The Experience
You will love: You dig ascents & views for miles with great summit camping spots. Combine that with a sanctuary for peregrine falcons!
You need to know: No Fee Required.
The House Mountain area is run by the Virginia Outdoors foundation. The recently added parking lot is mandatory (neighbors will tow and well that’s a long walk back). The hike begins from the parking lot along the gravel driveway, Continue to follow the Virginia Outdoor Foundation signs that lead you up the hill to the trail entrance (0.5m). From here the trail begins the single-track of dirt and rock as its winds its way up the mountainside for 1.1 miles until you reach the saddle. (a saddle is the lowest point between two mountains, in fact looks like a saddle). The saddle is a former apple grove and now serves as the breather before going left to Big House mountain (also primitive camp sites available). Fun Fact: the Big House Mountain area is home to recently introduced peregrine falcons. The hike begins to your left and to be blunt, it goes straight up the mountain without mercy or switchback. It is 0.9 to the top however be prepared it’s a grueling lung burner to be able to meet the summit views. As you approach the top the trail narrows (follow the blue markers) along the rocky approach to the summit ridgeline. Once at the ridgeline, veer left for the summit. Retrace your footsteps to return to the parking lot and the Advil in your car.
HIKE ON!
GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
You need to know: No Fee Required.
The House Mountain area is run by the Virginia Outdoors foundation. The recently added parking lot is mandatory (neighbors will tow and well that’s a long walk back). The hike begins from the parking lot along the gravel driveway, Continue to follow the Virginia Outdoor Foundation signs that lead you up the hill to the trail entrance (0.5m). From here the trail begins the single-track of dirt and rock as its winds its way up the mountainside for 1.1 miles until you reach the saddle. (a saddle is the lowest point between two mountains, in fact looks like a saddle). The saddle is a former apple grove and now serves as the breather before going left to Big House mountain (also primitive camp sites available). Fun Fact: the Big House Mountain area is home to recently introduced peregrine falcons. The hike begins to your left and to be blunt, it goes straight up the mountain without mercy or switchback. It is 0.9 to the top however be prepared it’s a grueling lung burner to be able to meet the summit views. As you approach the top the trail narrows (follow the blue markers) along the rocky approach to the summit ridgeline. Once at the ridgeline, veer left for the summit. Retrace your footsteps to return to the parking lot and the Advil in your car.
HIKE ON!
GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
- 2 water bottle
- heavy trail bars or lunch
- hiking shoes or boots
