Laurel Falls is a 55 ft waterfall located on the AT (Appalachian Trail) about 5 miles outside of Hampton, TN. Caleb and I met Mark at the Kincora hostel. We closed up the vehicles, loaded up the packs, and away we went. The hike to the falls was approximately 2.5 miles in. We encountered several foot bridges across the small streams that crisscrossed the trail, and of course the big foot bridge that crossed over the Laurel Fork river.[singlepic id=77 w=320 h=240 float=right] The trail wound up the ridge on the other side of the bridge and crossed the ridge through what looked like an old rail road bed. We climbed down to the valley floor where the river was flowing and finally got to see the falls.[singlepic id=74 w=320 h=240 float=right] With not much space to set a tent, we crossed the river and set up on the other side.[singlepic id=78 w=320 h=240 float=right] Noodles, spaghetti O’s, and coffee were on the menu. Getting a fire started was difficult due to all the rain, but Mark finally got it blazing around midnight. Caleb and I turned in around 2130 hrs. We woke up Sunday morning around 0700 hrs and got the fire going again for some more coffee and then packed up to hike out. Crossing the river back to the other side was a task due to all the slippery rocks and ice cold water.[singlepic id=73 w=320 h=240 float=right] Caleb led the way back up the mountain to the ridge. He climbed very carefully for a 4 year old and enjoyed leading the way. [singlepic id=75 w=320 h=240 float=right]The scenery was very impressive with high cliff walls and blooming rhododendron. Mark spotted a hornet’s nest and Caleb offered up some great advice, “Dad, let’s just leave it alone.”
Even through all the “Caleb, stop.” and “Caleb, put the knife down.” and “Caleb, get out of the fire.” we had a good time. Caleb had a great time and is well on his way to becoming a great outdoorsman. [singlepic id=76 w=320 h=240 float=right] [singlepic id=71 w=320 h=240 float=left] [singlepic id=68 w=320 h=240 float=right]
