Flat Laurel Creek Trail Map

Route map of the Flat Laurel Creek Trail as tracked by the Gaia GPS app and depicted a la Google Earth...

Flat Laurel Creek Trail Map

Route map of the Flat Laurel Creek Trail as tracked by the Gaia GPS app...

Flat Laurel Creek Trailhead @ NC-215 - 5,040'

The Flat Laurel Creek Trailhead is located at a small dirt parking area off NC-215 about 3/4-mile north of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The entrance to the parking area is seen here on the right...in winter don't attempt turning in without 4WD...

Flat Laurel Creek Trailhead @ NC-215 - 5,040'

The entrance to the parking area at the trailhead. In conditions like this you'll need 4WD to park here...

Flat Laurel Creek Trail - 5,020'

The trail as it sets out from its NC-215 trailhead...

Flat Laurel Creek Trail - 5,000'

Dropping a bit, the trail immediately makes a crossing of Bubbling Spring Branch...it's a rock hop at most times but, after a bit of rain, quickly becomes a ford...

Flat Laurel Creek Trail - 5,000'

The trail as it climbs from the far side of Bubbling Spring Branch...

Flat Laurel Creek Trail - 5,020'

Rhododendron press in from both sides, especially after a heavy snow...

Flat Laurel Creek Trail - 5,030'

Less than a quarter-mile in, the trail passes beneath this small unnamed cascade. At most times, however, it's barely more than a trickle...

Flat Laurel Creek Trail - 5,040'

Following tracks through the winter woods...

Flat Laurel Creek Trail - 5,050'

The trail as it passes an interesting line up of Yellow Birch...

Flat Laurel Creek Trail - 5,070'

Curving through a rocky drainage under a thick winter blanket...