|
Deerfield Ranger District |
|
Trail |
Description |
Directions |
Distance |
| North
Mountain Trail |
This trail
winds its way along the Great North Mountain. The trail passes just below Elliot Knob, one of the
highest points on the National Forest, offering an open, panoramic
view of the Deerfield Valley. |
From
Staunton, take SR 254 west to Buffalo Gap. Continue south on SR 42 for
0.7 mile. Turn right by a white church onto SR 688. Follow SR 688
about 2 miles to the top of North Mountain where the trail begins at
the hiker sign on the south side of the road. |
14.5-mile |
| Cold
Springs Trail |
The trail
passes through a diversity of terrain and several overlooks and offers
excellent views of the Deerfield Valley |
From
Staunton, take SR 254 west to Buffalo Gap. From Buffalo Gap, continue
south on SR 42 for 0.7 mile and turn right at the white church onto SR
688. Follow SR 688 over North Mountain to FDR 77 (Cold Springs Road).
Follow FDR 77 south about 3.6 miles to where the trail begins on the
east side of the road |
2.2-mile |
| Shenandoah
Mountain Trail |
This trail winds through the ridges of the Shenandoah
Mountain Range. The trail, built in the 1930s by the Civilian
Conservation Corps, features excellent views of the Deerfield Valley
to the east and the Cowpasture River Valley to the west. The
Shenandoah Mountain Trail intersects several "old woods" roads and
other trails to provide shorter loop opportunities or add variety to
the hike |
From
Staunton, take US 250 west to the junction with FDR 396 (about 7 miles
past the turn-off to Braley Pond and about .2 miles before the
Confederate Breastworks. The trail sign for Shenandoah Mountain Trail
South is at the gate on FDR 396 on the south side of US 250. Access
Shenandoah Mountain Trail heading north from the Confederate
Breastworks loop trail. |
23.7-mile |
|
Dry River Ranger District |
| Wild Oak
National Recreation Trail |
This trail
follows ridge tops and circles the headwaters of the North River. Each
of its three sections offers a vigorous but scenic day hike or it can
provide the backpacker a nice multiple day loop. Offering nice vistas and wildlife viewing opportunities. |
From
Bridgewater, take US 42 about 3 miles south to Mossy Creek. Take SR
747 west for 3 miles. At Mt. Solon, take SR 731 north for 1 mile. Turn
left and take SR 730 west for 3 miles to the Stokesville junction.
Turn right on SR 718 and proceed north 1 mile to FDR 95. The trailhead
parking area is about .2 mile ahead on the right. |
26-mile loop |
| North
River Gorge Trail |
This trail
offers beautiful stream side scenery, interesting geology, and a
chance to fish or view wildlife. Requires
fording the North River nine times so it should be hiked during
periods of low water |
The trail can
be reached from a gated road leading from the south side of FDR 95
about 1 mile west of the Wild Oak Trail parking area. The trail can
also be accessed near the North River Campground. Parking is available
along FDR 95 but is not permitted in the North River Campground,
except for those actually camping there. |
|
| Trimble
Mountain Trail |
Excellent views of
Reddish Knob and Shenandoah Mountain as well as wildlife viewing
opportunities. |
The trail
begins on the south side of FDR 95 about .25 mile east of the Todd
Lake Recreation Area entrance |
4-mile loop |
|
Glenwood/Pedlar Ranger
Districts |
| Crabtree
Falls Trail |
Four overlooks offering spectacular views of the Crabtree Creek
Falls and lovely vistas of the Tye River Valley. A fairly vigorous 1.7
mile hike takes you from the trailhead parking lot on SR 56 up to the
bridge and overlook at the top of the upper falls. The falls include
five major cascades and a number of smaller ones that fall a total of
1200 feet. From the upper falls, the trail follows the creek another
1.2 miles to the Crabtree Meadows parking lot. |
From Buena
Vista, take U.S. 60 east to the Blue Ridge Parkway and then go north
on the Parkway to the Whetstone Ridge Park Ranger Station. At the
Ranger Station turn right and at the stop sign turn left. When that
road ends turn right onto State Route 56 and follow the signs to the
lower parking lot. |
3-mile |
| Old Hotel
Trail |
It winds
through open fields and meadows, along Little Cove Creek, and
intersects with the Appalachian Trail at Cow Camp Gap. A three-sided
Appalachian Trail shelter is located nearby. Hikers can then turn
northeasterly on the AT and hike approximately 2 miles to Hog Camp
Gap. From there it is only a 10 minute hike back to the parking lot on
FDR 48. |
The Hotel
Trail can be accessed from the parking lot for the Henry Lanum Trail.
