Chestnut Ridge Trail(edit)

Overview

This is a what I would call a moderate out and back trail in Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve.

Getting Started

This is a great little hike with less traffic, especially when you get half way through. Kid and dog friendly with a variety of landscapes.

The trailhead is located less than a mile east of the Hwy 11/116 intersection.

The trail begins through a quiet pine forest. It drops down to a section along a creek. Once you cross two small bridges the trail intersects with an old logging road. Just follow the white diamond markers to the right where the trail slowly builds to an assent.

After another mile or so you will come to a set of steps; you can take these or simply continue on via the short switchback.

Follow the markers and begin your decent to the South Pacolet River. If the water isn’t too high you can make your way across and continue on to another logging road. Turning left make your way a few hundred yards to another small falls on your right which is marked on the Gaia app.

Adding the extra trail across the river can push you just past 900’ of gain and over 6 miles. It’s still a great hike even if you cannot go over the river. And you get a great view of Hogback Mountain as well! Picnic at the river on fallen logs or sit on the rocks just on the other side.

Also, watch for signs for a shortcut to the parking area if you run out of time playing in the water.

Taking Children

Great for kids and dogs especially when you get to the normally calm river which is often just a creak.