Archive for the ‘Western Virginia’ Category
White Rock Tower Trail
Posted by Chris | Filed under Western Virginia
Description: A great ridge top hike that can be considered strenuous but enjoyable for the views.
Total Distance: 6.5 miles
Location/Directions: White Rock Tower Trail is located on Mill Mountain in eastern Alleghany County. Take the Longdale Furnace Exit and go East on U.S. Route 60. Turn left on FDR 333 and continue to parking area or continue east on U.S. Route 60 and turn left on FDR 108 and continue to parking area.
Difficulty:
More Difficult
Finding the Trailhead:
Parking is available on FDR 333 at the second gate from April 1 to January 5 or on FDR 108 on the southern edge of the wilderness area. The trail begins at the parking area on FDR 108.
The Hike:
The trail begins in the parking area on FDR 108 and heads northwest along the southern boundary of the Rich Hole Wilderness Area. The 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 none but the concrete foundation is still visible and there is an abandoned building and cistern on the site.
The trail turns southwest at the tower to follow along the top of Mill Mountain and down to FDR 333. Along the ridge there are some giant boulders the trail travels between. The Longdale Furnace community and the valleys and mountains to the west can be seen from overlooks along the trail. The trail leaves the ridge top and winds down to FDR 333 in a series of switchbacks and steep stairs. In places rock cliffs are visible just off the trail. This section of the trail is in poor repair. The stairs are log steps that have rooted out over the years and the tread is treacherous in places.
Bring your camera on this hike, not only for the beautiful views, but for the wildlife and wildflowers too. Deer and grouse are common sites along the trail, and though not as common, turkey and bear have been seen too.
Yaccr’s Run Trail
Posted by Chris | Filed under Western Virginia
Total Distance:
2.2 miles
Location/Directions:
Yaccr’s Run Trails is located in the Longdale Recreation Area. From I-64 take the Longdale Furnace exit and head west on U.S. Route 60. Turn left into the Longdale Recreation Area.
Difficulty:
More difficult
Finding the Trailhead:
Parking is available at the Recreation Area. The first parking area on the right is the best place to park for trailhead access. The trail begins at the first parking area and loops back to the recreation area to complete the loop.
The Hike: Yaccr’s Run Trail is a more difficult hike with stream crossings and some short steep climbs. The well marked trail winds around the recreation area in the hollows and on the small ridgetops. The hollows are ridges provide a great diversity in plant species. Rhododendron, wildflowers, and other moist site species are visible in the hollows, while yellow pines and scarlet oaks are abundant on the ridges.
Yaccr’s Run Trail begins with a climb to the top of a small ridge. It follows along the ridge top and provides a view of the valley and mountains. The trail continues up the ridge gaining altitude until it intersects Anthony’s Knob Trail. From there it turns east and drops down to Blue Suck Branch and the intersection of the Blue Suck Run Trail. As it continues east the trail crosses Blue Suck Branch. This is a deep crossing and during wet periods it will be difficult to keep dry.
From Blue Suck Branch the trail climbs to another ridge top that offers a good view of North Mountain. From that ridge it winds down into a drain, which the trail follows for a short distance then crosses over to Downy Branch. This is also a deep and wide stream crossing during wet periods. After crossing Downy Branch the trail intersects and follows the North Mountain Trail on the side of a ridge and down into the recreation area.
Yaccr’s Run Trail can be hiked from either direction. It is a short and enjoyable hike for the entire family with a great diversity in terrain. This hike should take forty-five minutes to complete the loop.
Longdale Recreation Area is open Memorial Day through Labor Day. There is a $2.00 parking fee for vehicles in the recreation area.
Jerry’s Run Trail
Posted by Chris | Filed under Western Virginia
Total Distance: 3 miles
Location/Directions: Jerry’s Run Trail is located in western Alleghany County. From I-64 take the Jerry’s Run Exit (Exit 1) and turn left onto FDR 69. Continue South on FDR 69 to a clearing on the right. This is the trailhead and parking area.
Difficulty:
More Difficult
Finding the Trailhead:
The trail begins at the clearing next to FDR 69 and ends at the Forest Service boundary line on Jerry’s Run/
The Hike:
Jerry’s Run Trail begins at FDR 69 in a forest clearing and follows a well used four-wheel-drive road down to Jerry’s Run. The trail crosses Jerry’s Run and follows the creek, crossing it eight more times before reaching the Forest Service boundary line. Jerry’s Run is a stocked trout stream with many deep fishing holes and beautiful rock formations. The first 1.3 miles of this trail is a four-wheel drive road. The trail follows the creek closely.
