LSP001
Location: 35.52621, -85.021761
The trail starts from a dirt parking area on Pocket Wilderness Road.
LSP002
Location: 35.526034, -85.02174
Begin the hike by exploring one of the area's lesser-known features: coke ovens from the coal mining era. From the parking lot, head away from the trailhead toward a dirt road on your right.
LSP003
Location: 35.525224, -85.021901
Turn right onto a dirt road that follows the creek.
LSP004
Location: 35.523835, -85.022351
Trail turns left into a kudzu jungle and travels away from the creek. Continue following the four-wheeler tracks.
LSP005
Location: 35.521137, -85.02281
The path bears left toward the century-old coke ovens. Built into the ground, these "ovens" were used to heat mined coal up to 2,000 degrees to release the volatile parts of the coal. What remained was the desired coke, which was almost pure carbon.
LSP006
Location: 35.520938, -85.022558
After exploring the coke ovens, turn around, retrace your steps to the parking lot, and continue north.
LSP007
Location: 35.52649, -85.021927
Pass the trailhead kiosk beyond the parking lot. The start of the trail follows Richland Creek along former rail lines.
LSP008
Location: 35.527254, -85.022358
Cross "Tiny Bridge," as it's referred to on trail maps. Ahead, cross a narrow bridge built on old railroad bridge supports.
LSP009
Location: 35.527983, -85.022888
Trail continues its gradual ascent.
LSP010
Location: 35.54176, -85.029674
The trail veers to the right at this signed junction and heads uphill.
LSP011
Location: 35.546151, -85.029116
Take a hard left toward Snow Falls at the double white blaze. The trail on the right leads to Laurel Falls.
LSP012
Location: 35.546568, -85.029843
Bear right to continue on the main trail. The path on the left leads to a camping area.
LSP013
Location: 35.548783, -85.031782
The relatively flat trail follows the creek.
LSP014
Location: 35.545204, -85.031658
Trail takes a hard right and begins ascent along switchbacks.
LSP015
Location: 35.541345, -85.034904
Turn left and continue uphill toward Buzzard Point.
LSP016
Location: 35.5408, -85.035274
The trail merges onto a dirt road.
LSP017
Location: 35.538958, -85.032367
Rock outcropping provides overlook.
LSP018
Location: 35.537884, -85.031101
The dirt road ends at Buzzard Point. Turn around, return to Waypoint 15, and turn left.
LSP019
Location: 35.548095, -85.034145
Turn right at the junction for a quick side trip to Dunn Overlook.
LSP020
Location: 35.549023, -85.037055
The path crosses a dirt road; continue along the main trail toward Snow Falls.
LSP021
Location: 35.546731, -85.038999
Trail crosses a camping area.
LSP022
Location: 35.546487, -85.038546
The trail ends at Snow Falls. Stay for awhile and explore the area above and below the falls. Next, turn around and retrace your route back to the trailhead.
Snow Falls
Location: 35.546491, -85.038466
Entrance to Laurel-Snow Pocket Wilderness
Location: 35.516631, -85.01785
Entrance to Laurel-Snow Pocket Wilderness off Back Valley Road.
Parking Lot
Location: 35.52621, -85.021724
Dirt Road
Location: 35.524198, -85.02223
The dirt road follows the creek.
Kudzu Jungle
Location: 35.523827, -85.02226
Coke Ovens
Location: 35.520797, -85.022676
Brick-Lined Coke Oven
Location: 35.520932, -85.022512
Do not walk on top of the mounds as the earth may collapse.
Trailhead Kiosk
Location: 35.526494, -85.021858
Continue beyond parking lot to trailhead kiosk. The start of the trail follows Richland Creek along former rail lines.
Second Bridge Crossing
Location: 35.527326, -85.022381
Entrance to the Richland Mine
Location: 35.529384, -85.023349
Bridge Supports
Location: 35.532462, -85.024878
Visible from the trail, and accessible by a short side access, are remnants of bridge supports for the rail line from the mining operation.
Spring
Location: 35.534106, -85.024807
A spring flows off the ridge and across the trail.
Bridge Crossing
Location: 35.539412, -85.026938
Trail Junction
Location: 35.541769, -85.029523
Bridge over Laurel Creek
Location: 35.546064, -85.02918
Crossing a 50-foot steel bridge.
Trail Junction
Location: 35.54657, -85.029727
Bear right to continue on the main trail.
Nearing Henderson Creek
Location: 35.550232, -85.031524
The trail rounds a boulder as it approaches Henderson Creek.
Bridge over Henderson Creek
Location: 35.550175, -85.031696
A hiker crosses the 150-foot steel bridge over Henderson Creek.
Rift in Rock
Location: 35.541712, -85.034724
Enter rift in rock and continue climbing.
Dirt Road
Location: 35.5408, -85.035135
Buzzard Point
Location: 35.537884, -85.030982
While hikers lunch, a storm brews over Buzzard Point.
Clearing
Location: 35.547059, -85.034856
Trail opens to a clearing under powerlines.
Trail Junction
Location: 35.548098, -85.034107
Turn right toward Dunn Overlook.
Dunn Overlook
Location: 35.547722, -85.03378
Rainy panorama at Dunn Overlook.
Morgan Creek
Location: 35.547225, -85.039566
Take care crossing Morgan Creek on your way to Snow Falls.
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