The trail takes off to the right of the parking lot as you enter from
FDR 48 |
4-mile loop |
| Kennedy
Ridge Trail |
A scenic
trail following a ridge top through mountain laurel and rhododendron.
Excellent views of the
valley below |
The trail can
be reached off FDR 42 (the Coal Road), which is first road east of and
0.1 miles past the Coles Run Dam. The trail can also be accessed from
the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Bald Mountain Overlook near Green Pond
(approximately 3.4 miles from the Parkway). |
3.2 mile |
| Little
Rocky Row Run Trail |
Connects the
AT to SR 501. Opportunity to view plant
succession and reclamation of a burned area |
The beginning
point of the trail is on SR 501 south of Glasgow. The trail is signed
"Bluff Mountain Trail" and begins 2.4 miles south of the junction of
SR 501 and SR 130. |
2.7 mile |
| Henry
Lanum Loop Trail |
Reaches the top of
Pompey Mountain ( 4,032 feet). It follows the ridge toward
the top of Mt. Pleasant (4,021 feet). Provides numerous panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains |
Take SR 634 exit off U.S. 60 at Hamms
Country Store. Follow SR 634 north for about 2 miles to SR 755. Turn
right, and follow SR 755 northeast for 2.2 miles to FDR 48. Follow FDR
48 east to Hog Camp Gap. This trail was formerly called the Pompey/Mt.Pleasant
Loop Trail. |
6.2 mile |
|
|
| Beard's
Mountain Trail |
Offers nice
views of the Cowpasture River Valley and opportunities for viewing the
many species of wildlife at home in the Allegheny Mountains. starts by
crossing a swinging bridge across the Cowpasture River. It winds up
Beard's Mountain and follows the top of the mountain where you can
access Douthat State Park or SR 629 |
From Warm
Springs, take SR 39 east about 12 miles to Millboro Springs. Take SR
42 south 6 miles to SR 626. Turn right on SR 626. It becomes FDR 260
after about .2 mile. Follow FDR 260 about 2 miles to where it ends at
a small parking area. The trail begins there. |
7-mile |
|
Lee Ranger District |
|
Massanutten Trail - Kennedy Peak Trail |
Trail meets SR675 - continue north on orange blazed trail.
It skirts west of Kennedy Peak
then look for a white blazed trail on the right and follow it to
summit of Kennedy Peak, stone base for old fire tower.
Return on the same route |
The trail
begins as a fire road with a gate across it. Park in Camp
Roosevelt picnic area parking lot. Walk back to State Highway 675,
turn left and proceed to orange blazed trail on left |
Option 1:
7.5 Miles - not a circuit hike |
Locate the
orange blazed trail on north side of road.
Trail skirts west of Kennedy Peak and look for a white blazed trail on
the right and follow it to the summit of Kennedy Peak, stone base for
old fire tower. Return on the same route |
From Camp
Roosevelt, drive east on SR675 to ridge top (1.6 miles east). There is
room for several cars to park on either side of the road |
Option
2:
5.2 miles - NOT a circuit hike |
Turn right on
the orange blazed trail and take the white blazed trail to
Kennedy Peak.
To return, come down white blazed trail and turn LEFT on orange blazed
trail. At Highway 675, turn right and reenter the forest on
orange blazed trail. Follow the orange blazed trail back to Camp
Roosevelt. |
From SR 675,
near Camp Roosevelt, the trail begins as a fire road with a gate
across it.
At the Equipment Shed, go straight ahead on the yellow blazed trail |
Option
3:
approximately 9.2 miles - Circuit Hike |
| Massanutten
Trail - Waterfall Mountain Loop Hike |
Descend on the
white-blazed Wildflower Trail to the on the orange and white blazed trail. White
blazes end at picnic area road; turn right on the orange blazesl. Emerge from the
forest in a parking lot on the edge of US 211. Cross US 211, pass a
locked gate, and follow white blazes of the Massanutten Connector
Trail on a gravel forest road. Watch for turn to left onto a wagon
road before the end of the forest road. Follow white blazes across a
wildlife clearing and enter woods. At intersection with orange blazed Massanutten Trail, turn left, climb steep, narrow trail to the ridge,
then turn south along the ridge and bend west to Crisman Hollow Road
(FDR 274), gravel surface. Turn left, follow unblazed road to
the Massanutten Storybook Trail. Follow this short interpretive
trail (unblazed) to its end on a wooden platform with a panoramic view
across the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. Return to Crisman
Hollow Road. Turn left, follow paved part of the road to US 211
near the Visitor Center |
Park at
Massanutten Visitor Center |
8.3 miles -
rugged |
| Massanutten
Trail - Scothorn Gap Loop Hike |
Follow yellow
blazes, cross Passage Creek, then ascend, often steep. At the
intersection with the orange-blazed Massanutten Trail, turn left.
