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Once at the top, the trail runs the length of Fore Mountain.
It switches from one side of the ridge to the other several times on the
journey east. There are many
clearings and ponds along the trail that offer good views and peaceful
resting spots. Each of the clearings
offer something different for the hiker to enjoy.
Some are open and sunny with views to the north and south, while
others are shady and cool with limited views even during leaf off.
Most of these clearings would make good campsites as long as they
were kept away from the ponds and a no trace ethic was practiced.
This section also intersects the
Dry Run Trail at mile 6. Dry Run
Trail is also known as Skyline Trail and there may still be old signs at the
intersection with skyline written on them.
After leaving the last
wildlife clearing on the northeast end of Fore Mountain the trail turns
right and winds down the side of the mountain in a series of long and
fairly steep switchbacks. The
trail intersects FDR 337, White Oak Flats Road, and is the beginning of a
gentler descent. On a side
journey south on FDR 337, about a mile or so, the hungry hiker will find
red raspberries and blackberries ready to be eaten (seasonally).
From FDR 337 the trail
again follows a series of switchbacks to an intermittent stream and
eventually to State Route 606.
You have now hiked ten miles.
The last three miles to the top of the Pine Spur Ridge is a pleasant hike.
Cross Smith Creek and hike up the long switchbacks with some
beautiful views of McGraw Hollow, Big Lick Hollow and the Clifton Forge
area. The Alleghany/Bath
County line is only a few hundred yards past the ridge top.
This is the end of the Fore Mountain Trail, but the path continues
on as Middle Mountain Trail to
Douthat Lake in Douthat State Park.
After about one mile turn right into the park on the trail that will lead
you to the lake and campground.
From the country line to Douthat is approximately five miles.
Overall this trail is in
pretty good condition. There
are a couple trouble spots where tread is partially washed out and trees
block the trail, but the hike offers great views and some good wildlife
viewing opportunities. There are no
potable sources of water along the trail so bring enough for a two day
hike. If you do plan to hike
it in one day it will take ten to twelve hours to complete.
Directions:
Fore Mountain Trail is located
on Fore Mountain northeast of Covington in Alleghany County.
From I-64 take exit 16 and turn east on route 1104.
Turn left just before the Western Sizzlin onto Smokey Bear Lane.
Follow this road 0.1 miles to the trail head.
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