hawkins County, Tennessee

 



Park Reservations Office
150 East Washington Street
Rogersville, TN  37857
(423) 293-3514
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday

Park hours are listed below.

Please, before sharing our parks facilities, download our park rules, print and distribute them to everyone in your party so all may have a safe fun visit.
 

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Laurel Run Park

» Laurel Hill Playground Project
» Laurel Run Park Map

364 Laurel Run Park Road
Church Hill, TN  37642 | No Mail Received at This Address
Park Office - 423-293-8140

Set along the beautiful and serene Holston River, this 440 acre park was the backdrop for the 1984 movie, The River, starring Mel Gibson and Sissy Spacek. After the conclusion of the movie the property was ceded to Hawkins County.   And then, the journey began to turn this rugged farmland into the extraordinary park we have today.

Nestled in the foothills you will find that Laurel Run Park is a true treasure right here in Hawkins County. With an abundance of wild life, such as: deer, rabbit, opossum, turkeys, turtles, frogs, otters, beavers, hawks, coyotes, and the occasional bear. It also has approximately one-half mile of river frontage for all the fishing you could want, with catfish, bass (large and small mouth), red eye, and many more.

You will also find wildflowers from April through June lining the roadside, the hiking trail, and throughout the park that includes a variety of species such as:  ferns, trilliums, chicks, and many more. Photo opportunities are abundant.

Inside the park is a one mile paved walking path along the river’s edge for an ever changing view, as well as a: baseball/softball field, basketball court, tennis court, playground, and multiple picnic shelters scattered throughout the park.  Children will certainly enjoy exploring the mountain foothill creek.

The hiking trails are incredible.  There are 37.5 miles of trails in conjunction with Bays Mountain Park, and they feature such things as:  an overlook that rises 300’ above the park to give you a unique perspective of the surrounding area, old homesteads, an unfinished cabin and smoke house, and two waterfalls.  Laurel Falls is a scenic, 20-minute hike up the trail. An additional 20-minute hike will take you to Kiner Creek Falls.  Plan on spending the day exploring all we have to offer.

Laurel Run Park is open all year, excluding Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, with hours varying depending on the season. 

Shelter reservations are available free of charge to all Hawkins County residents. All other reservations will be charged a fee. Please click the shelter fee link for futher information.  Groups are welcome.

If you would like additional information, have an interest in volunteering, need reservations, or would like to make a donation, please contact Stephanie Testerman at (423) 272-7359 or by email here.