Follow yellow blazes, descend gradually. At intersection with
blue-blazed Gap Creek Trail, turn right, ascend. Grassy area in
the gap. Turn left, ascend on white-blazed trail toward Duncan Knob.
The blazes end at a rocky area. Take note of this area so that you can
find it on return (note stack of large rocks). Follow small piles of
rock and "scramble" to the top for an impressive view. Descend, find
the white-blazed trail, descend. Grassy area again. Turn right,
descend on blue blazed trail and pass the intersection with yellow
blazed trail, remaining on blue blazed trail. Cross bridge over
Passage Creek, and bear left through a camping area (unblazed) to
Crisman Hollow Road. Turn left and follow unblazed dirt road to
Scothorn Gap Trail |
This is a
hike east of Crisman Hollow Road. Drive north from US 211 on Crisman
Hollow Road (FDR 274) for 4.5 miles. Watch for a sign, Scothorn Gap
Trail. Turn off the road and park near the trailhead |
6.8 miles |
| Massanutten
Trail - Signal Knob Trail |
Pass Forest Service cabin to the overlook, toward Buzzard Rock.
Begin 2 miles of
very rocky trail. down Fort Valley. Pass TV transmitter, continue on
yellow blazes. You reach Signal Knob. Overlook, toward
Winchester and
West Virginia border along Great North Mountain.
Leave overlook on orange-blazed trail, descend on
road. Turn left on blue-blazed trail.
Cross creek and
ascend. Ridge of Green Mountain, begin
descent. Ignore
pink and white-blazed trails to your right. Continue straight ahead onto
white-blazed trail,
when blue-blazed trail turns sharp right.
|
From Signal
Knob parking lot on west side of
SR 678, locate yellow-blazed trail at north end of
parking lot.
|
10.6 mile
circuit hike |
|
Clinch Ranger District |
| Appalachian
Trail
Difficult |
Trail to Little Stone Mountain,
where there are views of Appalachia, Virginia and Roaring Branch.
Black Mountain and Kentucky can also be seen.
|
Begin at
stoplight at intersection of US ALT 58 and State Route 68. Turn right
(when coming from Big Stone Gap), cross small bridge then turn right
onto Cold Springs Drive. Trailhead is at the end of Cold Springs
Drive. Trail begins by following old maintenance road along
stream up a hollow for 0.2 miles. |
1.3
miles |
| Austin Gap
Loop Trail
Moderately
Difficult |
Access the Cumberland
Mountain Trail. There are scenic views along trail. A historic trail
that provided access into Kentucky through Austin Gap. |
From Pound,
go north on US 23 for about 1 mile. At State Route 630, turn right,
into Almira. Follow 630 for about 3 miles until you come to the Austin
Cemetery on the right. The trailhead is on the left, and indicated by
blue trail blazes. Park along the road.
Trailhead
is beside State Route 630, and goes northwest. About 3/4 mile up the
trail, the loop begins. You can go in either direction |
4 miles |
| Bark Camp
Loop Trail
Easy |
Trail is
under hardwood/hemlock/rhododendron canopy. Trail intersects with
Chief Benge's Scout Trail. Lake for fishing and boating (electric
motors or paddles only). Campground nearby. Also nearby, picnic area
with universally accessible facilities.
|
Left from
Coeburn, go west on Hwy 58, and turn onto State Road 706 at Tacoma. Go
up the mountain until you come to dumpsters on the left, then turn
onto State Road 699. Go a short distance, then turn right onto State
Road 822, going for about 2 miles, then right again on Forest Service
Road 933. Bark Camp Lake is about a mile down 933. The trail can also
be accessed from the Chief Benge's Scout Trail. At the
boat launch ramp, turn toward the dam, following the foot trail. The
trail will take you across the dam and around the lake and ends in the
Bark Camp Lake parking lot (a loop trail) |
3.7 miles |
| Chief Benge
Scout Trail
Difficult |
The trail starts at High
Knob Observation Tower where the hiker can view 5 states. You can fish Mountain Fork and Little
Stony Creek which are "put and take" trout streams |
The trail has
two trailhead parking lots. The upper trailhead is located off FS 238
at High Knob Observation Tower. It can be reached by taking State
Route 619 south from Norton, Virginia to FS 238. Turn east on FS 238
and go the intersection of the High Knob Tower road approximately 1/4
mile. Follow the High Knob Tower road to the parking lot.
