Laurel Snow TTA

12 Hikers from Upper Cumberland, M'Boro, Nashville (and me) met at Laurel Snow to see some waterfalls. We talked to the gate keeper, Mr Gothard wearing his official CT shirt. He was there to clean up a tree that had fallen in the parking area. Warned us of cougars/panthers in the area, along with what time the gate would be locked. With that in mind we got moving up the trail. Cool shiny new bridge across Laurel Creek. Then a left turn to go see Snow Falls. It's been a while since I've been on this section of trail. The campsite is huge, big enough for lots of tents and hammocks. Near the top of the ridge there's a big boulder with an opening that looks like a good home for a kitty, or a bear. When we go to Morgan Creek it was running fast, not sure of how deep, Gary tested the crossing for us. He had plastic booties up to his knees, and as long as he took crossing, helped a little with the numbness. He said it was slick, and where the fast current was, it was too deep, so he detoured a bit up the creek and made it to the other side. I was thinking if I had to be in the water that long to cross, I would be crying, and then having to come back across later....just wasn't worth it. Nor to anyone else. So Gary returned and we didn't see Snow Falls. We headed to Buzzard Point for lunch, and a few of us of us climbed down and up to the end of the boulders. Great views from here. The bridge spanning the crevice between the boulders makes me wonder how they got the bridge built. There are anchors in the rocks on both sides of the rock walls, evidence of the rock climbers/rapellers. I would like to watch them climb here.

Headed back down to the junction and then up the trail to Laurel Falls. Lots of water flowing today. Beautiful waterfall. There were kayakers on the creek too. Some of our crew got to see them navigating the creek. There were lots of folks on the Laurel Falls Segment and on the way out we saw lots more folks. The parking lot was full and overflowing.

Eight of us went to dinner at Monkey Town Brewing Company. Good food, slow service.

Great company on the trails. Gary, Cindy, Pete, Janet, Judy, Richard, Wayne, Sara, Jan, Randy, and Mark.

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