Alleghany Highlands Trails

HIKING, BIKING AND RIDING TRAILS in the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia

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Pack a lunch.

It’s time to hit the trail.

If you’re ready for some hiking on peaceful wooded trails with mountain views, you’ll find plenty of options in the Alleghany Highlands. If you’d prefer to explore the mountains on two wheels, our region is famous for having some of the best mountain biking trails in Virginia. If you enjoy trail riding on horseback, it’s time to saddle up. Soon, the downtown districts will feature walking trails that offer a glimpse of the region’s historic sites. Over 100 miles of trails are waiting to be explored.

THIS IS YOUR GUIDE TO HIKING, BIKING AND RIDING TRAILS IN THE ALLEGHANY HIGHLANDS OF VIRGINIA.

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7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Visiting the Alleghany Highlands Douthat State Park Trails Lake Moomaw Trails: Fortney Loop Trail and Kelly Bridge Trail Lake Moomaw Trails: Morris Hill Trail and Oliver Mountain Trail Allegheny Trail Jackson River Scenic Trail Fore Mountain Trail Hazel Run / Fairmont Park / Lovers Walk Trails Smith Creek Trail Trails located near Exit 1: Jerry’s Run Trail and McAllister Fields Trail Longdale Recreation Area Trails: Anthony Knob Trail, Blue Suck Run Trail and Yaccr’s Run Trail North Mountain Scenic Byway: Cock’s Comb Trail, North Mountain Trail and North Mountain Overlook Trail Dry Run Trail Eastern National Children’s Forest Trail Rich Hole Wilderness Trail White Rock Tower Trail

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The Alleghany Highlands has a well-deserved reputation as a playground for serious outdoor enthusiasts. Rivers and lakes lure paddlers and anglers. Scenic drives and accessible parks bring out birdwatchers and wildlife viewers. Many miles of challenging trails draw hikers, bikers and horseback riders from all over. Perhaps the best part is that when the day is done and the sun dips behind the mountains, you can unwind in one of our two downtown districts and enjoy great food and hospitality. It’s uniquely Alleghany.

Alleghany Highlands Trails

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DOUTHAT STATE PARK TRAILS Brown Hollow Connector Trail Salt Stump Trail (2.43mi)

Sandy Gap Trail (3.1mi)

Middle Hollow

Pine Tree

(.78mi)

(1.06mi)

Middle Mountain Trail (1.77mi)

Laurel View (1.48mi)

Sandy Gap Trail

Tuscarora Overlook

(3.1mi)

(1mi)

Huff’s Trail

(1.08mi) Waterfall

Blue Suck Falls Trail (3.01mi)

Tobacco House Ridge (.79mi)

Locust Gap Trail (1.45mi)

Beard’s Gap Hollow Trail (.96mi)

Stony Run Trail

Stony Run Trail

(4.2mi)

(4.2mi)

Waterfall

FORES

T SER

VICE B

OUND

DOUT

ARY

HAT B

Douthat State Park Road

OUND

ARY

Douthat Connector Trail (1.5mi)

Flat Run Trail (2.52mi)

Fore Mountain Trail (14.3mi)

McGraw Loop (6.1mi)

McGraw Shortcut (.4mi)

Whispering Pines Campground

McGraw Horse Trail (5.6 mi)

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Backway Hollow (.88mi)

Beaver Dam Campground

Guest Lodge Trail (.64mi)

Douthat State Park Road

Ross Camp Trail (.83mi)

Lakeside Campground

at

th

u Do

Mountain Top Trail (2.4mi)

Heron Run Trail (.73mi)

e ak

L

Mountain Side Trail (1.23mi)

Buck Lick Trail (.28mi)

YCC Trail (.73mi)

TRAIL DIFFICULTY:

Wilson Creek Trail

Easy

(1.51mi)

Moderate

Buck Hollow Trail White Oak Campground Park Office

(1.41mi)

Difficult

Campground Beard’s Gap Trail

Scenic Overlook

(1.21mi)

Parking Alleghany Highlands Multi-use, Equestrian State Trail (shares 6mi of Park Trail System)

Brushy Hollow Trail (3.72mi)

0

1

MILES

Douthat State Park is one of the original six Virginia State Parks that opened in June of 1936. The park has over 40 miles of wooded trails ranging from easy to difficult, including some of the best mountain biking terrain in the State of Virginia.