The lower trailhead located off Forest Service Road 701 can be reached
by following State Route 72 south from Coeburn, Virginia, to State
route 664, then turn west on state route 664 for 1 mile to the
intersection of FS 700. Follow FS 700 southeast to its intersection
with Forest Service 701. Turn south on 701 and go 1 mile to the
parking lot. From High Knob Observation Tower follow
signs. Ends at Little Stony National Recreation Trail which continues
3 miles further to Hanging Rock Picnic Area at Dungannon, VA. |
15.7 miles |
| Devils Fork
Trail System
Difficult |
The Devils
Fork Loop Trail is located primarily on an old road that was used long
ago for logging and coal. Once you start up the trail from an old
cultivated area call "Y" Bottom you will cross the stream 10 times,
and will pass a rusting coal car along the way. You will pass many
scenic areas, so stop and enjoy each one. The Devils Bathtub is an
excellent area where the hiker will see the stream racing down a rock
chute, swirl through the tub and race downstream. Continuing up
the trail along the Devils Fork Loop Trail, you will come to a 50 foot
waterfall at the mouth of Corder Hollow. You will also pass through
many hollows and loop on to the Straight Fork Ridge, with its scenic
vistas of surrounding mountains. |
From Fort
Blackmore off of State Route 72, take State Route 691. Follow 619 to
the left at the intersection of 619 and State Route 657. Take Forest
Service road 2631 to the left and bear up the hill to the parking
area. Trailhead off State Route 619. Devils Fork
Loop Trail ends back at the parking lot. Straight Fork Ridge ends on
Forest Service road 237 on top of Little Mountain |
Devils Fork
Loop Trail 7.24 miles
Straight Fork Ridge 1.8 miles |
Cumberland Mountain Trail
Difficult
|
Many scenic
overlooks are located along the trail in the form of natural openings
and large rock outcrops. These overlooks provide views of Virginia and
Kentucky. Viewing is especially spectacular during Fall Foliage. |
Access points to the
trail exist off U.S. 23 at Pound Gap, and State Route 630 in Wise.
Access points in Dickenson County are off Forest Service road 616 and
State route 611. There are at least 7 access points to the trail off
State Routes 630 and 611. Trail begins at Pound Gap, Virginia on
Forest Service Road 201. Trail comes down from Pinnacle Rock to the
Breaks Interstate Park. |
25.7 miles |
| Guest River
Gorge Trail |
This is a picturesque 5.8
mile rail-trail which follows the old Norfolk-Southern Railroad route
once used to haul coal. The trail passes through Swede Tunnel, built
in 1922, and over a number of trestles. This segment of the Guest
River is designated a State Scenic River. |
Take I-81
south to the second Abingdon exit. Take 19 north and follow to 58
west. Stay on 58 west to Coeburn. Take the Dungannon exit (1st Coeburn
exit) and turn left on 72 south. Travel 4 miles, and the trail is on
the left. |
|
Lake Keokee Loop Trail
Easy
|
The trail
around a 92 acre lake is for hiking, fishing and wildlife watching.
Tiger Muskie, Large Mouth Bass, Catfish and Sunfish can be caught. |
From
Appalachia, turn right on Virginia 68. Follow 68 west for 7 miles,
then continue on Virginia 606 for 2 miles to Virginia 623. Turn left
on 623 and follow it south for 1 mile. Turn left at the next
intersection after crossing the railroad tracks. Go about 1 mile to
the lake. Trail begins at the parking lot. The hiker can
go either way along the lake shore trail. |
3.7 miles |
| Laurel Fork
Trail
Difficult |
Primitive
atmosphere for camping and picnicking. Accessible by boat or foot
trail only. Beautiful scenery (small waterfalls, geological
formations, variety of vegetation) and uncrowded conditions. Excellent
base camp to explore upper reaches of Cumberland Mountain using old
roads, logging trams and existing trails.
|
From US 23
turn west on Va 630 near Pound, follow road to Pound Launch Parking
Lot. Trailhead is next to Pound Launch Parking lot. Trail
follows lake shore and stream from parking lot for approximately 1/2
mile, then crosses steep ridge. Trail ends at Laurel Fork Primitive
Campsite. |
1.5 miles |
| Little Stony
National Recreation Trail
Easy |
Scenic Views
of deep gorges 400 and 1700 ft deep. There are 2 waterfalls 30 and 40
feet high. Near the lower trailhead is a large rock outcrop of the
Hunters Valley fault for which the Hanging Rock Picnic Area was named.
