Little Laurel Trail

Little Laurel Trail is a 2.6-mile point-to-point route from Grandview down to the Glade Creek Road end near the New River. It follows an old maintenance road and drops about 1,400 feet. Allow around two hours one way; this is a strenuous hike, especially from the lower end uphill. Arrange a pickup at the bottom. Retracing the trail makes a 5.2-mile outing with the full climb back to Grandview.

The signed upper trailhead is just past Picnic Shelter #4. The crushed-rock path descends through forest, steeply in places. Summer leaves shade much of the route; river views are more likely after the canopy thins in late fall and winter. Spring wildflowers are another reason to do it, helped by the sharp change in elevation.

The trail reaches an unmarked gate on a gravel road near Royal, an old coal town with scattered foundations and the site of a former mine. The gate and road remain in park use, so keep them clear. The mapped trail ends at the road; don't count on it as a documented riverbank access.

Start from the parking area for picnic Shelters #3 and #4 at Grandview, and arrange transport at the lower access; public parking there isn't identified. Use daylight, as advised for this steep route. Dogs are allowed on a leash no longer than six feet.