Featured Article (July 2001)

Hit the Trails for Summer Fun

Piedmont Region

Nestled in the heart of Virginia's Piedmont region, Virginia's Retreat offers hundreds of miles of horseback riding trails at 14 different parks, forests and wildlife management areas. The natural beauty of these trails, matched with ample trailer parking and other equine friendly amenities, makes Virginia's Retreat a natural choice for the Virginia trail rider. For a free brochure call 1-800-6-RETREAT. The parks are located in the counties of Appomattox, Buckingham, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Nottoway, Prince Edward and the City of Petersburg.

In the Virginia's Retreat region there are numerous public trails available for horseback riding, some of which are only a few years old. Many of the trails feature waterfront views, either on lakes or along rivers and streams, and offer spectacular wildlife watching opportunities. If you find yourself in any of these Piedmont areas, you won't be climbing mountains, but you could be surprised by some of the challenging terrain. All horses ridden on public lands must have proof of a current negative Coggins test, and riding helmets are strongly encouraged.

Bear Creek Lake State Park

Five short easy-to-moderate trails, seven miles total, wander through the hardwood forest and around the 40-acre lake. The trail connects to the 17-mile Cumberland Multi-use Trail. Fee. (804) 492-4410

Cumberland Multi-use Trail

This 17-mile easy-to-moderate loop through the Cumberland State Forest and Bear Creek Lake State Park is mostly forested and managed for wildlife habitat. The 16,233-acre forest is home to deer turkey, bobcats and other wildlife. The CMT trail is a wide trail marked by blue blazes. Trailheads and parking are at the forestry center and state park. Preferred parking for horses is at the forestry center. No fee. (804) 492-4121

Holliday Lake State Park

The five and one half mile Lakeshore Trail follows the shore of Holliday Lake, and has great views of wildlife and scenery. Other shorter trails in the park traverse hardwood forests, wetlands, and a managed pine plantation. Access to the 12-mile Carter Taylor Multi-use Trail can be found in the park as well. Fee. (804) 248-6308

Carter Taylor Multi-use Trail

A 12-mile loop traversing a variety of terrain, with one steep 1/2 mile section. The trail circles through the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest and Holliday Lake State Park and can be accessed from numerous points in the loop. A multi use spur trail in the state park connects to the Carter Taylor trail. No fee. (804) 983-2175 or (804) 248-6308

Twin Lakes State Park

Three different trails ranging from easy to moderate encompass six miles in this 349-acre park. Fee. (804) 392-3435

Staunton River State Park

The 7.5-mile multi-use River Bank Trail flows through hardwood forests, as well as the shores of the Staunton and Dan rivers. Fee. (804) 572-4623.

Prince Edward Gallion State Forest Trail

A nine-mile out-and-back multi-use trail takes you through oak and hickory forests, as well as thick stands of loblolly pine. No fee. (804) 392-3435

John H. Kerr Reservoir

Two trails are open to horses. The Liberty Hill Nature Trail is a 1.6 mile easy loop trail with interpretive signage. The Robert Muford Trail incorporates that trail and extends into a ten-mile one-way path. It can be turned into a 14-mile loop by using connecting dirt roads. You'll travel through mixed hardwood forests, cross a small creek, and then go past an old cemetery. Fee. (804) 738-6148

Staunton River Battlefield State Park

The Battlefield Trail is a 1.2 -mile path on an old railroad bed. The trail starts at the visitor center and passes by Civil War earthworks, goes across three bridges, and through the battlefield. Interpretive signs explain the battle along the way. Access to the trail is also available in the town of Randolph on the north side of the Staunton River. No fee. (804) 454-4312

James River State Park

Currently there are three main trail loops, five miles in length. All trails are easy-to-moderate, with wide double track dirt and some gravel. You'll find some good up-hill portions here. The River Trail is about two miles, along the James. Yellow-blazed Running Creek is five miles. Branch Trail is five miles with green blazes. Fee (804) 933-4355.