After the second stream crossing the road is not drivable and gets much less use. There are some impressive rock formations along this shorter section that make for a very enjoyable hike. Since it gets less use, this section is also harder to follow. None of the trail is marked. This would be a refreshing hike in the summer with many opportunities to get your feet wet. In the winter and spring the water is higher and the stream crossings are difficult to navigate without getting wet. The hike should take two to three hours to complete, round trip.
Fortney Branch Trail
Posted by Chris | Filed under Western Virginia
Description:
Fortney Branch Trail is located in the Morris Hill Campground north of Covington.
Total Distance: 1.3 miles
Location/Directions: From Covington take State Route 220 north. Turn left onto Route 687 and then turn left onto Route 641, Indian Draft Road. Then stay to the right, which will be Route 666. Next, go straight at recreation area entrance on Route 605. Morris Hill Campground will be located one mile up Route 605 on the left.
Difficulty:
More Difficult
Finding the Trail:
Parking is available just south of the dump station in the campground and next to site 33. This trail begins in two places, either just south of the dump station or the west side of the road, or next to site 33. The trail ends at the lake shore at Fortney Branch.
The Hike:
The trail begins in two places. They both begin in Morris Hill Campground. One begins just south of the dump station and shares the first two tenths of a mile with the Morris Hill Trail. This short section is well maintained, well marked and fairly level. This section is marked with yellow plastic diamonds. At mile 0.2 the two trails split and Fortney Branch Trail turns southwest. This section is marked in orange plastic diamonds.
The second starting point is next to site 33. This section follows an old roadbed. It is marked in orange plastic diamonds and well maintained.
The two sections join at an intersection with the old road and continue southwest. There is a sign post at the intersection, but it does not direct the hiker to Fortney Branch. The trail markers change again to yellow plastic diamonds at the intersection then change again to gray plastic diamonds as you continue down the trail. About 0.3 miles down the old road the trail turns off to the right. This turn is marked with a sideways gray diamond and the trail markers are again yellow plastic diamonds. The trail now winds down the steep mountain to Fortney Branch. The trail is steep in places and has a rocky uneven tread. There are many switchbacks on the way to the lake. This hike should take about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours round trip.
At Fortney Branch fishing is not permitted on the dock or from the boat launching ramp. Fishing from anywhere along the shore in the area, however, is encouraged. Virginia game laws apply and a fishing license is required for angler’s sixteen years of age and older.
McAllister Fields Trail
Posted by Chris | Filed under Western Virginia
Description: McAllister Fields Trail is located in western Alleghany County in the George Washington National Forest, James River Ranger District
Total Distance:
1.5 miles
Location/Directions:
From I-64 take Exit 1 and turn left on FDR 69. After about 3 miles, McAllister Fields Trail is a gated woods road on the right.
Difficulty:
Moderate
Finding the Trail: Parking is available on FDR 69 across from the trail head. The trail begins at the parking area on FDR 69.
The Hike: McAllister Fields Trail begins at a Forest Service gate on top of Brushy Mountain. The trail is not blazed but is easy to follow since it is on an old roadbed. As it heads towards the know it passes through several eight to ten year old clearcuts. The trail was the haul road for an old timber sale.
As McAllister Fields Trail beings, it offers views of the valleys to the east and west. The eastern side of the mountain is very steep in this section and the views of Peter’s Mountain and the valley below are unobstructed. The trail then stays on the western side of the mountain and passed through the first clearcut. There are wildlife openings on the left side of the trail where views of Batlick Mountain and the mountains into West Virginia are visible.
The trail dead ends at the intersection of the Alleghany Trail.
Beecher Ridge and Overall Run Loop Trail
Posted by Chris | Filed under Western Virginia
Description:
Beautiful waterfalls, very steep ascent, nice woods. Well maintained trail.
Total Distance:
11.5 miles round trip
Location/Directions: Luray, VA
Difficulty:
Strenuous
Elevation Gain:
4000 feet
Finding the Trail:
Follow Skyline Drive, in Shenandoah National Park, south from the entrance near Front Royal, VA. Just past Mile Post 21 is a parking lot on the right. The Appalachian Trail passes through the parking area. Where it leaves the parking lot to the south is the beginning of the trail.
The Hike:
The early part of the hike is through the woods on the ridges. Lots of dogwoods and redbuds in the spring and a few viewpoint spots can be found along the trail. Coming back up Overall Run offers stream bed hiking, very steep uphill climbing, some very nice views and a few spectacular waterfalls.
When you leave the parking lot, turn right at the fist trail marker post and follow that to the Tuscarora trail where you turn right. At the next trail marker post, turn left on Mathews Arm trail for a short distance to puck up Beecher Ridge Trail. Beecher Ridge trail will run into Overall Run Trail. Cross over the run and start back up. Above the waterfalls this trail joins the Tuscarora and you return the same way. You can reverse the loop but if you do, keep a closer look out for the waterfalls, which may be behind you by the time they are visible.
