Stone Mountain Trail

George Washington and Jefferson National Forests

Length:  14.3 miles
Rating: Strenuous
Light Use

The first mile of the trail is a series of rock stairs that were constructed by the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) in the 1970's. Many miniature falls cascade along the solid rock streambed exposing interesting rock formations. There is a stand of old-growth Hemlock over 300 years old. High Butte is a large rock outcrop where views of the Powell River, Black Mountain and Kentucky can be seen. Olinger Gap is where the hiker can take a trail off to the north to Lake Keokee. The lake is stocked with Tiger Musky, Large Mouth Bass, Catfish and Sunfish. There are roads within the area of the trail. One of the nicest natural settings in Southwest Virginia lies in the Roaring Branch drainage among the Hemlocks.

Trail Beginning: Starts at the mouth of Roaring Branch. The hiker must climb a series of stairs. 

Trail Ending: The trail follows the top of Stone Mountain to its final destination, Cave Spring Recreation Area.

Directions:

From Big Stone Gap follow US 58A west for 2.5 miles. Turn right on VA 621 and follow it 6.1 miles to Cave Spring Recreation Area. The other access is at Roaring Branch along US 23 between Appalachia and Big Stone Gap. There is limited trailhead parking at the Roaring Branch end.