Briery Creek Wildlife Management Area

The Nature Trail begins at the parking lot on Rt 790 at the dam and winds along the shore of this 845-acre lake. Three to four miles of trail incorporate old logging roads and take you to various coves and backwater areas. No fee (804) 738-6044

Dick Cross Wildlife Management Area

Several easy-loop trails, including a .75 mile loop along Allen Creek. Total trails about four miles. Located along Roanoke River below John H. Kerr Dam. Gently rolling elevation varies from 200-300 feet. No fee. (804) 738-6044

Horsepen Lake Wildlife Management Area

Numerous logging roads crisscross the rolling hills of this 3,065-acre tract drained by many springs and small streams. Five miles of well maintained trails offer the opportunity to see a variety of forest birds. Access is from Rt. 60 at Buckingham Courthouse. No fee. (804) 561-3350

Petersburg National Battlefield

Ten miles of natural surface horseback trails traverse this 1,500-acre park. Maps are available at the park entrance. Historical markers explain the significance of the battle sites. Fee. (804) 732-3531

Southwest Virginia

Fairy Stone State Park and Fairy Stone Farms Wildlife Management Area

It is always fun to go to a park with a legend. Fairy Stone State Park is the home of the mysterious "fairy stones." The legend goes that many hundred of years before Chief Powhatan's reign, fairies were playing in the forest when an elfin messenger arrived with news of the death of Christ. When the fairies of the forest heard the news, they wept. As their tears fell to the earth, they crystallized to form beautiful crosses. For many years people valued these little crosses for protection against witchcraft, sickness accidents and disaster.

The park is open to horses for day use only. There is no horse camping. Horses are allowed on the park's multi-use trails. There is an area designated for horse trailers. There are 15 miles of trails which are a minimum of four feet wide. There are three loops that all tie together and trail maps are available. There are two water crossings and a few moderate hills. Some of the trails overlook the lake and offer beautiful views.

Fairy Stone State Park and Fairy Stone Farms Wildlife management Area are located in Southwest Virginia in the counties of Patrick and Henry. For more information call 540-930-2424 or www.state.va.un/~dcr/parks/graysonh.htm and www.dgif.state.va.us/hunting/wma/fairystone_farms.html.

George Washington and Jefferson National Forest—Blacksburg/Wythe Ranger District

For more information regarding the following trails contact Jefferson and George Washington National Forest Headquarters, 5162 Valleypoint Parkway, Roanoke, VA 24019-3050, or call 888-265-0019, or visit www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj/

Poverty Creek Trail is 14.4 miles with an elevation of 2,100 -2,700 feet. It is located at Brush Mountain, Montgomery County

Gap Mountain Trail is 1.4 miles with an elevation of 2,200 feet. It is located at Gap Mountain, Montgomery County.

Directions from Blacksburg: take 460 west Turn left directly across from RT 621.

White Pines Horse Camp

White Pine Horse Camp is a small, primitive camping area designed to accommodate horses and their riders. A stand of white pine shades the area. There are numerous marked horse trails (orange blaze) in the vicinity of the camp to explore. Directly adjacent to White Pines is Dismal Creek, a stocked trout stream. The Falls of Dismal is located just off of Route 201. The camp is open all year. There are no fees. It is located in Giles County and has an elevation of 2,300 feet. The facilities include five camping units with grills, well water, toilets, hitching posts and a central corral.

Directions from Blacksburg: follow RT. 460 to Pearisburg, take Rt. 100 to Rt. 42 (10 miles. Follow Rt. 42 for 10 miles. Turn right onto Rt. 606. Go 1 mile, turn right onto Rt. 201 just past store. Go about 1.7 miles. White Pines Horse Camp is on the right.

Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

Mount Rogers National Recreation Area offers outstanding opportunities for horseback riding. Mt. Rogers' elevation is 5,729 feet and is the highest point in the state. Because of the elevation it is an especially popular riding area in the summer. Horses are welcome on more than 150 miles of multiple-user trails including Iron Mountain, New River, Virginia Creeper and the Virginia Highlands Horse Trails, a 68-mile track connecting Elk Garden to Virginia Highway 94. Mount Rogers offers three campgrounds that welcome equestrians, horses and trailers. These are Fox Creek on VA 603 between Troutdale and Konnarock, Hussey Mountain on FSR 14 near Speedwell and Raven Cliff Horse Camp four miles east of Cripple Creek. All have parking, hitching rails, and chemical toilets. You must provide your own drinking water, but water for horses is available. Mt. Rogers is located in the counties of Grayson, Smythe, Wythe and Washington. For more information visit www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj/recreation/horses/.