In addition to great hiking, biking and horseback riding, Douthat State Park features a 50-acre lake for swimming, boating and seasonal trout fishing. Cabins and campsites are available, including equestrian camping with 14 covered stalls, equipment and features for horse owners. www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/dou.shtml phone: 540-862-8100

DIRECTIONS: From Interstate 64 and Interstate 81 North of Lexington: Follow I-81 south to exit 56 and exit 191 onto I-64 west (signed, Clifton Forge). Follow I-64 west to exit 27, turn right onto Route 629. The park entrance is four miles farther; guest registration is another two miles. Register at the green-roofed building on the right.

Alleghany Highlands Trails

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LAKE MOOMAW TRAILS

Gathright Dam is an earthen structure that backs up the Jackson River to form Lake Moomaw. This scenic lake has 43 miles of wooded, undeveloped shoreline and spectacular views of the surrounding Allegheny Mountains. Lake Moomaw has several camping areas including tent and RV sites, group campsites and primitive sites accessible only by foot or boat. www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/waterbodies/display.asp?id=88

DIRECTIONS: From Covington, Rt 60 West (4mi); Right on Rt 600 (9.5mi)

FORTNEY LOOP TRAIL This 3.1 mile trail descends about 200 feet to Lake Moomaw.

Accessing the trail from the Morris Hill Campground, the scenic trail winds its way through picturesque coniferous and deciduous forest. Once you reach an old road bed near the lake shore, remanence of a fire still grip the southern side of the trail as it leaves the lake and begins to climb. www.mountaintravelguide.com/Hiking%20Trails/virginia/ alleghany/FortneyLoopTrail.htm

DIRECTIONS: Fortney Loop Trail is adjacent to the Morris Hill Campground, north of Covington. From I-64 take Route 220 north, turn left onto Route 687. Turn left onto Route 641, Indian Draft Road, and continue as Route 641 becomes Route 666. At the Lake Moomaw Recreation Area entrance, turn right onto Route 605 to the Morris Hill Campground, on your left. Fortney Loop Trail is accessible from two points in the campground - the dump station, and the south end of the main campground loop road at campsite 33.

KELLY BRIDGE TRAIL

Kelly Bridge Trail begins in the parking lot next to the boat launching ramp on Coles Point. This 0.3 mile trail leads to the universally accessible Kelly Bridge fishing pier. The tread is poured concrete, about 50 inches wide, and is accessible to wheelchairs.

The fishing pier is a wheelchair accessible fishing platform and is the only one of its kind in the Alleghany Highlands area. www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recreation/hiking/ recarea/?recid=78568&actid=50

DIRECTIONS: Take exit 16A or 16B to Route 220. Travel north on Hwy 220 for 5.6 miles and turn left onto SR 687. Go 3.2 miles and turn left onto SR 641/666 north for 4.2. At the three-way intersection, turn right onto SR 605 and follow it to the Coles Mountain Beach Area.

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Sugar Hollow Trail (1.7mi)

Moomaw Road

Bolar Loop Trail (2.1mi)

Bolar Mountain Campground 1 Sugar Ridge Campground

Roadside Trail (1.6mi)

Bolar Mountain Campground 2 Bolar Mountain Campground 3

Greenwood Point Trail

Greenwood Point Primitive Campground

(2.9mi)

BATH COUNTY ALLEGHANY COUNTY Gathright Dam

Cole Trail

Kelly Bridge Trail

(1.8mi)

(0.3mi)

Lake Moomaw

Morris Hill Trail

(1.0mi - bicycles permitted)

TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Morris Hill Campground

Easy Moderate Difficult

Campground Fortney LoopTrail

(3.1mi - bicycles permitted)

Parking

Alleghany Highlands Trails

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LAKE MOOMAW TRAILS

MORRIS HILL BIKE TRAIL This 1.0 mile trail that runs along the west side of the campground is suitable for casual strolls and easy mountain biking. There is nearly no elevation change. The trail continues straight ahead following a grassy cut through the forest to a brief access drive for a service building. At this access, you may turn right and head back to the camping area or turn left to the overflow camping area paved road. Turn left to the Visitor Center and a walkway down to an overlook of the dam with seating. The views of fjord-like Lake Moomaw and the massive earth-fill dam are impressive. A good idea of the depth of the lake can be seen from looking downstream at the clear, rockstrewn Jackson River. www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recreation/hiking/ recarea/?recid=78546&actid=50

DIRECTIONS: From I-64, take exit 16A or 16B to Highway 220. Go north on Highway 220 for 5.6 miles and turn left onto State Route 687.

