Fore Mountain Trail
Posted by Chris | Filed under Trail Information, Western Virginia
Description: Fore Mountain trail is a scenic 13 mile hike in northern Alleghany County. Leaving Covington it rises to the top of Fore Mountain in a series of switchbacks. The hike to the ridge top is steep but during leaf off it offers some great views of the Covington Area.
Total Distance: 1.3 miles
Location/Directions: Fore Mountain Trial is located on Fore Mountain northeast of Covington in Alleghany County. From I-64 take exit 16 and turn east on route 1104. Turn left just before the Western Sizzlin onto Smokey Bear Lane. Follow this road 0.1 miles to the trailhead.
Difficulty: Most Difficult
Finding the Trailhead: Parking is available at the end of the trail head on Smokey Bear Lane in Covington, and on SR 606 North of Clifton Forge about 1/10 mile west of FDR 587 (the access road for the Clifton Forge Reservoir). Additional parking along FDR 587. The trail begins near the end of Smokey Bear Lane and ends at the Alleghany/Bath County Line. However, a trail continues from there into Douthat State Park on the Warm Springs Ranger District.
The Hike: Once at the top, the trail runs the length of Fore Mountain. It switches from one side of the ridge to the other several times on the journey east. There are many clearings and ponds along the trail that offer good views and peaceful resting spots. Each of the clearings offers something different for the hiker to enjoy. Some are open and sunny with views of the north and south, while others are shady and cool with limited views during leaf off. Most of these clearings would make good campsites as long as they were kept away from the ponds and a leave no trace ethic was practiced. This section also intersects the Dry Run trail at mile 6. Dry Run Trail is also known as Skyline Trail and there may still be old signs at the intersection with Skyline written on them.
After leaving the last wildlife clearing on the northeast end of Fore Mountain the trail turns right and winds down the side of the mountain in a series of long and fairly steep switchbacks. The trail intersects FDR 337, about a mile or so, the hungry hiker will find red raspberries and blackberries ready to be picked and eaten seasonally.
From FDR 337 the trail again follows a series of switchbacks to an intermittent stream and eventually to State Route 606. You have now hiked ten miles. The last three miles to the top of the Pine Spur Ridge is a pleasant hike. Cross Smith Creek and hike up the long switchbacks with some beautiful views of McGraw Hollow, Big Luck Hollow, and Clifton Forge area. The Alleghany/Bath County line is only a few hundred yards past the ridge top. This is the end of the Fore Mountain Trail, but the path continues on as Middle Mountain Trail to Douthat Lake in Douthat State Park. After about one mile turn right into the park on the trail that will lead you to the lake and campground. From the county line to Douthat is approximately five miles.
Overall this trail is in pretty good condition. There are a couple trouble spots where tread is partially washed out and trees block the trail, but the hike offers great views and some good wildlife viewing opportunities. Since this is a thirteen mile hike that can be extended to eighteen by hiking to Douthat State Park, it is recommended to be a two day hike. If you plan to hike it in one day it will take ten to twelve hours to complete.
