Not every trail needs to be an epic. Sometimes a good walk is just a good walk — an easy hour in a beautiful place,
a creek running alongside you the whole way, your dog happy to be anywhere outdoors. That's the Laurel Creek Trail, and it earns its place on the list for exactly those reasons.
The Basics
The Laurel Creek Trail is a short rails-to-trails conversion located just outside Damascus on Route 91, heading south into Tennessee. Established in 2014 and maintained by the Watauga Ranger District of the Cherokee National Forest, it's
a 1.25-mile out-and-back route — about two and a half miles total — following the old railroad grade along Laurel Creek to the Tennessee-Virginia state line.
There is no fee to hike, the trail is a flat gravel path, and dogs are welcome. Figure about an hour at a relaxed pace, which is the right pace for this trail.
The Walk
The trail follows the creek the entire way, which is the main draw. Laurel Creek is a clear, cold mountain stream — the kind with water that looks almost transparent over rounded river stones, moving with enough current to make the sound you want to hear when you sit down near it. The bank is close enough that you can pull off the path and get right to the water's edge without any scramble or effort.
The path itself is mostly shaded, running through lush forest with a solid canopy overhead. Gentle and flat throughout — this is old railroad grade, so the engineering that made it viable for a steam engine also makes it exceptionally 
We did this one with Juneaux, who loved the interesting smell along the creek bank and required several pauses to thoroughly investigate the situation. She approved of the trail.
Getting There
From Damascus, head south on US-58/VA-91. Where those two roads diverge, stay on Highway 91 south into Tennessee. About 1.3 miles across the state line, you'll see a gravel parking lot on the right — that's the trailhead. It's a quick, easy drive from wherever you're staying in the Damascus area. From Old Mill Music & RV Park, where we stayed, head north back toward Damascus and you’ll see the sign on your left.
Why Bother
If you're in Damascus for the Virginia Creeper Trail, the Appalachian Trail, or any of the bigger outdoor draws in the region, you might look at 2.5 miles round trip and think it doesn't justify the drive. I'd push back on that gently.
The Laurel Creek Trail is nice to do in the morning before the day gets busy, or on a slower afternoon when you don't need a big adventure. It's accessible to everyone — any age, any fitness level, any dog. And Laurel Creek itself is genuinely beautiful, the kind of clear Appalachian stream that earns its place in the scenery without any exaggeration.
For what it is, it's a quiet little gem. And if you're already staying nearby — at a campground like Old Mill Music, which sits right on this same stretch of Laurel Creek — it's practically at your doorstep.
Check out our other posts about this stop:
