HIKING, BIKING AND RIDING TRAILS in the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia
alleghanyhighlandstrails.com
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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Trails located near Exit 1: Allegheny Trail Trails located near Exit 1: Jerry’s Run Trail and McAllister Fields Trail Lake Moomaw Trails: Morris Hill Trail and Oliver Mountain Trail Lake Moomaw Trails: Fortney Loop Trail and Kelly Bridge Trail Jackson River Scenic Trail Trails located in/around Covington: Dry Run Trail, Eastern National Children’s Forest Trail Fore Mountain Trail Trails located in Clifton Forge: Smith Creek Trail Hazel Run / Fairmont Park / Lovers Walk Trails Douthat State Park Trails North Mountain Scenic Byway: Rich Hole Wilderness Trail White Rock Tower Trail Cock’s Comb Trail, North Mountain Trail and North Mountain Overlook Trail Green Pastures Recreation Area formerly Longdale Recreation Area: Anthony Knob Trail, Blue Suck Run Trail and Yaccr’s Run Trail
alleghanyhighlandstrails.com
540-962-2178
888-430-5786
TRAILS LOCATED NEAR EXIT 1 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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79
Allegheny Trail
WEST VIRGINIA
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VIRGINIA SECTION 4
Allegheny Trail
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64
A
NI
GI
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ENTIRE TRAIL
R VI
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IN
RG
VI
Lake Moomaw
Jackson River
64
60
Covington
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Easy Moderate ALLEGHENY TRAIL SECTION 4
Difficult
Alleghany Highlands Trails
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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.
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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, rock-strewn 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.
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
George Washington National Forest
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
Coles Point Drive
Gathright Dam
Kelly Bridge Trail (0.3mi)
Cole Trail
Lake Moomaw
(1.8mi)
605
Stilling Basin Road
Morris Hill Trail
(1.0mi - bicycles permitted)
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Morris Hill Campground Coles Mountain Road
Easy Moderate Difficult
Oliver Mountain Trail (3.3mi - bicycles and horses permitted)
Campground Fortney LoopTrail
(3.1mi - bicycles permitted)
Fortney Branch Road
Parking
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 16 mile trail is built on an old railroad bed that runs mostly parallel to the Jackson River. Restrooms are available at each of the trailheads. 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. Cedar Creek 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/Jackson River Turnpike/State Route 687 for 13.8 miles. Turn left onto Coles Mountain Road/State Route 605. Follow Coles Mountain Road for .7 miles. The trailhead will be on your left.
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Cedar Creek
Coles Mountain Road
605
Cedar Creek
687
Picnic Area
Jackson River Turnpike
Lake Moomaw
TY UN TY CO UN TH CO BA NY HA LEG AL
Approximately 4.6 miles from Natural Well to Cedar Creek Trailhead
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
Approximately .7 miles from Dry Run Connection to Intervale Trailhead
Trailhead
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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TRAILS LOCATED IN/AROUND COVINGTON 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 220N in Covington, turn right onto E. Cypress St. and continue to the trailhead.
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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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
TRAIL DIFFICULTY:
BATH C OUNTY ALLEG HANY C OUNTY
To Douthat State Park
Easy Oak St Moderate
Difficult
Fore Mountain Trail (14.3mi)
Clifton Forge
Low Moor
64
Covington
60
Alleghany Highlands Trails
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TRAILS LOCATED IN CLIFTON FORGE 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
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Easy Oak St Moderate
Howard St
t ll S we Lo
Lafayette St
Commercial Ave
e St Oliv
Smith Creek Trail
Jeffers on Ave
Vulcan Ave
Difficult
The “Jungle”
t. ury S Roxb
d St hlan Hig
McCorm ick Blvd
Pine S t
St ick sw Ke
Pedest ria Bridge n Pine St
Church St.
60 St ay ail) gewnd Tr d i R dla i (M Jackson
River 10 alleghanyhighlandstrails.com 540-962-2178 888-430-5786
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.
. d St mon Rich
Benton St.
Acacia Ave.
Linden Park
Madiso n Ave.
Dougla s St.
t. sS all Ing
Oak St
Hazel Run Trail . Palace Blvd
Hig h St
(.7mi)
Fairmont Park Trail
Prospect Walk
Clifton Forge
B St
Booker T. Washington Park
A St.
C St
D St
Lovers W alk Trail
St. Main ) d Trail n (Midla
60
220
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: Follow I-64 to exit 27, turn north 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.
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NORTH MOUNTAIN SCENIC BYWAY 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: Take the Longdale Furnace exit 35 and go east on US Rte 850. After 1.3 miles, turn left onto FDR 108 and continue to the parking area, or continue east on US Rte 850 3.7 more miles to the 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 east on US Rte 850 1.2 miles to FR 108. Turn Left and go 1 mile and turn right. Parking is approximately 0.32 miles ahead.
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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 west on Rte 269 .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
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GREEN PASTURES RECREATION AREA formerly Longdale Recreation Area
THE STORY OF GREEN PASTURES RECREATION AREA Public lands we now recognize as belonging to everyone had restricted access less than a century ago. But the National Forest Service, under the direction of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, created a safe space for AfricanAmericans and their families to visit. Green Pastures Recreation Area opened to the public on June 15, 1940, on the George Washington Jefferson National Forest near recently opened Douthat State Park. Since the early 2000s, the National Forest Service has worked closely with a group of volunteers that includes long-time residents and the Alleghany Historical Society to help maintain this once segregated and now very historic recreation site. In 2018, Green Pastures was placed on the list of Virginia’s Most Endangered Historic Places by Preservation Virginia, a national leader in historic preservation. There has been a grassroots movement to reopen the beloved recreation site and restore it to its former condition. Recently, the state of Virginia announced its plans to restore the Longdale Recreation Area in Alleghany County under its historic name, Green Pastures. Under the plan, the state would also work with the Forest Service to take possession of Green Pastures and reopen it as an outpost of Douthat State Park.
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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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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.
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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Photos courtesy of Alleghany Outdoors, Sam Dean Photography, Virginia Tourism Corporation, Va. Dept. of Conservation & Recreation, W. Curry Photography
