Trail Run or hike the Little Laurel Trail

Little Laurel Trailhead

NPS/ John Chapman

Have you ever wanted to go on a trail run or a hike on a trail where you won't run into a lot of people?

If you are seeking an outdoor hike or trail run away from the crowds, the Little Laurel Trail may be just the place for you!

The trail can be accessed from the top at Grandview Area or from the bottom at Glade Creek. The Little Laurel Trail is 2.0 miles in each direction and one of those directions will be uphill. If you begin at the trailhead located at Grandview, you will begin your journey downhill on a crushed rock path. This was an old maintenance road and the rocks are still maintained. Once you get to the bottom, you will come to a gate which is just steps away from the Glade Creek Rd. Diagonally across from this intersection is the location of the abandoned coal town called Royal. If you turn around and retrace your steps, you will have a 2.0 mile hike (or run) back up to the plateau at the Grandview location. 

Details

Duration

30-120 Minutes

Depending on your rate of travel, this trail can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. The trail is 2 miles on a rocky trail, downhill for 2 miles and then the reverse for an uphill trek for 2 miles. 

Activity

Hiking

Are you looking for a challenge? The Little Laurel Trail is an amazing trail run, bike, or hike down to the bottom of the gorge from the Grandview location. Find picnic shelter 4 and you will see the maintenance road that turns into the Little Laurel Trail. This trail has amazing views down into the gorge in the late fall and winter.

During the early spring, wildflowers are plentiful along this seldom used trail. During the summer, this trail has enough tree cover to shield the bright sunlight. In other words, this trail is amazing all year round. The trail is 2.0 miles in one direction, which makes the round trip 4 miles. 

Age(s)

All ages are welcome on this strenuous trail.

Pets Allowed

Yes

Pets are allowed on a 6 foot or shorter leash. Pet owners are reminded to pick up after their pets and use waste receptacles for disposing of waste. 

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Little Laurel Trailhead

The trailhead for the Little Laurel Trail is located just after picnic shelter #4. The trail is a gradual down hill for 2.0 miles.

To return to your starting location, once you intersect with the gate and the Glade Creek Rd, you would have to retrace your path back to the top of the gorge at the trailhead in the Grandview Area.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

The Little Laurel Trail is delightful all year round. Whether you are hoping to get in some views of the river (in the winter when the tree canopy isn't blocking your view), or to feel that cool temperature change in the heat of the summer, this trail is a favorite for many trail runners, hikers, and mountain bikers all year round. 

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Due to the steepness of the trail, this trail is recommended only during daylight hours. 

Accessibility Information

The Little Laurel Trail has steep inclines on a rocky path that descends approximately 1000 feet down into the gorge. The trail starts at the top of the plateau at the Grandview location (near picnic shelter 4) and will stop at the Glade Creek Rd. The outdoor enthusiast will have to return back up the trail to get back to where the journey started.