Tennessee Laurel Creek, Virginia, US

Roadside Laurel

Usual Difficulty	III+(IV) (for normal flows)
Length	2.5 Miles
Avg. Gradient	80 fpm

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
S F HOLSTON RIVER NEAR DAMASCUS, VA
usgs-03473000	1350 - 10000 cfs	III+(IV)	00h58m	481 cfs (rc= -0.1 )

River Description

Roadside creekin! This is a great run to combine with the upper section of Whitetop Laurel creek for a fun day of paddling. This section is slightly more continuous than WTL, but very manageable. The only significant drops on this section are easily visible from the road. The first is just downstream of the putin and is a 4ft. ledge with a boof on RR. The next significant drop is near the Virginia/Tennessee state line marker and is called Triple Drop. This three stage drop is best entered on RR with a good boof into the micro eddy. Then run the next drop on RR and finish the last one in the center.

The remainder of this run is boat scoutable and ALWAYS be on the lookout for downed trees. They can accumulate quickly on this small stream.

Driving directions: From RT 58 in Damascus VA, make a right onto TN 91, heading toward Mt. Rogers. As you approach the intersection, make a right onto TN 91 toward Mountain City. As you drive along TN 91, you will notice several good pullouts, some of the best are located opposite the VFW meeting lodge on TN 91. Pick one and set shuttle for the ride to the top of the creek. You can putin as far up as you like, but don't go too far as you will run out of gradient and into class I-II riffles.

Pay close attention to the "state line marker," this is where Triple Drop is located and it is easy to scout from the roadside. Other than that, enjoy the ride!