Shenandoah Valley

Trail Riding in George Washington National Forest

We had been intending to check out some of the trails around the Fort Valley Horse and Mule Camp, but had not got around to it until recently. For once the weather cooperated and we had one of those handful of perfect days that occur in Virginia for our ride.

We were planning to ride the Turkey Pen trail. To get to the trail you need to ride about two miles along lightly traveled paved and gravel roads. There is a well-worn path along the shoulder of the paved road. The gravel roads are wide and well maintained. When we got to where the trail started there was some confusion over directions and landmarks and we ended up on the Duncan Hollow trail. It looked like a nice trail so rather than backtrack we decided to ride on. The trail starts out as a narrow path following the sides of the hills going up and down, but nothing very steep. After a mile or so it joins a fire road and continues on a slight uphill grade for a couple of more miles through a valley. Along the trail there were several logs requiring detours through the brush. Also, there were a couple of streams to cross with good water for the horses to drink. The road varies from no rocks to moderately rocky with some good places to do some trotting.

As we went a long I was able to read the map and discovered we could go over the mountain and join up with the trail we had originally intended to follow. We easily found the blue blazed Gap Creek trail over the mountain. This trail is fairly steep and very rocky crossing the face of the hill. We decided at this point it was good to give the horses a break and lead them up the hill. The trail is very narrow and we had to walk in front of the horses to lead them. After climbing a couple of hundred feet up and going through a few switchbacks we came to a large tree which had fallen across the very rocky, very steep trail. From the marks on the tree it was obvious many horses had been over it. So standing by the tree and leading the horse to the easiest part they all stepped over it with a little coaxing. With some more climbing we reached the top where we were rewarded with nice views of the Shenandoah Valley. The trip down the other side was much less steep and rocky. The only obstacle was a wooden bridge across a creek and we were back on the road. Some further map reading showed that there is an easier, but longer way to the top. When we go again we will definitely take the easier route.

The way back to where we began the loop was entirely on a nice wide slightly downhill gravel road. We returned to the trailers after about five hours and 13 miles. No speed record, but a very nice trail ride.

Advice for others: You and the horse should be comfortable around traffic. Four shoes in good condition are needed. The horse should be fit enough for a several hour ride. Be prepared for a few obstacles to make things interesting.

Deerfield Ranger District

Shenandoah Mountain Horse Trail System: this equestrian trail system offers 25 miles of beautiful trails designed for horse users on the Deerfield Ranger District of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests. The horse trail system consists of old forest roads, hiking trails, open roads, and constructed horse trails that lead you through peaceful mountains and spacious vistas, all set against the historic Shenandoah Mountains. The trails are marked with yellow plastic diamond blazes. The trails are located in the counties of Augusta, Bath, and Rockingham. For more information contact Deerfield Ranger District, GW & Jefferson National Forest, 2315 Beverley St., Staunton, VA 24401, or call 540-885-8025, www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj/recreation/horses/.

Shinault Shanty Trail is Forest Development Road (FDR) 396. This historic road leaves U.S. Route 250 just east of the Confederate Breastworks and the crest of Shenandoah Mountain. It is five miles to the turn on to Benson Run.

Benson Run Trail parallels most of the left fork of Benson run. It is a cool and scenic ride and is considered more difficult for the lesser experience rider. It is pleasant 1.5 miles between the end of the Shinault Shanty Trail and FDR 173.

Georgia Camp Trail provides access from the lower part of the Shenandoah Mountain to the top of the mountain and is located off U.S. Route 250, west of West Augusta. It is 4 miles long and goes through Georgia Camp Hollow, past Signal Corp Knob. It then connects with Shinault Shanty Road on top of the mountain. Most of the trail is on old roads which may be steep and rocky in some places.

Shaws Fork Trail is designed to provide a route from the horse camp to the top of Shenandoah Mountain and the other trails. It is approximately 4.5 miles to the top. While this trail is also on old roads, some parts may be steep.

Shenandoah Mountain Trail is on the ridge top and is flat and fairly easy to travel. It provides a good loop system for a return to your starting point. Shenandoah mountain trail is very popular for hikers. Trail length is approximately 4 miles.

Holloway Draft Trail is FDR 173 and travels to the top of Shenandoah Mountain. Rider should be aware that there are two cattle guards on the road through private land within on mile of VA Route 629. It is an additional 1.3 miles down the west side of the mountain to the Benson Run Trail.

