Roaring Branch Trail
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Trail Overview
Begin at a cascading waterfall. Hike up along the creek through forest. Climb the ridge line up to a rocky overlook for the Powell River valley. All within the Stone Mountain section of Jefferson National Forest.
How to get there
From Kingsport, TN
- Take US23 up to Big Stone Gap.
- Get off at "Exit 1" at Mile Marker 33.
- At end of exit ramp, turn left (west) onto Gilley Avenue into town for couple miles.
- Turn right at traffic light onto 5th Street and drive thru town.
- Street becomes Roaring Branch Road.
- Park along road by trail sign.
Narrow parking on shoulder has a couple spaces on each side of the small bridge.
Route Description
After admiring the heavy spring flow over the Roaring Branch waterfall, proceed up stone stairs created by youth conservation corps. The path continues through the very large trees with little undergrowth. Three stream crossings - first may be very difficult after heavy rain. Proceed up ridge line to High Butte overlook. (Great spot for lunch.) Reverse direction back to trailhead.
Typical Conditions
As reported by the NFS Ranger, the trail, primarily in the first mile and half, was cleared by volunteers of many blowdowns from the 2009 winter damage. Someone has marked with stakes and begun installing rock and log waterbars to address water flow down the trail path.
Several creek crossings. The first encountered can be made by rock hopping unless the water level is up due to heavy rain, then a nearby fallen tree might provide a bridge. Others will require figuring out where to step to not sink into soft mud. The creek crossing right in front of a campsite in the trail path required us to remove boots and wade.
The mid section, still along the creek, had not yet been cleared of several small blowdowns and rhodedron growth (could be handled by loppers and a bow saw), thus required a few detours and lots of clipping. The upper section, once emerged onto the ridgeline, changes to more open forest, but briars are then present for ankle cuts. Blueberries are found up by the overlook (in season late July-Sept).
Fees, Permits, etc.
No fees or permits required for day hiking. Managed by Clinch Ranger District (Wise, VA) Tel: 276-328-2931 (M-F 8AM-4:30PM)
After the Hike
For refreshment, there is a DQ in Big Stone Gap and a McD's at the run for US23 heading home.
Misc. Information
Maps
<googlemap version="0.9" lat="36.87" lon="-82.816" type="terrain" zoom="13" width="750" height="350" scale="yes" controls="large" icons="http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/marker{label}.png"> http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/Roaring Branch Trail.kml 36.88395,-82.7881,Roaring Branch Trail 36.85002, -82.83458,High Butte overlook </googlemap>
Photos
Trailhead sign with no trail name
Stone steps by youth conservation corps in 1970s
High Butte Overlook into Powell Valley
First creek crossing
Another view from High Butte
