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Weekend Gem-JMT and Laurel Loop

Posted by eriksoltan on Nov 21, 2025 in Weekend Gem | No Comments

Fall colors getting started in BSF

Back in the Big South Fork again for another great trip. This time we decided to hike out on the Sheltowee for a faster trip because we had to get a late start and a cold front/mean system was moving in the next day and the end section of Laurel Creek TR has a grip of steam crossings. Start at Bandy Creek Campground and take the Sheltowee towards the Grand Gap Loop and the rim above the River. Head on past Falls Branch Falls which has a lovely campsite if you only want to be out for a bit or at the end of a long day on the trail. Soon you start climbing lightly up to the rim and another good camp on your right next a bridge, you should stock up on water here before heading further. Once you hit the road, take the JMT to the left as it leads you to a nice viewpoint which is a lovely spot to take a break. Continue you on to where the Trail makes 2 hard left hand turns further on where arrows point right where great camps and viewpoints lurk just off the way. Just past this is another good spot to get water or better yet, go check out off trail Joy Falls or Knee High Arch down Mill Creek. We camped here in a nice spot next to the Creek for more coverage for the incoming front. Enjoy a nice night exploring or just kicking back and enjoying the day.

Getting close to the JMT by the rim

Sourwood

Once you get a good breakfast and get moving for the day, keep heading down to the River. The trail quickly starts descending past a crease in the mountains with big boulders and campsite that would be another nice place to bunker down if you skipped the ridge or creek camp we had. Soon you will be down to Laurel Creek and a big bridge where you hang a left following the wooden hiker icons. Once on the Laurel Creek TR proper, you enter the majesty of the of the bigger creek valleys of the Cumberland Plateau. Big cliffs with lush forests line your way for the remainder of the trip. These ancient mountains really aim to impress the travelers in areas like these. Mossy boulders lead way to open forests as you make your way back to the Sheltowee. Once you cross Laurel twice it will take you to the Trace TR, take that back to Bandy. After a steep climb out of the creek valley you enter the sidelines of open meadows that seem sculpted from long ago. Get back to Bandy and change out of your soggy clothes before heading back to grab some barbecue at Smoking Butts. Sometimes it all just works out you know!