March 22nd, 2009 - Jake and I set out at the Hampton Blue-blaze and walked our entire section of Pond Mountain.  From the blue-blaze to Pond Flats we cleared a couple of larger blowdowns, and quite a few smaller ones.  We also took our loppers and cut a lot of brush on the way.   

Jake at One of the Larger Blowdowns

Once we got near Pond Flats time was running out on us, so we didn't do much on our trip down the south side of Pond Mountain.  We scouted a couple larger blowdowns that we'll return to get in the next few weeks.                     

Total Miles Hiked:  7.0   

Getting There (to Laurel Falls from Dennis Cove):  

Driving - From Elizabethton, take 19E toward Hampton, TN.  Turn onto Highway 321, which is the main road through Hampton that goes toward Watauga Lake and Mountain City.  Drive 1.5 miles to the trailhead/parking area on the right.  You'll see a brown sign that marks the parking area.    

Trails - The trailhead will be through the gate from the parking area.  You will follow the blue-blazes for one mile until you reach a junction marking the Appalachian Trail.  At this point, take a left (north) on the A.T. and climb Pond Mountain.  In 6 miles you'll reach the highway 321 at the Shook Branch Recreation area.