Estimated Time: 1 to 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Dennis Cove Recreation Area (Watauga Ranger District of Cherokee National Forest)
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: Low
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are slippery. There are four creek crossings that require wading to reach the waterfall..
Trailhead GPS: 36.24690,-82.08714
Waterfall GPS: 36.23732,-82.07413
Directions:
From Elizabethton, head south on US-19 E for about 5 miles to Hampton and turn left on US-321 south. Go 0.8 miles and turn right on Dennis Cove Road. Drive 6.8 miles on this road, which turns to gravel and becomes FR-50. Turn right on FR-50F (Frog Level Road) and go 2.1 miles on this very narrow gravel road to a small parking at the end. High clearance is recommended for FR-50F.
Map:
Hike Description:
Continue on the road across the ford of Little Laurel Fork and past the gate. The road fords the creek two more times and ends at Laurel Fork Trail (#39) in 0.2 miles. Go left towards Lacy Trap Trail and hike through Frog Level, an open meadow area.
The trail fords the creek twice, which almost always requires wading. In 0.4 miles, Lacy Trap Trail splits right. Stay straight and wade the creek again. There is one more wade and at just over 1 mile, Upper Laurel Fork Falls will be on the left. A short but steep scramble path leads down to the base. It is usually wet from spray and very slippery.
Here's a video of the falls.
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