Overview
The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions will open for the season on Monday, March 16, 2020. The Laurels has been a popular area since the early days in East Tennessee. It was a common evening stopover for farmers from North Carolina taking produce to markets in Johnson City. The site is named for the native Rhododendron that thrives in the area, locally called “laurel.” The Civilian Conservation Corps helped construct the current facilities in the early 1930’s. Today, it is a popular day-use area, providing a nice shady place for family picnics and group gatherings.
Recreation
The Laurels has two pavilions, each with picnic tables and grills. An old foot path meanders through the nearby woods.
Facilities
The Laurels includes two picnic pavilions, numerous tables, grills, and trash cans, and connected by foot paths. There is a vault toilet on site. There is no potable water.
Natural Features
Honeycomb Creek flows through the picnic area and is enjoyed by kids of all ages on warm summer days.
Nearby Activities
- Hiking
- Wildlife viewing
- Water access
Gallery
Directions
The Laurels is located on TN Hwy 361 near Sciota Road in Carter County.
From Johnson City, take I-26 E to Okalona exit. Turn left, drive under I-26 to TN 359. Turn right onto TN 359. Travel 1.4 miles, then turn right onto TN 361 for 3.7 miles to The Laurels.
GPS Coordinates
Latitude 36° 31′ 9.9998″ N
Longitude 82° 3′ 38.0002″ W