Big Laurel Branch Wilderness

Big Laurel Branch Wilderness is a 10,758-acre federally protected wilderness area in Tennessee, managed by the Forest Service. It offers a backcountry experience where foot travel and self-reliance define the visit—no roads, motors, or mechanized equipment are permitted.

Hiking and backpacking are the primary ways to explore this primitive landscape. The wilderness rewards those seeking solitude and a genuine backcountry experience away from developed facilities. Visitors should come prepared for remote conditions and self-sufficient travel.

Wilderness designation means Leave No Trace principles are not optional guidelines but the operating standard. Pack out everything you pack in, camp only in designated areas where allowed, and respect the non-motorized character that defines the place. Access is typically from trailheads on adjacent national forest lands; check with the Forest Service for current conditions and regulations before heading out.