The Laurel River Trail near Hot Springs offers a peaceful and scenic hike through the heart of Pisgah National Forest. This 7-mile roundtrip trail follows the Laurel River, giving you beautiful creekside views as you make your way toward the French Broad River. The first section of the trail passes through private property, so it’s important to stay on the marked path and respect the landowners' boundaries. Once past this initial stretch, the trail opens up into the forest, offering a calm and immersive experience with the natural beauty of the area. With its gentle incline and tranquil surroundings, this trail is perfect for a relaxing day out in nature on the river.