Laurel Snow Natural Area

6.18.11 Nance Jo, Earl, McBob, Jean, Will, John, Charlie, Karen, Larry, Tammy, Jerry, Cory, Lawson, and Wesley.  What a group and what a hike.  We left the parking lot and almost immediately found a two foot long copperhead that Nance Jo almost stepped on!  We continued on past some fallen trees which we cleared the best that we could.  When we reached the split for Laurel Falls, some of the hikers decided that they would go to these falls, so the group split up.  The rest of us headed for Buzzard Point.  This is a long moderate uphill climb.  About this time, the thunder and lightning began, but no rain.  We made it to Buzzard Point and then on to Laurel Falls.  Then it was time for the long hike back to the parking area.  Buzzard Point always offers an incredible view of the surrounding valleys.  On the way back is when the rain started and never let up throughout the rest of the hike.  On the way back, a 13 year old had tried to take a short cut and was stuck up on the side of the mountain.  Some how he had really gotten away from the group and we could hear him hollering for help.  He should never have been allow to get that separated from the main group in the first place!  We stayed and helped direct some adults toward where the child was located.  Once found they had to find their way back down the mountain.  No easy task.  The distance of the hike was 11.5 miles and I would rate the hike as moderate.  To see some pictures please click on the Laurel Snow tab or click here.