Laurel Falls and Buzzard Point

This particular map is for Laurel Falls and Buzzard Point. Laurel Snow Pocket Wilderness is located in Dayton, Tn. The trail goes along the Richland Creek Trail for about 1.4 miles before cutting back up to the right and up steep switchbacks. You'll eventually come to a large metal bridge and, if it is after a good rain, some absolutely gorgeous waterfalls. Take the sign pointing to Laurel Falls. You'll wind around some huge boulders and the trail even goes directly through one that you'll have to, most likely, scoot through. Laurel Falls is right around the three mile mark from the beginning of the hike. Great place to stop for a break and take it in. Turn back and head back to the junction where the sign is for Snow Falls. Follow the sign (the only sign). You'll come to a split and if you go straight there is an incredible camping area. Go more towards the right and continue on the trail. About a half mile from the junction from Laurel Falls you'll come to a huge bridge. The trail wraps around a boulder and has very crude railing. If it has rained or is icy be extremely careful. The rocks/steps are very slick. Just keep going on the trail all the way to the top. Right as you are nearing the top you'll go between two huge boulders. Take the path towards the left all the way up to the service road. Once there, go left and hike until you can't. You'll arrive at Buzzard Point. Snow Falls would have been towards the right on the service road. There are no real water sources (unless you go to Snow Falls) once you get past the signs at the junction so be sure to have plenty especially in the hotter months.

According to Tn.gov Logging and deep mining took place in some portions of the area in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Some remnants of the mining activities can still be seen along the trail near the parking area. Part of Richland Creek was impounded to serve as the Dayton Reservoir and was once the water supply for the town of Dayton. The low dam across the stream can still be seen, although water is no longer collected here for the town. The Laurel-Snow trail was the first National Recreation Trail designated in Tennessee.