The vegetation consists of cove hardwoods and hemlock. Mountain laurel
and Rhododendron are very abundant along the trail. The sheer size of
the canyon and roaring sound of rushing water gives the hiker an
exciting experience |
The trail has two
trailhead parking lots. The upper trailhead located off Forest Service
road 701 can be reached by following State Route 72 south from
Coeburn, Virginia, to State Route 664. Turn west on State Route 664
for 1 mile to the intersection of Forest Service road 700 southeast to
its intersection with Forest Service road 701. Turn south on 701 for 1
mile to the parking lot. The lower trailhead is located in the Hanging
Rock Picnic area parking lot. It is approximately 7 miles south of
Coeburn off State Route 72. From the upper trailhead parking lot
start by following the Little Stony Creek downstream. Trail ends at
the Hanging Rock Picnic Area. |
3.0 miles |
Phillips Creek Loop Trail
Easy |
A self guided
trail that requires only a narrative trail brochure. There are stops
on the trail, the first in a wildlife clearing for deer, turkey and
other wild game. Next you will pass an old homestead, and traces of
the house may still be found. There is a White Pine stand that was
planted in the 1950's. At the next stop is an Eastern Hemlock log to
count the annual rings. Across the creek you can see the remnants of
an old moonshine still. The next stop is a very pretty waterfall along
a high sandstone cliff. Proceed on to an old Indian hunting camp. As
you start down the trail back to the parking lot you will be on an old
railroad grade used in the late 1890's and 1900's to haul logs |
Take US 23 toward Pound, turn west on Va 671. Follow Va 671
5.5. miles to Phillips Creek Recreation Area. Trailhead is on far end
of picnic area. Cross footbridge and follow signs on trail. The picnic
Area is available by reservation only, but hikers may enter on foot
anytime. Trail loops back to beginning.
|
1.3 miles |
| Red Fox Trail
Easy |
Red Fox Trail
is an historical trail, with Interpretive Signs placed at various
locations along the trail telling the story of the Killing Rock and
the Ambush there. The trail is under a canopy of hardwoods, hemlocks
and rhododendron. The trail is in an old wagon roadbed that accessed
Kentucky from Virginia |
From Pound, go north on US 23 for about
1 mile. At US 23 Bypass, go right for about 1 mile until you come to
dumpsters on the right. A gated road goes off to the left across US 23
Bypass; the trailhead is a short distance down that road. Park along
the road, but please do not block the gate. Trailhead is about
300 feet to the left down the gated road; a sign stands at the
beginning of the Red Fox Trail. Trail ends at the Killing Rock.
You will retrace your steps back to the beginning. |
1 mile |
| Stone
Mountain Trail
Difficult |
Many miniature falls
cascade along the solid rock streambed exposing interesting rock
formations. A large rock outcrop where views of the Powell River,
Black Mountain and Kentucky can be seen. Olinger Gap is where the
hiker can take a trail off to the north to Lake Keokee. The lake is
stocked with Tiger Musky, Large Mouth Bass, Catfish and Sunfish. There
are roads within the area of the trail.
|
From Big Stone Gap follow
US 58A west for 2.5 miles. Turn right on VA 621 and follow it 6.1
miles to Cave Spring Recreation Area. The other access is at Roaring
Branch along US 23 between Appalachia and Big Stone Gap. There is
limited trailhead parking at the Roaring Branch end. Starts at
the mouth of Roaring Branch. The hiker must climb a series of stairs.
The trail follows the top of Stone Mountain to its final destination,
Cave Spring Recreation Area. |
14.3 miles |
| Wallen
Ridge Trail
Moderately difficult |
The trail runs
along the top of Wallen Ridge. The trail is under canopy of hardwoods,
with occasional clearings nearby.
|
From Big Stone
Gap, go south on US 23 about 3.1 miles until you come to Forest
Service Road 641 on the right. Go on FS 641 for about 2.7 miles; an
old woods road on the right is the beginning. The old woods road to
the right of FS 641 is the trailhead; go up this road for about 500
yards until it forks. Take the fork to the left to get to the top of
Wallen Ridge. Wallen Ridge Trail can also be accessed from the
west end of Wallen Ridge. From US 23 at Jasper (0.6 mile north of
Lee/Scott County line), go left onto State Route 611 for about 3.8
miles, then go right onto State Route 619 for about 1 mile until you
come to Lovelady Gap. The Trail takes off to the east from there.
The Wallen Ridge Trail ends at Lovelady Gap if you started on Forest
Service road 641. |
6.9 miles |
|
New Castle Ranger District |
| Dragons Tooth Trail
Difficult |
The Dragon's Tooth is a
unique geologic feature located atop Cove Mountain on the
Craig/Roanoke County line. Dragon's Tooth consists of spires of
Tuscarora quartzite which outcrop on the top of Cove Mountain. The
tallest "tooth" projects roughly 35 feet above the surrounding rock.
The trail to Dragon's Tooth ascends steep, rugged outcrops of
quartzite which form the spine of Cove Mountain and North Mountain.
The spine is known as Dragon's Back. A difficult hike, Dragon's Tooth
summit offers magnificent views of nearby and distant peaks
year-round. |
From I-81, Exit 141, take
VA 311 north for 10 miles to Dragons Tooth Parking Lot--sign on left,
just past Catawba Grocery (also on left). Ample parking. Trail ascends
gradually and crosses creek before reaching large hiker signboard.
