High Knob Trail (Forest Trail #120)
The High Knob Trail winds through woodlands and streams using a combination of roads and trails. This 33-mile trail is open to non-motorized users. Three parking lots access the trail and are designed to accommodate horse-trailers. The High Knob Trailhead is on the western end of the High Knob Trail, and is near High Knob, the highest point on the Clinch Ranger District. At over 4,200 feet in elevation, you can see five states from there on a clear day.
The Little Stony Trailhead provides access at the eastern end of the High Knob Trail. From there the trail travels west along Forest Service Road 701 and Forest Service Road 700 out to Osborne Ridge.
McGhee Creek Road Trailhead, on the southern side of the trail system, is near Staunton Creek. In this area the High Knob Trail travels along Forest Service Road 776.
Trail Open To:
Specific Trail Information
Trail Type
General Information
- Trail Length: 33.21 miles
- Blazes: Orange
- Trail Difficulty: Easy to Difficult
- Connecting Trails: FT # 401 - Chief Benge Scout Trail
- Trail Access Points:
- High Knob Trailhead: LAT 36.8868 LONG -82.628
- McGhee Creek Trailhead: LAT 36.8262 LONG -82.5445
- Little Stony Trailhead: LAT 36.8695 LONG -82.4636
- Additional Information: Segments of the High Knob Trail are designated by the following numbers: High Knob Loop is Forest Trail #120A; Little Stony Section (spur trail) is Forest Trail #120B; McGhee Creek Section (spur trail) is Forest Trail #120C.
- Trail Etiquette: Share the trail: horses have priority, hikers should yield to horses, and bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses.
- Trail Map: It is recommended that all trail users always carry a reliable map. This trail is shown on the Interactive Visitor Map and the National Geographic/Trails Illustrated Map #793. Maps may be purchased at some local District Ranger Stations, at outdoor retail locations or by visiting the National Geographic’s Trails Illustrated website.
Trail is open all year.
No drinking water available. All water taken from natural sources should be purified before use.
When recreating on Forest Service Lands, follow the Forest Rules for Visitors and Forest Supervisor’s Orders.
Motorized use, including e-bikes, is prohibited. Trails are open to hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
All visitors should follow Tread Lightly and Leave No Trace guidelines.
Getting There
Directions
High Knob Multiuse Trailhead: From Norton, VA on US 23, take SR 619 south for approximately 4.2 miles. At the top of the mountain, you will pass SR 237 on the right. The next gravel road on the right leads to the trailhead. Note: The High Knob Trailhead is closed in winter months and may be inaccessible if ice or snow is on State Route 619.
McGhee Creek Trailhead: From Dungannon, VA take Highway 72 north for 0.5 miles. Turn left onto SR 653 and travel 4.7 miles. Turn right onto FR 776 and continue 0.1 miles to the parking area.
Little Stony Trailhead: From Coeburn, VA travel south on Highway 72 for approximately 3.2 miles to SR 664. Turn right onto SR 664 for about 1.2 miles to FR 700. Turn left onto FR 700 and continue nearly 1.4 miles to the intersection with FR 701. Turn left and follow FS701 for approximately 1.0 miles to the trailhead parking.
Additional Information
Operated By
Clinch Ranger District: (276) 679-8370
