Laurel Fork is one of the few secluded backcountry areas left in Virginia. With high meadows, wetlands, and the fast running Laurel Fork in the valley, this has to be one of the best backpacks in the region.

The Laurel Fork trails had fallen into poor shape over the past five to ten years, with very faint, if not missing blazes, as well as numerous blowdowns. In conjunction with the USDA Forest Service we reblazed the Locust Spring Run, Locust Spring Run Spur, and Slabcamp Run trails in June 2007, as well as removing the more obstructive blowdowns.

The Slabcamp Run Trail passes through spectacular old growth forest and meadows. Because of its infrequent use, the trail itself is difficult to locate in places, but now can be hiked following the new blaze markings. This gives the route a real backwoods feel where you’re hiking from blaze to blaze, as apposed to following a narrow trail.

If you're a backpacker looking for a secluded hike, I'd highly recommend this circuit. Although we did see another car in the parking area, we didn't see another person all weekend. The whole area has breathtaking scenery.