Go 3.2 miles and turn left onto State Route 641/666. Travel north for 4.2 miles until you reach a three-way intersection. Turn right onto State Route 605 and follow it to the Morris Hill Campground.

OLIVER MOUNTAIN TRAIL From Fortney Branch boat launch, this 3.3 mile trail winds along the side of Fortney Branch drainage before ascending up a ridge and crossing FDR 192. Continuing past FDR 192, breathtaking views can be found of Lake Moomaw and Gathright Dam. www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recreation/hiking/ recarea/?recid=78576&actid=50

DIRECTIONS: From I-64, take exit 16A or 16B to Route 220. Travel north on Highway 220 for 5.6 miles and turn left onto SR 687. Go 3.2 miles and turn left onto SR 641/666 north for 4.2 miles. At the three-way intersection, turn right onto SR 605 and go straight to the stop sign.

Turn right into Fortney Boat Launch area.

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ALLEGHENY TRAIL

The Allegheny Trail is a 300 mile adventure for long distance hikers. It runs from the Mason-Dixon Line at the border of West Virginia and Pennsylvania to the Appalachian Trail in Pearisburg, Virginia, south of the Alleghany Highlands. The trail is broken into four sections with some gaps in between as trail construction continues. Twelve miles of the Allegheny Trail pass through the Alleghany Highlands. www.virginia.org/Listings/OutdoorsAndSports/ AlleghenyTrailhead/

DIRECTIONS: The Allegheny Trailhead can be reached by exiting I-64 at Exit 1 to Jerry’s Run.

PENNSYLVANIA

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Allegheny Trail

WEST VIRGINIA

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VIRGINIA SECTION 4

Allegheny Trail

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64

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ENTIRE TRAIL

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Lake Moomaw

Jackson River

64

60

Covington

TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Easy Moderate ALLEGHENY TRAIL SECTION 4

Difficult

Alleghany Highlands Trails

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JACKSON RIVER SCENIC TRAIL

With a trailhead located just minutes from downtown Covington, the Jackson River Scenic Trail has a surface of finely crushed gravel and is well-suited for family rides and hikes. The 14.4 mile trail is built on an old railroad bed that runs mostly parallel to the Jackson River. Restrooms are available at the Intervale, Smith Bridge and Natural Well Trailheads. www.jacksonrivertrail.com

DIRECTIONS: Intervale Trailhead: From I-64, take Exit 16A towards Covington onto US-60W/220N (Madison St.), follow 220N for 4.2 miles and turn left onto Dressler Dr. The trailhead is located immediately on your left.

Petticoat Junction Trailhead: From I-64, take Exit 16A towards Covington onto US-60W/220N (Madison St.), follow 220N for 5.2 miles and turn left onto Jackson River Rd/State Route 687. Follow Jackson RIver Road for .9 mile. The trailhead will be on your left.

Smith Bridge Trailhead: From I-64, take Exit 16A towards Covington onto US- 60W/220N (Madison St.), follow 220N for 5.2 miles and turn left onto Jackson River Rd/State Route 687. Follow Jackson RIver Road for 4.7 miles. Turn right onto N. Smith Bridge Rd/State Route 721. Follow N. Smith Bridge Rd for 0.6 miles. The trailhead will be on your left.

Natural Well Trailhead: From I-64, take exit 16A towards Covington onto US-60W/220N (Madison St.), follow 220N for 5.2 miles and turn left onto Jackson River Road/State Route 687. Follow Jackson River Road for 8.4 miles. The trailhead will be on your left.

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Cedar Creek Proposed

Coles Mountain Road

605

Cedar Creek

687

Turn Around Picnic Area

Lake Moomaw

TY UN TY CO UN TH CO BA NY HA LEG AL

Approximately 3.0 miles from Natural Well to Turn Around

Natural Well

687

Jackson River Jackson River Road Approximately 3.5 miles from Smith Bridge to Natural Well Trailhead

Smith Bridge Road

721

Smith Bridge

640 Falls Road Indian Draft Road

Jackson River Scenic Trail

641

Approximately 5.2 miles from Petticoat Junction to Smith Bridge Trailhead

687

Hot Springs Road

Petticoat Junction

Approximately 2 miles from Intervale to Petticoat Junction Trailhead

TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Easy Moderate Difficult

Intervale

Trailhead

Approximately .7 miles from Dry Run Connection to Intervale Trailhead

Proposed

Dry Run Connection

Restroom

East Overholt Street (Connects to Covington Sidewalk System)

