Trail Info

TRAIL DISTANCE: 7.4 Miles
TRAIL HEAD/ PARKING: US 220
TRAIL TYPE: In & Out
TRAIL GRADE:  Difficult (3)
TRAIL PARKING: 30 spots or more
DOG FRIENDLY: No
Family Friendly: Ages 10+

You will love:  A fantastic trail that coasts the Appalachian trail with mild ascents and easy to navigate terrain. The views of Carvins Cove are bountiful and beautiful.
You need to know:  Will use the Appalachian Trail. No Fee Required. 

What to pack

• 2 water bottle or camelback
• ​hiking shoes or Trail Runners
• Snacks & Lunch
• ​bug spray (warmer months)

Extras

Southern VA Trail Finder

The Experience

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 Your adventure begins  at the commuter lot behind the Exxon on route 220. Its honestly one of the oddest trail heads I have encountered. The glass half full outlook here is the lot is quite big and right off the interstate for easy access.  Find your trail at the back of the lot behind a guard rail. There will be no marking that this is the Hay Rock trail but assuredly it is.
     For 0.75 miles you will quickly traverse a small forest outcrop to T-bone into the Appalachian trail (white trail marker). At this intersection, there is a very clear trail sign indicating the Hay Rock trail. Turn left onto the Appalachian trail to venture towards Hay Rock, From here it is 3.75 miles until the summit. The trail begins a swift descent over single-track comprised of forest debris , roots and small stones until it flattens and you cross tinker creek. The trail is equipped for muddier conditions as efforts in recent years have brought on trail care in the form of elevated trail platforms for ease of use. the trail begins to slowly climb tinker mountain, its a moderate elevation gain via a now widening trail. The beauty of this portion is the dense forest, big trees and serenity. As your ascents begins to flatten you will come to the first of three encounters with tree clearing and power lines. Just think of the electric hum as oversized hummingbirds. As you proceed, the trail again begins a short burst ascent within a grove of pines, the trail begins to thicken with rocks, boulders and some minor rock hopping. For the next two miles the trail will hug the rim of Carvins Cove reservoir, with multiple overlooks providing boastful views. at an elevation of over 1900 feet , the views are dramatic and capture the beauty of the entire area. Towards the back end of your two miles, the trail becomes less populated and narrower as you approach Hay Rock. This summit is unique, its literally a massive sandstone rock (two story sized). 
The rest of this summit experience is at your own discretion. To get to the summit view, it take a little "free solo" traversing with plenty of foot holds and hand holds but with plenty of exposure. Once a top Hay Rock, enjoy your feasting your eyes on the primo view of Carvins Cove and the surrounding tinker mountain and brushy mountain. The view is stunning and a great place to sit and grub. Once you have had your fill, return to the Appalachian trail and retrace your steps back to your car.

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HIKE ON!