LOCATION: Lovingston, VA
TRAIL DISTANCE: 5.5 Miles
TRAIL HEAD/ DIRECTIONS: Fortune's Cove Lot
TRAIL TYPE: Loop
TRAIL GRADE:  STRENUOUS (4)
TRAIL PARKING: 15 Spots or Less
KEY WORDS: waterfalls, rock scramble, summit views
TRAIL INFO
What’s to like about the trail: Breathtaking views, groves of mountain laurel, small mountain falls and streams this trail has a bit of everything.
Why go for a hike on this trail:  A hardy trail that gains 1,500 ft in elevation and asks for more, this trail is secluded, not populated but sits in one of the most beautiful areas of Virginia!
Best time to go for a hike on this trail:  all seasons, avoid rainy​

Summary  
Your adventure begins at the dedicated nature preserve parking lot. To begin,  turn around and walk away from the trail sign over the gravel road and find the trail starts here sign within the trees (yes literally it says that). The trail starts with a 1,500 foot elevation gain in under 2 miles which is why we labeled it strenuous. The trail markings are a yellow and green placard nailed into the trees which it makes it quite easy to follow and navigate (although nails in trees is not a good look) The trail is comprised of compacted dirt, roots, rocks and in certain areas small boulder outcrops and will navigate via switchbacks and rollercoaster single-track. The ascent is tough, its a lung burner and its going to require frequent water breaks especially in the warmer months. The beauty here is ample overlooks, four in all with which are useful break points on your adventure. At 0.9 miles you will come to an intersection, this trail review goes right and uses the steep portion of the loop to trek the multiple ridgelines. If at this point you are not enjoying the hike, or are worn and torn or your word choice has become more curse than choose the left turn and meander across the lower rim at a more casual and friendly pace. This trail review asks you to go right, and attack the steep section.  As you begin the ascent amplifies through a grove of pines , the section is short but intense and take comfort that it will quickly level out. Once it does , expect a few descent areas and more overlooks to grace your adventure. Its at this point your hike will be more of a rollercoaster with ups and downs to pace yourself with.  The middle section of the hike is a wonderful tapestry of mountain laurel groves, dense and thick and some as tall as 20 feet.  This area is not only beautiful but also a great canopy from the elements. The trail continues to be rocky in points and covers ground quickly with a few more ascent points, just hard enough to feel it. The trail summit at Fortune's Knob is a small outcrop of rocks that showcases the horseshoe shaped valley. From here continue to pass a power station (signs suggest a view, but the view is more power station than nature). Once passed the station, the trail begins its 2.2 mile descent through dense forest, across small water crossings, providing high five views of mountain streams and falls. This portion of the hikes is easy and welcomed. The trail completes at the gravel road, and the preserve parking lot. 


HIKE ON!
GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
  • 2 water bottle or camelback
  • hiking shoes
  • HEAVY snack or Lunch
  • ​bug spray (warmer months)

LOCAL

  • HIKES
  • THINGS TO KNOW
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  • No dogs allowed
  • be BEAR, snake and tick aware.
  • trail is best suited for ages 13+
  • is home to an experimental grove of american chestnut!

Into the Yonder

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