UNTY

ALLEGHANY CO ton City of Coving

0 miles

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2

FORE MOUNTAIN TRAIL

Fore Mountain Trail travels near the highest point in the Allegheny Mountains, passing through upland hardwoods and pines that are typical of high elevation forests. The trail head is conveniently located within a mile of the James River Ranger District Office for the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. This remote 14.3 mile trail features a variety of wildlife, and ties into Middle Mountain Trail in Douthat State Park. Elevation 1200-3000 ft www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recreation/otheractivities/ recarea/?recid=79382&actid=50 phone: 540-962-2214

DIRECTIONS: Interstate 64 Exit 16 Covington to Valley Ridge Rd., left on Smokey Bear Lane at Western Sizzlin Restaurant and Knight’s Court Motel.

Watch for designated parking. National Forest Maps available at the District Office ($).

Parking

BATH C OUNTY ALLEG HANY C OUNTY

TRAIL DIFFICULTY:

To Douthat State Park

Easy Moderate Difficult

Fore Mountain Trail (14.3mi)

Clifton Forge

Low Moor

64

Covington

10

60

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HAZEL RUN / FAIRMONT PARK / LOVERS WALK TRAILS

Hazel Run Trail starts in Booker T. Washington Park and extends to Richmond Avenue. Fairmont Park Trail branches off Hazel Run Trail and extends to Madison Avenue and provides access to Linden Park. Lovers Walk Trail runs parallel to Prospect Walk.

DIRECTIONS: From I-64 Exit 27, take Route 60 West into Clifton Forge. Hazel Run is accessed by entering Booker T. Washington Park. The trailhead is at the north end of the park. From I-64 headed east, take Exit 24 and head east on Route 60 East towards Clifton Forge. Booker T. Washington Park is located past A Street on the North side of Main Street (Route 60).

To access Lovers Walk: From Route 60, turn onto Jefferson Avenue and the trail is approximately 3 blocks ahead on the right.

Ingalls St. . d St mon Rich

Benton St.

Acacia Ave.

Linden Park

Madiso n Ave.

Dougla s St.

Jeers on Ave

t. sS all Ing

Hazel Run Trail (.7mi)

Fairmont Park Trail

Pine St. Church St.

Clifton Forge

Pala ce B lvd.

Prospe ct Walk

Lovers

Walk T ra

il

60

Booker T. Washington Park

A St.

St. Main

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60

220

Jackson River

Alleghany Highlands Trails

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SMITH CREEK TRAIL

Smith Creek Trail starts at 518 Church Street across the pedestrian bridge at Pine Street through the “Jungle” to Lowell Street. These are the first two segments of the Smith Creek Trail. This is a multi-use trail.

DIRECTIONS: From I 64 Exit 27, take Route 60 West into Clifton Forge for 2.12 miles and turn right (north) onto Jefferson Avenue (0.7 miles) and then turn left onto Church Street. Parking is available along the road on Church Street. Access the trailhead beside the Clifton Forge School of the Arts.

From I-64 headed east, take exit 24 and head east on Route 60 towards Clifton Forge. Turn left onto Jefferson Avenue and then left onto Church Street. Parking is available along the road on Church Street. Access the trailhead beside the Clifton Forge School of the Arts.

Parking

Vulcan Ave

e St Oliv

TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Easy Jeffers on Ave

Difficult

Hig h St

McCormick Blvd

Blvd Palace

t ll S we Lo

Lafayette St

Oak St Moderate

Commercial Ave

Howard St

Smith Creek Trail

The “Jungle”

Prospect Walk

C St

Pine St

D St

Pedest ri Bridg an e

Jeffers on Ave

Pine S t

Church St

St. ury

St ick sw Ke

t yS ) wa ail ge Tr Rid dland i (M

60 Main St

60

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888-430-5786

TRAILS LOCATED NEAR EXIT 1 JERRY’S RUN TRAIL The 3.0 mile trail follows Jerry’s Run, crossing it at least eight times. The first 1.3 miles is a four-wheel drive road. After that, the trail is not drivable. Some impressive rock formations along the way make this an enjoyable and not too strenuous hike. www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recreation/otheractivities/ recarea/?recid=79388&actid=50

DIRECTIONS: From I-64, take exit 1. At the end of the exit ramp, travel south for approximately 1.09 miles to the trailhead parking area on the right.

