Laurel-Snow State Natural Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Laurel-Snow State Natural Area |
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 Laurel-Snow State Natural Area
Location in Tennessee
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| Location | Rhea County, Tennessee |
| Nearest city | Dayton |
| Area | 2,259 acres (914 ha) |
| Designated | 1973 |
The Laurel-Snow State Natural Area is a special place in Tennessee. It's like a protected outdoor classroom where nature is kept safe. This area is found in Rhea County, Tennessee, close to the town of Dayton. It sits on a part of the Cumberland Plateau called Walden Ridge.
The State of Tennessee owns this natural area, which covers about 2,259 acres (that's over 9 square kilometers!). The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation helps manage and protect it. It's also an important part of the Cumberland Trail, which is a long hiking trail that stretches across the state.
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What is Laurel-Snow State Natural Area?
This natural area is a "Class II Natural-Scientific State Natural Area." This means it's a place that has important natural features, like unique plants, animals, or landforms, that scientists want to study and protect. It's a great spot for learning about nature and enjoying the outdoors.
Why is it Called Laurel-Snow?
The name "Laurel-Snow" comes from two beautiful waterfalls found within the area. One is called Laurel Falls, which is about 80 feet (24 meters) tall. The other is Snow Falls, which is about 12 feet (3.7 meters) tall. These waterfalls are popular spots for visitors to enjoy.
A Special Hiking Trail
The Laurel-Snow trail within this natural area was the very first "National Recreation Trail" in Tennessee. A National Recreation Trail is a path that offers fun outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or horseback riding. It's a way for people to explore nature and get some exercise.
Protecting the Land
A large part of the Laurel-Snow State Natural Area, about 710 acres (2.9 square kilometers), used to be a "pocket wilderness" owned by a company called Bowater. A pocket wilderness is a smaller, wild area set aside for nature. Now, this land is part of the protected natural area, helping to keep it safe for everyone to enjoy.