Same as beginning unless alternate route of return is taken north on
Appalachian Trail and Connector (Boy Scout) Trail |
2.6 miles |
| Fenwick Mines Trail |
Open pit mines and
foundations of old mining structures.
|
Fenwick Mines is in Craig
County, approximately 7 miles northeast of New Castle on VA 685. From
I-81, Exit 141, take VA 311 north to New Castle. Turn right on VA 615
for 5 miles to intersection of VA 611. Turn left and go 1/2 mile to VA
685. Turn right on VA. 685 to Fenwick Mines Recreation Area. Driving
distance from I-81 is 27 miles; estimated driving time is 40 minutes |
1-mile |
| Hoop Hole Trail |
|
From I-81, Exit 150 take
U.S. Highway 220 north past Eagle Rock, at VA 615, turn left and go 8
miles to Hoop Hole Trailhead--roadside signs on right. Ample parking.
Trail leaves parking area and descends short distance to large sign,
with trail information and distances. Loop returns via either Lipes
Branch or Stony Run, both picturesque mountain streams. |
Lower Loop:
4 miles
Total trail:
9 miles |
| North Mountain Trail
Difficult |
Although just under 3,000
ft in elevation, the crest of North Mountain offers good views into
both Catawba and Craig Creek Valleys. McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs
are also visible. There are no facilities on the North Mountain Trail
System. |
North Mountain, off VA
311 in Roanoke, Craig Counties From I-81, Exit 141, take VA 311 north
for 9.8miles to North Mountain Trailhead - sign on right, 300 yards
past Catawba Grocery on left. Limited parking at Trailhead. Trail
ascends steeply for approximately 1 mile to top North Mountain. Trail
intersects with three other trails--Deer, Grouse and Turkey--which
descend to F.S. Road 224. |
North Mountain:
13.2 miles
Deer Trail:
1.6 miles Grouse Trail:
1.5 miles Turkey Trail:
1.7 miles |
| Price Mountain/Sulphur
Ridge Trail
Difficult |
Price Mountain and upper
portion of Sulphur Ridge provide good views of surrounding area,
including Patterson, Bald, Richpatch and Potts Mountains. Mixed
forest, easy creek crossings, generally well-graded trail. There are
no facilities on this loop. |
Craig-Botetourt County
line, VA 606. From I-81, Exit 150, Take U.S. Highway 220 north
to Fincastle. Turn left on VA 606 and go 6.8 miles to Craig County
line and Trailhead. Ample parking off VA 606 just east of trailhead.
To hike trail counter-clockwise ascend steeply on Price Mountain, to
hike clockwise descend on connector trail to Sulphur Ridge Trail.
Loop Trail--Return to beginning point |
4.5 miles |
| Roaring Run Trail |
Roaring Run Trail along
cascading stream to Roaring Run Falls (1 1/2 miles round trip).
Standing pre-civil war iron ore furnace, used for making iron ingots,
stoves and other iron products for the building of America. Roaring
Run Creek for trout fishing. Stream-side picnic sites. Iron Ore Trail
leading to Hoop Hole Trail (2.4 miles). |
Roaring Run Furnace and
Picnic Area are in Botetourt County VA, 8 miles northwest of Eagle
Rock. From I-81, Exit 150, take US Highway 220 north past Eagle
Rock. At VA 615, turn left and go 5.5 miles to VA 621. Turn right onto
VA 621 and go 1 mile to Roaring Run entrance on left. Driving distance
from I-81 is 27.5 miles |
|
|
New River Valley Ranger
District |
| Angels Rest Trail
Difficult |
The Appalachian Trail
ascends the northern end of Pearis Mountain. At the top, the Angels
Rest Trail (a blue-blazed trail) leads 50 yards to view rock, with
views of the New River Valley, Pearisburg, and Peters Mountain on the
left; Butt Mountain at the center right; and Bald Knob at the extreme
right. The trail passes through many thickets of rhododendron and
azalea on top of the mountain. Follow the trail around the edge of
Pearis Mountain to a rock ledge overlooking Wilburn Valley and the
mountains to the east. |
From Blacksburg, follow
VA 460 west to VA 100 at Pearisburg. Turn right onto Johnston Avenue
(Beside the Dairy Queen). Take the next right onto VA 634 (Morris
Avenue) and follow approximately 1/2 mile to where the Appalachian
Trail crosses VA 634. There is limited roadside parking. Total travel
distance: 21 Miles. |
1.5 Miles One Way |
| Audie Murphy Monument
Easy |
the most decorated US
soldier in the World War II died in an airplane crash on the slopes of
Brush Mountain.The Veterans of Foreign Wars have erected a monument to
Audie Murphy's memory on the crash site. The short section of the
Appalachian Trail goes over several peaks and saddles. The blue-blazed
trail behind the monument leads to an overlook with excellent views of
Sinking Creek Valley. |
From Blacksburg, take
Main Street to Mount Tabor Road (Rt 624). Go 12 miles just past Rt
650. Turn left onto a gravel road (FS P188.1). Turn right at the top
of Brush Mountain and continue for 3 miles. Total travel distance: 17
miles. |
1.5 mile Round Trip Loop |
| Johns Creek Mountain
Trail
Easy |
Beginning on VA 601, the
ascent on the Appalachian Trail to the Johns Creek Mountain Trail is a
steady uphill grade for less than half mile. This is the most
difficult section of the trail. At the top of the grade, Johns Creek
Mountain Trail veers off to the east. The trail follows the ridge line
out to VA 658, crossing several peaks and saddles along the way. There
are a number of outcroppings and scenic vistas. The mountain is an
area of abundant wildlife. |
Western
Trailhead: From Blacksburg, take VA 460 west
to VA 42, turn right onto VA 42 and proceed 1 mile. Turn left onto VA
601 and go 7 miles to the intersection of VA 601 and the Appalachian
Trail. Total travel distance: 15.5 miles.
