North Mountain Trail (Forest Trail #467)
North Mountain Trail offers some of the best viewing opportunities on the district. The trail was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s by men from the Natural Bridge Camp. From the beginning to its end, North Mountain Trail travels 9.5 miles through terrain that varies in elevation from 1,700 to 3,200 feet. It starts on North Mountain at the intersection of Fprest Road 447 and State Route 770 just south of the radio tower. The trail heads southwest along North Mountain and offers occasional views to the east and west. Brushy Mountain and Mill Mountain areas are visible to the west while Lake Robinson is visible to the east. At mile 3, narrow rock stairs ascend between huge boulders. There is a wide view of the surrounding landscape from atop the boulders. The views from the top of North Mountain are spectacular especially on clear, cloudless days. The trail takes a sharp right turn to head down off the mountain and into Longdale Recreation Area. It drops down off the ridge and follows a drain for a short distance until it intersects with the Forest Trail #467B – North Mountain Trail Connector. Then it turns south to go around the nose of a ridge and drops down into Bob Downy Branch. Soon after reaching Bob Downy Branch, the trail crosses Forest Road #271 (Tri County Road). The trail follows Bob Downy Branch to the intersection with Forest Trail #658 (Yaccr’s Run Trail). The trailhead at Forest Road #447 and State Route #770 is difficult to access in the winter months because of snow and ice accumulations on the road surfaces.
Trail Open To:
Specific Trail Information
Trail Type
General Information
- Trail Length: 8.42 miles
- Blazes: Blue
- Trail Difficulty: Difficult
- Connecting Trails: FT 658, FT #467B - North Mountain Trail Connector, and FT #658 - YACCRS Run Trail
- Elevation: 1330 feet to 3000 feet
- Trail Access Points (Approximate LAT/LONG):
- LAT 37.82 LONG -79.63
- Lat Long Conversion
- Trail Etiquette: Trail etiquette for multiple use trails calls for horses to have the right-of-way. Hikers should yield to horses. Bicyclists should yield to horses and hikers. Horse riders are responsible for the control of their horse at all times.
Open year round
No fee.
No drinking water available. All water taken from natural sources should be purified before use.
Getting There
Directions
From I-64: Take the Longdale Furnace exit #35 and travel south for 0.34 miles to SR 770. Turn Left and go 4.1 miles to the top of the mountain and turn right; the parking area is 200 feet ahead on the left.
Additional Information
Operated By
James River and Warm Springs Ranger District: (540) 962 - 2214
