Backpacking Gourmet Judging #1 and Backpacking Laurel Snow

This event is for the judges in our Backpacking Gourmet Contest, Round #1

Are you a connoisseur of cuisine? Do you have an adventurous palate?  Judge the culinary skills of your fellow hikers!

Laurel-Snow is a 2,259-acre natural area. The site is named after two scenic waterfalls, Laurel Falls (80 feet) and Snow Falls (35 feet), and features two prominent overlooks, Buzzard Point and Bryan Overlook (also known as Raven Point). The natural area also has scenic creeks, steep gorges, geologic features, a small stand of virgin timber, and a wide variety of plants.  The land use history of this area remains evident in places. Logging and deep mining took place in some portions of the area in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Some remnants of mining activities can still be seen along the trail. Part of Henderson Creek was dammed to serve as the Dayton Reservoir and water supply for the town of Dayton. The low dam across the stream can still be seen although water is no longer collected for the town.

We will begin our hike by backpacking about three miles until we reach Laurel Falls where we will stop for lunch/snack and take pictures.  Then we will continue our hike to our backcountry campsite which is not far from the waterfall. After setting up camp, we will hike about a mile to Bryan Overlook then back to our campsite where the chefs will begin preparing dinner. 

The Backpacking Gourmet Chefs will create a backpacking meal to be shared with the 6 judges.  Get your tastebuds ready! There will be 5 or 6 qualifying rounds throughout the year (depending on interest and time), and the winners of each round will be invited to participate in a final contest in December to see who will be awarded the Backpacking Gourmet crown!

The next morning we will have breakfast on our own and hike back to our cars. 

All judges must be omnivores (no vegetarians please!) and not allergic to any foods.  The judges in the cook-off are not permitted to be a chef contestant on any of the qualifying rounds.  All chefs must carry in their own food and gear (ie. tent, sleeping bag, water filter, spare clothing, toiletries, stove, etc.).  No sharing gear among friends or significant others.

Beginners are welcome but please keep in mind that the trail to Laurel Falls is pretty level and easy for the first half but turns hilly for the second half.  We will hike at a moderate pace. 

If you are bringing your dog, please make sure your dog is well behaved and friendly with people and other dogs.  If you are not bringing a dog, please be aware that we will have furry four legged friends on this trip. 

From carpool take 75N 
Drive 88 miles to merge onto TN-153N 
Drive 13 miles then turn right to merge onto US-27N
Drive 10 miles then merge onto TN-29N / US-27N toward Dayton
Drive 17 miles -- >Turn left at WALNUT GROVE ROAD (Eckerd on corner)
Drive 3/4 mile then turn left at Back Valley Road (Lay-Z-Boy)
Drive .7 miles then turn right at Richard Creek Rd (Gravel road)
Go 1 mile to parking area.



If you need to find a restaurant in the area, Bimbos (serves breakfast and burges etc) is on TN- 29/US- 27.  7606 Rhea County Hwy, Dayton, TN 37321.  (423) 775-6316.  Also, if we get separated on the way up, it's a good place to meet.

Thanks Lisa and Lucy for the location write up!