Trail Run Project Logo

A gradual climb with some rugged sections.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

7.1

Miles

11.4

KM

91%

Runnable

4,970' 1,515 m

High

3,161' 963 m

Low

1,878' 572 m

Up

68' 21 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

31%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Unknown

Description

The most popular starting location for Laurel is from FS 1206 near Yellow Gap. From this Laurel trailhead, you can run it as an out/back, or combine it with a loop on Pilot Rock. From 1206, Laurel is a climb that doesn't really let up, but it's gradual overall.

Some sections are steep though, and the trail passes through several named gaps. There are also many short, rocky sections throughout, but for the most part, this trail traverses the contours Laurel Mountain through some amazing groves of mature Mountain Laurel.

The mountain and trail are aptly named. The first five miles gain about 1000 ft. After about 5 or 6 miles there is an extra steep section; you'll know when you're there. The last mile, including this section, gains over 500 feet.

The intersection with the Laurel Mountain Connector near Turkey Spring Gap will be on the left. From here, you can continue with Pilot, or turn around and enjoy a return on Laurel downhill.

Contacts

Shared By:

Paul Stahlschmidt

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 1 vote

#15765

Overall
  4.0 from 1 vote
5 Star
0%
4 Star
100%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#651

in North Carolina

#15,765

Overall
2 Views Last Month
675 Since Aug 14, 2017
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
0%
50%
50%
0%

Photos

A Laurel tunnel on Laurel Mountain
Dec 10, 2024 near Mills R…, NC

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 3, 2021
NICOLAS NOUVEL
the gate on yellow gap road is closed, adding about 2.3-2.5 miles to the trailhead from the closest parking to the gate. 19.6mi — 5h 46m
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.