Water is available for livestock most of the year from streams along various trails. Water is critical for the animals and you should plan to bring a supply if you are staying overnight.

Central Virginia

Shenandoah National Park

The Shenandoah National Park trail crew is pleased to announce the opening of horse trail (yellow blazed) Graves Mill Trail, which follows the traces of the old Graves Mill Road paralleling the Rapidan River for approximately 2.0 miles. The Graves Mill Road was severely impacted and later abandoned following the flood of June 1995.

Graves Mill Trail is located in Madison County between the park boundary at the end of State RT. 662 and Rapidan Road. Re-establishing the trail provides access for hikers, anglers and horse riders who enjoyed this area of the park prior to the 1995 flood. A boundary parking area was recently constructed to accommodate approximately six vehicles. The parking area is inside Shenandoah National Park at the end of State RT. 662. Trail head signs should be in place for both Graves Mill Trail and Staunton River Trail.

Although Graves Mill Trail is open for use, additional trail work is scheduled this summer to improve the tread surface, drainage, and stream crossings along the flood impacted sections of the trail. Graves Mill is accurately depicted on the latest edition of PATC Map #10, SNP-Central District. For more information call Shawn Green, Park Trails Coordinator, Shenandoah National Park at 804-985-7293,ext. 341.

Northern Virginia

Fountainhead Equestrian Trails
Fountainhead Regional Park

Fountainhead Regional Park is nestled in the southern part of Fairfax County along the banks of the Occoquan River and is open from mid-March through November. It is a heavily wooded area abundant in wildlife. It is here that the Clifton Horse Society received permission from the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority to develop and maintain approximately ten miles of trails meandering through the quiet forests and along peaceful streams in the section of park east of the main entrance. The trails are all color-coded and marked with colored horseshoes painted on the trees. A large map of the trails is posted in a kiosk at the equestrian trail entrance off the main parking lot. Maps can be obtained by calling Wilma Kime at 703-222-8253 or e-mail: wkime@cox.rr.com or chs9@aol.com. Local riders are available who are willing to serve as guides.

At the equestrian trail entrance off the main parking lot, the trail splits. The left fork follows The Blue Trail (blazed with blue slashes on the trees) 17.5 miles northwest to Bull Run Park. Horses are allowed on this trail but there are several places where horses must detour off the main trail because it is impassable for horses. Currently, these detours are not marked. A local rider is useful to serve as a guide at these points.

The right fork at the equestrian entrance is marked with blue horseshoes. The trail continues back along the side of the park road toward the entrance and then crosses to the east and eventually connects with the orange, white, and yellow horseshoe trails. These are the trails developed by the Clifton Horse Society. They run through heavily-wooded, hilly areas with spectacular views of the Occoquan River and Sandy Run. The trails range in difficulty from fairly easy at the beginning to moderately difficult because of the hills. Especially during rainy periods, there are muddy crossings. The trails to the east are not rocky, and shoes on horses are not required.

From I-66: Take Exit 55 south (Route 7100/Fairfax County Parkway) toward Springfield. Go 5 miles south on the parkway and take the Route 123/Ox Road exit. Turn left at the light. Take Route 123 south about 3 miles and turn right on Route 643/Henderson Road. Go 2 miles west on Henderson Road and turn left on Route 647/Hampton Road. Go 1 mile south on Hampton Road and turn right into the entrance to Fountainhead Regional Park. Park in the first parking lot after the Maintenance Shed.

From the south via I-95: Take Exit 160 north (Route 123/Gordon Blvd.) Go 4 miles north on Route 123 (which becomes Ox Road after crossing the Occoquan River) and turn left on Route 647/Hampton Road. Go 3 miles west on Hampton Road and turn left into the entrance to Fountainhead Regional Park. Park in the first parking lot after the Maintenance Shed.

From Manassas: Take the Prince William Parkway 2 miles south of the city limits and turn left on Yates Ford Road. Cross the Bull Run and continue on Yates Ford Road until it runs into Henderson Road. Bear left on Henderson Road. Follow it until it ends at Clifton Road. Turn right. Go 2 miles to the 4-way stop with Route 610/Wolf Run Shoals Road. Turn right. Go 1 mile south to the 3-way stop with Route 643/Henderson Road. Turn left. Go 1/2 mile east and turn right on Route 647/Hampton Road. Go 1 mile south and turn right into the entrance to Fountainhead Regional Park.