Eastern Trailhead:
From Blacksburg, take VA 460 west to VA 42, turn right onto VA 42 and
proceed 9.5 miles to VA 658. The trailhead is on VA 658 at the crest
of the mountain. Total travel distance: 16 miles. |
4 miles one way
|
| Rice Fields
Difficult |
The Appalachian Trail
ascends Peters Mountain and follows the ridge line. The crest of the
Peters Mountain ridge is the West Virginia-Virginia state line. The
ascent to the ridge is steep and rocky. Once on the ridge the trail
crosses many saddles and peaks featuring sweeping westward views. The
Rice Fields are extensive open pastures with rock outcroppings and are
located on the southern end of Peters Mountain. |
From Blacksburg, follow
Rt 460 west. Cross the New River on Senator Shumate Bridge near the
Celanese industrial site. Turn right on Rt 641 (Stillhouse Branch
Road). There is a small parking lot within one half mile, where the
Appalachian Trail crosses Rt 641. total travel distance: 23 miles. |
5 miles one way |
| Ribble Trail
Moderately Difficult |
Beginning at the upper
trailhead, follow the blue blazes past cabin. The trail begins in
upland hardwoods; a small stream is on the left. the trail crosses
through several white pine groves and rhododendron thickets. This area
is noted for its wide variety of mushrooms in spring and fall. The
trail ends at a red gate on VA 201. This trail can form a loop with
the AT, returning you to your vehicle |
From Blacksburg, follow
VA 460 to Pearisburg. Take VA 100 to VA 42 (10 miles). Follow VA 42
for 10 miles. Turn left on VA 606. Go 1 mile, then turn right onto VA
201, just past a little store. Go 5 miles. The road makes a 90 degree
turn. Lower trail head is at red gate in turn. Upper trail head is
further up VA 201 at the turn off to Honey Springs Cabin. Total travel
distance: 43 miles. |
2 miles one way |
| War Spur and Chestnut
Trails
Easy |
These two trails form a
short loop through a portion of the Mountain Lake Wilderness to War
Spur Overlook. the overlook has an outstanding view of the valleys
below. From the overlook, the War Spur Trail returns through a virgin
hemlock, fir, and spruce stand. |
From Blacksburg, take VA
460 west to VA 700. Follow signs to Mountain Lake. Go 2 miles north,
past Mountain Lake. War Spur and Chestnut Trails are on the right.
