Snow Falls & Buzzard Point – A True Cumberland Plateau Adventure

If you’re looking for waterfalls, sweeping overlooks, rich mining history, and a real leg workout — this is your trail.

Explore the Snow Falls & Buzzard Point route along the Cumberland Trail inside Laurel-Snow State Natural Area.

Trail Stats

• 9.8 miles (out & back)
• 1,354 ft elevation gain
• 4.5–5 hours average
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

What You’ll Experience

Your hike begins along Richland Creek, following a historic railbed once used to haul coal from the Richland Mine. Early in the hike you’ll pass remnants of the mining era and the old Dayton Reservoir dam that once supplied water to the town.

At approximately 1.5 miles, the trail splits:

• Right leads to Laurel Falls
• Left (NW) leads to Snow Falls & Buzzard Point

Head left and prepare for:

• Three 50-foot bridge crossings
• A stunning 150-foot bridge over Henderson Creek
• Gradual switchbacks climbing Walden Ridge
• Snow Falls (approx. 35 feet)
• Buzzard Point overlook with expansive gorge views

From the overlook, you’ll see deep cuts carved into the Cumberland Plateau by Morgan, Henderson, Laurel, and Richland Creeks — with views stretching across the valley toward Dayton.

Why This Section Is Special

The Laurel-Snow area spans 2,259 acres of protected land on Walden Ridge and was Tennessee’s first designated National Recreation Trail.

It features:

• Scenic waterfalls (Laurel Falls 80 ft / Snow Falls 35 ft)
• Steep gorges and bluff lines
• Virgin timber stands
• Diverse plant and wildlife
• A growing segment of Tennessee’s only linear state park

When complete, the Cumberland Trail will extend nearly 300 miles from Cumberland Gap to Signal Point near Chattanooga.

Make It a Weekend

Many hikers set up a base camp near Mile 1.8 and explore:

•  Laurel Falls one day
• Snow Falls & Buzzard Point the next

Designated camping is allowed (registration required).

Important Info

• Gates open 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (locked nightly)
• Dogs allowed on leash
• No hunting
• Fishing permitted
• Parking available at trailhead

This is not a short afternoon stroll — but the waterfalls, rock bridges, sweeping overlooks, and plateau views make every step worth it.