McALLISTER FIELDS TRAIL McAllister Fields Trail begins at a Forest Service gate on top of Brushy Mountain. The 1.6 mile trail is not blazed but is easy to follow along an old roadbed. The trail heads toward a knob, passing through several old clearcuts, and offering views of the valleys to the east and west. The eastern side of the mountain is very steep in places, and offers unobstructed views of Peter’s Mountain and the valley below. www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recreation/otheractivities/ recarea/?recid=79380&actid=50

DIRECTIONS: From I-64, take exit 1. At the end of the exit ramp, travel south for approximately 1.09 miles to the trailhead parking area on the right. Continue on FR 69 past the gate for 2.08 miles. The trailhead is on the right.

Alleghany Highlands Trails

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LONGDALE RECREATION AREA TRAILS ANTHONY KNOB TRAIL This 4.7 mile loop begins and ends at the Longdale Furnace Recreation Area. As the trail climbs in elevation towards Anthony Knob, it offers nice views of North Mountain and McKinney’s Hollow. www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recreation/hiking/ recarea/?recid=78567&actid=50

DIRECTIONS: From I-64, take exit 35 and go west on SR 269 for approximately 2.1 miles. Turn left into Longdale Recreation Area and continue to the last parking area on the right.

BLUE SUCK RUN TRAIL Blue Suck Run Trail is a pleasant and popular 1.4 mile hike that begins at the southern gate in Longdale Recreation Area.

There are lots of stream crossings and abundant wildflowers along the trail. The rhododendron is thick in places which provides for a spectacular springtime show. www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recreation/otheractivities/ recarea/?recid=79389&actid=50

DIRECTIONS: From I-64, take exit 35 and go west on SR 269 for approximately 2.1 miles. Turn left into Longdale Recreation Area and continue to the last parking area on the right.

YACCR’S RUN TRAIL Yaccr’s Run Trail is a moderate 3.0 mile hike with stream crossings and some short steep climbs. This trail winds around the Longdale Recreation Area in the hollows and on the small ridge tops. Rhododendron, wildflowers, and other moist site species are visible in the hollows, while yellow pines and scarlet oaks are abundant on the ridges. www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recreation/otheractivities/ recarea/?recid=79387&actid=50

DIRECTIONS: From I-64, take exit 35 and travel west on SR 269 for approximately 2.1 miles. Turn left into Longdale Recreation Area and continue to the last parking area on the right.

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NORTH MOUNTAIN SCENIC BYWAY COCK’S COMB TRAIL This 0.3 mile out-and-back trail leads to a rock outcropping that offers great views of the surrounding mountains. www.trailheadfinder.com/trail_editor/show/74

DIRECTIONS: From I-64, take exit 35 and go west on SR 269 for approximately 2.1 miles. Turn left into Longdale Recreation Area and continue to the last parking area on the right.

NORTH MOUNTAIN TRAIL North Mountain Trail from the beginning at Tri-County Rd. travels about 8.6 miles through terrain that varies in elevation from 1,700 to 3,200 feet. The trail winds by streams, around rocky ledges and through dense forests. A panoramic view of Lake Robertson and the Lexington area, appears about 8 miles from the trail head. Elevation 1700-3200 ft www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recreation/hiking/ recarea/?recid=78574&actid=50

DIRECTIONS: Interstate 64 Exit 35 west on Rt. 269 to Tri-County Rd. Trail Head. A second entrance to North Mt. Trail: I-64 Exit 35 west on Rt. 269 to Rt. 770. Parking and trail access at the intersection of Rt. 770 & FDR.

NORTH MOUNTAIN OVERLOOK TRAIL This accessible trail is .11 miles. Reaching an elevation of approximately 3,085 feet, it leads to a stone overlook with a beautiful view of Rockbridge County and Lake Robertson.

DIRECTIONS: From I-64, take the Longdale Furnace exit 35, and travel south .34 miles to State Route 770. Turn left and go 4.1 miles to the top of the mountain. Turn left and travel .85 miles to the parking lot on the right.

TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Easy Moderate Difficult

Alleghany Highlands Trails

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DRY RUN TRAIL This 10.7 mile trail has access at both ends and can be hiked in either direction. The trail crosses Dry Run twice and both crossings are fairly easy. The trail offers great views of Big Knob and Bald Knob, the two highest points in the Allegheny Mountains. www.virginia.org/Listings/OutdoorsAndSports/ DryRunTrailhead/

DIRECTIONS: From Covington: W Riverside St; Bear right onto Hickory St; Road name changes to E Hickory St; Turn left onto N Greenbrier Ave.; Turn right onto E Cypress St.; Bear right onto E Cypress St.; Arrive at Dry Run Trailhead. The trail can also be reached from FDR 125 near its intersection with the Fore Mountain Trail.

EASTERN NATIONAL CHILDREN’S FOREST TRAIL The Eastern National Children’s Forest is a unique site with an interesting history. After a wildfire burned 1176 acres in 1971, over 1,000 children converged on the site and planted trees. A monument remains with the names of the participating children and a time capsule to be opened in 2072. An easy 0.3 mile hike through the area is perfect for children or anyone seeking a short walk in the woods. www.virginia.org/Listings/OutdoorsAndSports/ EasternNationalChildrensForest/

DIRECTIONS: Children’s Forest Trail is located in the National Children’s Forest off FDR 351. From Covington take State Route 18 South eight miles. Turn left on to Route 613. Follow 613 to end and turn right on FDR 3511. The trailhead is on the left behind the Children’s Forest Monument Area.

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RICH HOLE WILDERNESS TRAIL The 5.9 mile trail leads to the top of Brushy Mountain and is steep and rocky in places. Within one mile of the trailhead there is an overlook on the left that offers a great view of North Mountain and the valley below. A little further up the trail there is a view of a deep gully with Brushy Mountain in the background. There are many rock outcroppings and jagged boulders on this route to the top of Brushy Mountain. This is the place for some great pictures, so bring your camera.

Wilderness areas are designated by Congress to preserve the natural character of an area. They are areas where the earth and community of life are untrammeled by people; where people are visitors who do not remain. Motorized equipment and mechanical transport are not allowed in wilderness areas, and group size is limited to ten people. www.virginia.org/Listings/OutdoorsAndSports/ RichHoleWilderness

DIRECTIONS: Rich Hole Trail is located in the Rich Hole Wilderness Area in eastern Alleghany County. Take the Longdale Furnace exit and go east on U.S. Route 60. Turn left onto FDR 108 and continue to the parking area or continue east on U.S. Route 60 to Rich Hole parking area on the left.

WHITE ROCK TOWER TRAIL This 6.1 mile trail leads to the top of Mill Mountain and passes through several switch backs. It is steep and rocky in places with an occasional boulder along the way. At the top of the ridge is the old White Rock Tower site. The fire tower is gone now but the concrete foundation is still visible and there is an abandoned building and storage tank on the site. The trail turns southwest and follows the ridge, and eventually winds down to FR 333 in a series of switchbacks and steep stairs. In places rock cliffs are visible just off the trail. www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recreation/hiking/ recarea/?recid=78573&actid=50

DIRECTIONS: From I-64, take the Longdale Furnace exit 35 and travel north 1.46 miles to FR 108. Turn Left and go 1 mile and turn right. Parking is approximately 0.32 miles ahead.

TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Easy Moderate Difficult

Alleghany Highlands Trails

17

HIKING, BIKING AND RIDING TRAILS in the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia

HELPFUL TIPS TO STAY SAFE ON THE TRAILS • Be prepared before heading out on the trail. Cell phone service may be limited in remote areas of the Alleghany Highlands.

• Have plenty of food and water. Dehydration can occur in any kind of weather.

• Carry a first aid kit with materials to treat minor cuts, bug bites and stings, sprained ankles and other common injuries.

• Always let someone else know your planned itinerary and when you expect to be back.

• Know the terrain you’ll encounter. This is especially important when hiking, biking or riding with kids.

• Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Check the latest forecast and be prepared for any possible weather situation.

• Practice Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment. More information can be found at www.lnt.org

In case of emergency anywhere in the Alleghany Highlands, call 9-1-1. For more information about hiking, biking, riding and camping in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, contact the James River Ranger District: 540-962-2214.

www.alleghanyhighlandstrails.com Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism visitalleghanyhighlands.com · 540-962-2178 · 888-430-5786 110 Mall Road · Covington, VA 24426

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Hiking photos courtesy of Bill Crabtree Jr., Virginia Tourism Corporation