceed .75 miles past the La-Z-Boy factory to Back Valley Road and turn left.  Proceed .70 mile to Richland Creek Road and turn right on to an unmarked gravel road/drive.  There will be a white church across the street.  Proceed about 1 mile to the parking area at the end of Richland Creek Road.

Activity type: leisure, family

Dates/Hours: open year round

Estimated Time: 11 miles of trails

ACCESS ISSUES
None

DIFFICULTY
Easy to Moderate

RESTROOMS
yes, near picnic area

PICNIC AREA
Yes

USAGE LEVEL
Moderate