Total travel distance: 21 miles |
2.5 mile loop |
| Crawfish and Channel
Rock Trails
Moderate
|
This trail starts in
Crawfish Valley, crosses Bear Creek and climbs to the top of Brushy
Mountain. It follows the ridge line of Brushy Mountain along the
Tennessee Valley along the Tennessee Valley Divide for about 4 miles
until it descends through Channel Rock Hollow back into the Crawfish
Valley and returns to the parking lot. Terrain varies from the creek
bottom land to the dry ridges. There are excellent opportunities to
see wildlife along the trail due to this isolated location. The trail
is blazed with orange diamond shape markers and is open to hikers,
mountain bikers and horse back riders. |
From I-81 Rural Retreat
exit take Rt. 680 north for 2.5 miles to Rt. 625. Follow Rt. 625 for 4
miles to intersection with FS 227. Take FS 227 for 2 miles to gate and
parking. Total travel distance: 9 miles
|
10 miles |
| High Water Trail
Moderate |
The High Water Trail and
a section of the Appalachian Trail combine to form a loop. A half mile
walk on Rt. 615 will return hikers to their starting point. The lower
section of the trail follows the Appalachian Trail up the Little Wolf
Creek drainage. this is a scenic section of trail which crosses the
Creek many times (trail should not be taken during heavy periods of
rain.) The upper section of the loop is a blue blazed section of the
A. T. used during heavy rainy season. This section runs along the top
of Brushy Mountain |
From I-77 in Bland take
Rt. 52 west for 3.25 miles to Rt. 615. Take Rt. 615 north for 2.75
miles to parking lot on left (near road bridge). Take A. T. to west
across Laurel Creek on log bridge. Total travel distance: 6 miles |
6.75 miles |
| Monster Rock Trail
Moderate |
This short trail hike
leaves Walker Mountain Lookout parking lot and leads to a large rock
outcrop. Monster Rock is an outstanding vista of the Stony Fork
watershed which includes beautiful Bland County farm scapes and
historic Garden Mountain to the north. It is a nice side trip of the
Big Walker Mountain Scenic Byway. The parking lot for Monster Rock is
across from the entrance road to Big Bend Picnic Area. A drive down
this road lends visitors equally beautiful views in the opposite
direction from those seen at Monster Rock |
From
Wythville follow Rt. 52 north for 13 miles to the crest of Walker
Mountain. Parking for Monster Rock is at the Walker Mountain Lookout
Tower. Total travel distance: 13 miles
|
0.75 mile |
Polecat Trail
Moderate |
The Polecat Trail is
marked with orange diamond shaped blazes. It is open to hikers and
mountain bikers. No horses are permitted. This trail lies in the Peak
Creek drainage basin and provides good hunter access to Walker
Mountain. Polecat Trail ties into Tract Fork Trail on Little Walker
Mountain. Parking for the trail is along FS 707. |
From
Wythville take Rt. 603 for 4 miles. Turn onto Rt. 600 east follow 7
miles to FS 707. Take FS 707 east for 2.75 miles to trail hiker sign
along south side of road. Trail is on north side of road. Total travel
distance: 14 miles
|
1.5 miles |
Seven Sisters Trail
Moderate
|
Seven Sisters Trail
terminates inside of Stony Fork Campground. Trail users must park
outside the Campground (fee area) and access the trail from Stony Fork
Nature Trail (located within the campground), or use the parking lot
at the east end of trail. Car shuttle or road walking distance is 2.5
miles between termini. Seven Sisters trail is known for its variety of
terrain. Vegetation changes from the creek bottom with giant old
growth white pines and rhododendron to hardwood forest at the top of
the ridge. Good views are plentiful during leaf off season. |
From Wythville take
Interstate 77 north for about 6 miles to Exit 47. Turn left onto Rt.
717 west. Go about 1.25 miles to the trailhead parking lot. Trail
pickup point is at Stony Fork Campground 2.5 miles west of the
trailhead parking lot. Total travel distance: 7 miles |
4.8 miles |
Trail Boss Trail
Moderate
|
The Trail Boss Trailand a
section of the Appalachian Trail combine to form a loop. A short road
walk on Rt 615 will return hikers to their starting point. Vegetation
on the trail varies. A portion of the trail includes a bridge crossing
and a walk along a free flowing boulder strewn stream. The trail
continues through the hardwood vegetation of Brushy Mountain's upper
dry ridges. The A. T. section of the trail is blazed in white and the
Trail Boss section is blazed in blue. |
From
I-77 in Bland take Rt. 52 west for 3.25 miles to Rt. 615. Take Rt. 615
north for 2.75 miles to parking lot on left (near road bridge). Trail
is on the east side of Rt. 615 a short distance from parking lot.
Total travel distance: 6 miles
|
3 miles |
Tract Fork Trail
Easy
|
Tract Fork Trail is a
nice wide trail along Tract Fork Creek. There are parking lots on both
ends of the trail. One is on Little Walker Mountain and the other is
on Tract Mountain. This trail is open to horse back riding, mountain
bikers and hikers and provides good hunting access. Yellow diamond
shaped markers blaze the trail. Polecat trail intersects Tract Fork
approximately one mile from the eastern parking lot. |
From Pulaski:
Take Rt.
738 north for 4 miles to Rt. 641. Follow Rt. 641 for 2.5 miles to its
end. Follow FS 692 for 1.5 miles until it too ends. This is the Tract
Fork trail head. Total travel distance: 8 miles
From Wytheville:
Take Rt. 603 from 4 miles to Rt. 600.
Follow Rt. 600 east for 9 miles to the top of the mountain and the
parking lot for the trail. Total travel distance: 13 miles
|
4 miles |
