| alert |
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| contractID |
NRSO |
| description |
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 1930s. Today, it is a popular day-use area, providing a nice shady place for family picnics and group gatherings. |
| drivingDirection |
The Laurels is located on TN Hwy 361 near Sciota Road in Carter County. From Johnson City, take I-181 south to Okalona exit. Turn left, drive under I-181 to TN 359. Turn left, back toward Johnson City for 0.2 miles. Turn right onto TN 359. Travel 1.4 miles, then turn right onto TN 361 for 3.7 miles to The Laurels. |
| facilitiesDescription |
The Laurels includes two picnic pavilions, numerous tables connected by paths and trash cans. There are vault toilets on site. There is no potable water. |
| facility |
THE LAURELS PICNIC AREA PAVILIONS |
| facilityID |
121890 |
| fullReservationUrl |
http://www.reserveamerica.com/campsiteSearch.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=121890&cmp=39-32--joewils |
| importantInformation |
Please help us keep the site clean to discourage bears from visiting in the night. Pavilion #1 is adjacent to the parking area. Pavilion #2 is accessed by an uneven path and bridge that crosses the creek. There is little cell phone coverage in the area. Pavilions are cleaned by 10:00 a.m. the day of a reservation. Please make your own arrangements, if you plan to use the site before 10:00 a.m. Please call the Watauga Ranger District at 423-735-1500 to apply for a special use permit, if your group size will be 75 people or more. |
| nearbyAttrctionDescription |
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| note |
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| orientationDescription |
Honeycomb Creek flows through the picnic area and is enjoyed by kids of all ages on warm summer days. |
| recreationDescription |
The Laurels has two pavilions, each with picnic tables and grills. An old foot path meanders through the nearby woods. |