Blue Suck Run Trail
Posted by Chris | Filed under Western Virginia
Total Distance:
1.7 miles
Location/Directions:
Blue Suck Run Trail is located south of Longdale Recreation Area. From I-64 take the Longdale Furnace exit #35 and head west on U.S. Route 60. Turn left into the Longdale Recreation Area. Parking is available in the last parking area as you enter the recreation area during the summer.
Difficulty:
Moderately Difficult
Finding the Trailhead: The trail begins at the southern most gate in the recreation area.
The Hike:
Blue Suck Run Trail is a moderately difficult hike with many easy stream crossings. The trail begins at the back gate in the recreation area and follows Blue Suck Branch upstream to FDR 271A. The trail is an old roadbed that gains altitude as it approaches FDR 271A and has a grassy tread. At 0.25 mile it intersects Yaccr’s Run Trail which is a loop trail from the recreation area.
At 0.50 mile is the largest stream crossing on the trail. During the spring when the water is up, it may be difficult to cross without getting wet.
The first 0.5 mile is pretty flat and open. Once past the first stream crossing, there are steep ridges on either side of the trail. Hiking in this drain, there are no views of the landscape. However, there are sign of turkey and deer as well as a wide variety of wildflowers along the trail. The Rhododendron is thick in places along the steam sides and with the wildflowers should provide for a spectacular springtime show. This would be a good hike for the family visiting Longdale Recreation Area especially on hot summer days.
If a longer hike is desired, on the return trip to the recreation area, you can turn left or right onto Yaccr’s Run trail. This trail is well marked with gray plastic diamonds and loops around to return to the recreation area. It is a well maintained trail and is also moderately difficult.
Londale Recreation Area is open Memorial Day through Labor Day. There is a $2.00 parking fee for vehicles in the recreation area. If the area is closed, parking is also available at the intersection of FDR 271 and FDR 271A. The trail can then be accessed by following FDR 271A to the intersections with Blue Suck Run Trail.
