Mendota Trail: Difference between revisions
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==How To Get There== | ==How To Get There== | ||
<!-- Please enter detailed instruction on how to find the trail head. --> | <!-- Please enter detailed instruction on how to find the trail head. --> | ||
Mendota Trail Access Points: | Mendota Trail Access Points: Bristol Trailhead, Benhams, and Mendota Trailhead | ||
Bristol Trailhead | |||
Benhams | |||
Mendota Trailhead | |||
All directions are from Kingsport, TN (Colonial Heights parking) | All directions are from Kingsport, TN (Colonial Heights parking) | ||
To the Bristol, VA trailhead | To the Bristol, VA trailhead (beside 1788 Island Road, Bristol, VA 24202) | ||
#Get on I-81 N. | #Get on I-81 N. | ||
#Travel 17 miles to Bristol, VA Exit 1. | #Travel 17 miles to Bristol, VA Exit 1. | ||
| Line 32: | Line 29: | ||
#Island Road runs parallel to I-81 North to reach the Bristol trailhead parking area on left in just over two miles. | #Island Road runs parallel to I-81 North to reach the Bristol trailhead parking area on left in just over two miles. | ||
To Benhams parking lot | To Benhams parking lot (across from 7741 Rich Valley Road, Bristol, VA 24202) | ||
#Get on I-81 N. | #Get on I-81 N. | ||
#Travel 17 miles to Bristol, VA Exit 1. | #Travel 17 miles to Bristol, VA Exit 1. | ||
| Line 41: | Line 38: | ||
#Reach Benhams parking after 1.1 miles. | #Reach Benhams parking after 1.1 miles. | ||
To Mendota, VA trailhead | To Mendota, VA trailhead (across from 2421 Mendota Road, Mendota, VA 24270) | ||
# | #Turn right/north onto TN-36/Fort Henry Drive | ||
#After 3.1 miles, merge right/north onto ramp to TN-93/JB Dennis Highway | |||
#Highway turns from two to one lane just before entering Virginia where it becomes VA-224/Wadlow Gap Road | |||
#After 9.5 miles, reach tee to turn right/east onto US-421/US-58/Bristol Highway. | |||
#After just under 5 miles, turn left/north onto VA-709/VA-614/AP Carter Highway | |||
#After 8.5 miles, continue on VA-614 which is then labeled as Mendota Road. | |||
#Reach the Mendota trailhead parking area on right in another 1.4 miles. | |||
==Route Description== | ==Route Description== | ||
Revision as of 18:00, 16 June 2023
| Mendota Trail (log in to submit report) | |
|---|---|
| Highlight | A Rails-to-Trail between Bristol and Mendota, VA |
| Located | Bristol, Tennessee |
| Trail Marking | {{{Trail Marking}}} |
| Trail UseThings allowed to do on or near the trail |
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| FeaturesThings to see on or near the trail |
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| Difficulty Rating | Medium |
| Hiking TimeTime from car and back. Includes any time hiking to access this trail. | {{{Hike Time}}}"{{{Hike Time}}}" is not a number. round trip |
| Distance: | 12.5 mi20.117 km <br /> trailStrict non-repeating trail length / round tripTypical or shortest length from the car, hike the trail, and return to car |
| Trail Type | In-and-Out |
| High Point | {{{High Point}}}"{{{High Point}}}" is not a number. |
| Elev. Gain/LossSee link for details of calculation. Gain/Loss is direction dependent. | {{{Elevation Gain}}}"{{{Elevation Gain}}}" is not a number. / ({{{Elevation Loss}}}"{{{Elevation Loss}}}" is not a number.) – {{{Elevation Change Direction}}} |
| Trip ReportsFrom user "hiked it" submissions<br />Recent is within last 90 days | No hikes logged yet |
| NearbyWithin 5 mi<br />Click link to view list | No other Trails within 5 mi |
| Parking | 36° 37' 14.34" N, 82° 11' 22.99" W Map |
| Trailhead | 36° 37' 14.34" N, 82° 11' 22.99" W Map |
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| Show In Google Maps | |
Trail Overview
A Rails-to-Trail conversion between Bristol and Mendota, VA crossing restored wood trestles in deep cutoff and across open pasture.
How To Get There
Mendota Trail Access Points: Bristol Trailhead, Benhams, and Mendota Trailhead
All directions are from Kingsport, TN (Colonial Heights parking)
To the Bristol, VA trailhead (beside 1788 Island Road, Bristol, VA 24202)
- Get on I-81 N.
- Travel 17 miles to Bristol, VA Exit 1.
- Merge onto US-421 S/Gate City Hwy.
- Quickly (0.2 mile) turn left onto Island Road.
- Island Road runs parallel to I-81 North to reach the Bristol trailhead parking area on left in just over two miles.
To Benhams parking lot (across from 7741 Rich Valley Road, Bristol, VA 24202)
- Get on I-81 N.
- Travel 17 miles to Bristol, VA Exit 1.
- At end of exit ramp, keep left at the fork to turn west onto US-58/421 towards Gate City.
- After 1.6 miles, turn right onto onto VA-633/Reedy Creek Road.
- After 2.5 miles, take sharp left onto VA-641/Campground Road.
- After 1.9 miles, turn right onto VA-700/Rich Valley Road.
- Reach Benhams parking after 1.1 miles.
To Mendota, VA trailhead (across from 2421 Mendota Road, Mendota, VA 24270)
- Turn right/north onto TN-36/Fort Henry Drive
- After 3.1 miles, merge right/north onto ramp to TN-93/JB Dennis Highway
- Highway turns from two to one lane just before entering Virginia where it becomes VA-224/Wadlow Gap Road
- After 9.5 miles, reach tee to turn right/east onto US-421/US-58/Bristol Highway.
- After just under 5 miles, turn left/north onto VA-709/VA-614/AP Carter Highway
- After 8.5 miles, continue on VA-614 which is then labeled as Mendota Road.
- Reach the Mendota trailhead parking area on right in another 1.4 miles.
Route Description
The rails-to-trail conversion is not fully complete. The following table summarizes the current state.
| Miles from Bristol | Elevation | Point of Interest |
|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 1,854 | Bristol Trailhead |
| 0.6 | 2,100 | A |
| 0.85 | 2,521 | B |
| 1.3 | 2600 | Mendota Trailhead |
Typical Conditions
Various sections of different treads including paved, dirt, and gravel from the old railroad bed. Three more trestles must be repaired to open the entire length.
Fees, Permits, etc.
No fees for use or parking at any of the access points. Dogs on leash are welcomed, but also could be passing by some homes with pets.
After the Hike
Miscellaneous Information
Gallery