Forest Supervisor's Office (8a-4:30p M-F)
2800 Ocoee Street N
Cleveland TN 37312
(423) 476-9700
(423) 476-9721 (Fax) PLEASE NOTE: This is an information and administrative office located in Cleveland, TN and is not actually in the forest.
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.
At a Glance
Current Conditions:
The Pavilions are open.
Operational Hours:
Sunrise to sunset
Reservations:
Area Amenities:
Interpretive Site,Fee charged for some activities,Picnic tables,Toilets,Parking
Fees
There is no fee for general picnicking in the area. Groups may reserve a pavilion for their group gatherings online at Recreation.gov
Open Season:
3/15/2021 - 10/12/2021
Restrictions:
Day use only, no overnight camping allowed. Alcohol prohibited on site. No burning of plastic or other non-wood products except charcoal in grills.
Closest Towns:
Unicoi, TN
Water:
None
Restroom:
Vault Toilet
Operated By:
US Forest Service
General Information
Directions: 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.
The Laurels is close to Johnson City, Elizabethton and the Unicoi-Erwin area. Picnicking at this historic and scenic destination has provided many people their first National Forest experience.
No. of Sites
There are several picnic tables in the area, and two pavilions with a few tables in each.
Group Picnicking
The Laurels is close to Johnson City, Elizabethton and the Unicoi-Erwin area. Picnicking at this historic and scenic destination has provided many people their first National Forest experience.
No. of Sites
There are several picnic tables in the area, and two pavilions with a few picnic tables in each.
Reservation Info
Pavilions can be reserved for $30 a day by calling 877-444-6777 or online at www.recreation.gov
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