Morris Hill Bike-Hike Trail
Posted by Chris | Filed under Western Virginia
Total Distance: 1 mile
Location/Directions:
Morris Hill Bike-Hike Trail connects the Gathright Dam Visitor Center with the Morris Hill Campground North of Covington. From Route 220 North turn left onto Route 687. Turn left onto Route 641, Indian Draft Road. Then right onto Route 666. At the Lake Moomaw Recreation Area entrance, turn right onto Route 605 to the campground. Morris Hill Bike-Hike Trail is accessible from the campground at the dump station and at the end of the camping spur in the reserved section.
Difficulty:
Easy
Elevation Gain: Nearly none
Finding the Trail:
The south end of the trail begins on the east side of the Campground Loop road at the dump station. Parking is available at the dump station, the end of the reserved section camping spur, and the Gathright Dam Visitor Center.
The Hike: This short easy trail loops along the west side of the campground, suitable for casual strolls and easy mountain biking. There is nearly no elevation change. The tread at the south end is compacted sand. After leaving the compacted sand surface, 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 follow this road to the bathrooms located in the Overflow Camping area. Turn right down the path to a paved road. It ends here. 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 down on the clear, rock strewn Jackson River downstream. Deer are frequently noted browsing the grassy areas, and bears are occasionally seen in the area.
Kelly Bridge Trail
Posted by Chris | Filed under Western Virginia
Description:
A great short trail with wonderful fishing access along the Kelly Bridge. Handicap Accessible.
Total Distance: 0.23 miles
Location/Directions:
Kelly Bridge Trail is located next to the boat launching ramp at Coles Point. From Covington, take State Route 220 North. Turn left onto Route 687. Then turn left onto Route 641/666. At the tree-way intersection that is the entrance to Lake Moomaw, bear right onto Route 605 and follow it for several miles, across the Gathright Dam, to Coles Point.
Difficulty:
Easiest
Finding the Trail:
This trail begins next to the boat launching ramp at Coles Point. Parking is available at Coles Point.
The Hike: Kelly Bridge Trail begins in the parking lot next to the boat launching ramp on Coles Point. This is a trail to the universally accessible Kelly Bridge fishing pier. The tread is poured concrete, about 50 inches wide, and is accessible to wheelchairs. It continues beyond the concrete for local fishing access. The fishing pier is a wheelchair accessible fishing platform and is the only one of its kind in the Alleghany Highlands area. The pier was named for the old steel Kelly Bridge that crossed the Jackson River before Lake Moomaw was formed.
The construction of Gathright Dam was originally authorized in 1947. Construction did not begin until 1965 and was completed in 1981 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. When the dam was completed, Lake Moomaw was formed, and today it is 2,530 acres with 42 miles of shoreline and an average depth of 80 feet.
The formation of the lake created a great fishing opportunity for the area. Among other fish, the lake contains Trout, Crappie, Channel Catfish, Sunfish, Yellow Perch, Black Bass, and Chain Pickerel. A state fishing license is required when fishing from the pier. No Trout stamp or National Forest stamp is required.
There is a fee to use the Coles Point parking area, May 1 thru October 1. Coles Point is sometimes flooded in early spring, and then the lake levels during the late summer are well below the pier. Fish habitat structures, in the form of Christmas tree bundles, tire bundles, and concrete shapes have been installed in the vicinity of Kelly Bridge pier to improve the angler’s experience.
Morning Knob Trail
Posted by Chris | Filed under Western Virginia
Description:
Total Distance:
1.8 miles
Location/Directions:
Morning Knob Trail is reached from Covington by taking Route 18 South and turning right into Route 614. Then turn left onto Route 600. The trailhead is on the left side of the road after about ½ mile.
Difficulty:
Most Difficult
Finding the Trail:
The trail begins on the left side of Route 600, 5 miles southwest of Covington. Parking is available at the trailhead.
The Hike:
Morning Knob Trail begins on Route 600 in Southwestern Alleghany County and winds up to Morning Knob at the site of an old fire tower. The trail follows an old roadbed and is not marked. The first section of the trail was a haul road for a timber sale that was completed in 1990. This section is fairly steep with a grassy tread and is in good condition.
The trail passes through two of the cutting units from the Cast Steel Timber Sale. The first unit was a thinning at the beginning of the trail next to Route 600. The second unit was a clearcut further up the trail that is regenerating naturally. Some great views of Warm Springs Mountain and Covington areas are available in many places along the first section.
After leaving the second sale unit, the trail becomes steeper. Grass covers the tread and this section is not marked as well.
Overall the trail is in pretty good condition. The hike to the top and back down to the parking area will take approximately 2.5 hours.
