This is a 7.2 mile round trip hike along the scenic Laurel River in Madison County in the Appalachian Ranger District in the Pisgah National Forest.   This is as flat as it gets in the mountains, and is rated easy. The Laurel River is a tributary of the French Broad River. 

Laurel River Trail (FS #310) begins on a gravel road through private property. We'll stay on the trail to ensure the privacy of landowners along the route. After one mile, the trail enters the national forest and continues at a fairly level grade to the French Broad River. The trail is especially scenic in early spring when there are many wildflowers blooming along the path and riverbanks.

The trail follows Big Laurel Creek on an old railroad bed that used to carry logs to the Runion sawmill that operated in the 1920's. In its heyday, Runion was home to more than 1,000 people. Brick chimneys and crumbling foundations still remain.

Meeting details will be shared upon registration with trip leader.

Email or text trip leader to register. Hike Leader - David Reid, daviddbreid@charter.net -  828-713-1607