National Park Service

Laurel Loop Trailhead

Laurel Loop Trail (1.4 miles; 2.3 km)

This short loop trail is perfect for a quick trip to South Fork Quantico Creek. Laurel Loop can also be used as an access trail to Birch Bluff Trail, The Crossing Trail, South Valley Trail, and North Orenda Road.

Access the trail from the Pine Grove Picnic Area by parking near the picnic area's bathrooms. Walk behind the bathrooms and face the forest to see the trailhead.

National Park Service

Rock outcroppings that line a small section of Laurel Loop Trail

After only a short while on this trail you will see red blazes that mark the beginning of the Birch Bluff Trail. You can bear right hear to join Birch Bluff Trail, which is a 1.8 mile extension that connects back up with Laurel Loop Trail. If you decide to continue on Laurel Loop, you will come upon a small rock outcropping.

National Park Service

Small footbridge adjacent to South Fork Quantico Creek

After a short descent, the trail will meet up with South Fork Quantico Creek. The trail runs along the creek for about five minutes crossing over a small footbridge.

National Park Service

Laurel Loop to South Valley Trail connector bridge. (Left) Front view of bridge (Right) South Fork Quantico Creek with side view of bridge

A little farther down the trail, Laurel Loop Trail begins to bear left away from the creek and back towards the visitor center. 

Here a small bridge can be found that crosses the South Fork Quantico Creek and meets up with the South Valley Trail and North Orenda Road.

Return to Hiking Page