Hiking Trails
James River Wilderness Area
9,000 acre area known for diversity of plant and animal life and well-maintained trail system. Elevations range from 650ft to 3,073 ft. Six trails are contained within the area. Directions: US 11 South to Rt. 130E, right on Rt. 759, left on Rt. 781.
Devils Marble Yard
Devil’s Marbleyard offers unforgettable impression of huge house size boulders tossed about the ridgeline and amazing view of the valley below.
Belfast Trail
Devils Marbleyard via Belfast Trail is a 4.5 mile lightly out and back trail located near Natural Bridge Station, Virginia that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
Balcony Fall/Locher Tract
Mostly following old roads, Balcony Falls Trail begins with a gentle climb. It overlooks the town of Glasgow and the James River, offering hikers fantastic scenery to reward their steep ascent across switchbacks that are no leisurely stroll. There are no waterfalls along this trail like the name suggests. Moderate 7.6-mile hike. From the parking lot, the start of the trail is at the farm gate to the right and is open to hikers, bikers and horseback riders. After one mile, the trail turns right onto another old road and continues through the woods at a slight incline. The first 2.2 miles of this trail is a leisurely stroll, but as you enter the James River Face Wilderness it begins to climb along the ridgeline. This section is significantly steeper but offers fantastic views of the James River.
Gunter Ridge Trail
The Gunter Ridge Trail begins off Gunter Ridge Road and climbs through a series of switchbacks to the top of Gunter Ridge in the James River Face Wilderness. Continuing along the top of Gunter Ridge and through a gap, the trail is joined by the Belfast Trail, and intersects with the Appalachian Trail. It is also a horseback riding trail. Hikers are to yield to horses on the trail. Horse trail know as Hellgate Horse Trail and Glen Wood Horse Trail.
Sulphur Spring Trail
Sulphur Spring Trail is a 5.6 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Natural Bridge Station, Virginia that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from March until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Wildcat Trail
Wildcat Trail is a 3.9 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Natural Bridge Station, Virginia that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Access thru Cave Mountain Lake.
Natural Bridge State Park Trails
Established as a Virginia state park in 2016. And as an extension of the National Park. Visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/natural-bridge for more info on these trails: Buck Hill Trail, Cedar Creek Trail, and the Blue Ridge Trail
Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a public footpath that follows more than 2,100 miles of Appalachian Mountain ridgelines between Maine and Georgia. The trail is open year-round and accessible from many locations. Glasgow access point is at US 501/ VA130. 775.3 miles from Georgia traveling northbound.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a ribbon of road that weaves through the region’s vibrant living traditions. From Cherokee life and agricultural history to Southern Appalachian crafts and music, the Parkway’s 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina offer many ways to explore rich traditions.
Links:
https://www.alltrails.com/us/virginia/glasgow
http://www.appalachiantrail.org
https://www.fs.fed.us/managing-land/trails
