2019-10-17 GSMNP-004 Laurel Falls to Cove Mountain

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2019-10-17 GSMNP-004 Laurel Falls to Cove Mountain

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Laurel Falls Trailhead

Date(s) & Time:

Thu, Oct 17 2019 9:00 am >> Thu, Oct 17 2019 1:00 pm

Registration Opens:

Mon, Jul 1 2019 7:25 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Thu, Oct 17 2019 9:00 am

Event Duration:

4 Hours

Difficulty Rating:

D4: Moderate to Difficult

Distance:

8 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Bill Wey

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Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

11 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

<<< Laurel Falls to Cove Mountain >>>

This is one of the most popular hikes in the GSMNP. It’s among the top choices after a few days long trekking in the park. It also leaves the second half of the day open to explore anything else.

We will meet and start at Laurel Falls Trailhead. This is an out and back round trip hiking. There are lots of wildflowers by the trail. This trail is so popular and the National Park Service had to pave the first 1.3 miles leading to the falls to prevent erosion. Most visitors stop at the falls, and then turn around to get back to their cars.

The trail becomes its natural unpaved surface above the waterfall. We will continue along the Laurel Falls trail entering a forest of giant tulip trees and hemlocks for less than a mile, then trekking near the crest of Chinquapin Ridge. Near the top of the mountain, the trail runs into an old road. Turn left onto the old road for about 0.1 mile, we’ll reach our turn around point, an old fire tower at the top of the Cove Mountain.

The event duration does NOT include our travelling/ driving time. Our duration time is an estimate, and we need to have some flexibility.

Required Items to Bring:

Layers of clothing suitable for the season.

Good hiking boots/shoes.

Water and snacks.

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Hiking poles

Camera

Rain gear just in case

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

From Sugarlands Visitor Center of GSMNP, drive 3.7 miles west along Little River Road to Laurel Falls Trail parking lot. The normal driving time is about 8 minutes.

Notes:

1. This event may be cancelled or rescheduled if weather conditions are not satisfactory for an enjoyable outing.

2. Itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of the trip leader.

<<< Hiking in GSMNP >>>

I will stay in Gatlinburg, TN, and not making day trip back to Atlanta.

There are lots of affordable lodging options in Gatlinburg, TN. The choice of lodging is completely optional of each member.

This is not an AOC paid event. All costs (transportation, lodging, meals & drinks) are paid by members on their own.

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review the AOC cancellation policy.