Little Stony Creek Falls: Difference between revisions

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<!-- The following few lines create the "Infobox" table template.  Please scroll down to edit the main content of the article. -->
{{Trail
{{Infobox Trail
|Banner Image=File:Upper Falls Little Stony Creek.JPG
                    | Image Name = Upper_Falls_Little_Stony_Creek.JPG
|Trail Highlight=Rock-lined gorge with sandstone cliffs and cascading creek to view two different waterfalls
                    | Hike Time = 3-4
|Trail Number=FS# 331
                    | City = Dungannon
|City=Dungannon
                    | State = Virginia
|Land Owner=George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
                    | Marking = Yellow
|Trail Marking=Yellow
                    | Trail Use = {{Hike}} {{Dogs}}
|Trail Use=Hiking
                    | Season = Year Round
|Trail Features=Waterfalls, Mountains
                    | Difficulty Rating = Moderate
|Difficulty Rating=Medium
                    | Distance = 5.2
|Hike Time=3 hrs
                    | Elevation Gain = 700
|Trail Distance=2.608 mi
                    | High Point = 2192
|Round Trip Distance=5.2 mi
                    | Latitude = 36.8609
|Trail Type=In-and-Out
                    | Longitude = -82.44625
|High Point=2,199 ft
                    | Medical = Kingsport, TN
|Low Point=1,514 ft
|Elevation Gain=681 ft
|Elevation Loss=15 ft
|Elevation Change Direction=South-to-North
|Parking location=36.8609, -82.44625
|Trailhead location=36.8609, -82.44625
}}
}}
<!-- End Infobox template table-->
{{Trail Map}}
<!-- Start of Main Page -->
 
__TOC__


== Trail Overview ==
== Trail Overview ==
<!-- Enter a overview of the trail. What attracts you to this trail, points of interest, types of flowers, lakes, and peaks that you see along the way. -->
Hike in deep, rock-lined gorge with sandstone cliffs and cascading creek to view two different waterfalls - a curtain and a plunge.
Hike in deep, rock-lined gorge with sandstone cliffs and cascading creek to view two different waterfalls - a curtain and a plunge.


Line 36: Line 41:
#Follow above directions.
#Follow above directions.
#Continue on VA-72 past the entrance to USFS Hanging Rock Recreation Area for an additional 6.6 miles (very curvy!)
#Continue on VA-72 past the entrance to USFS Hanging Rock Recreation Area for an additional 6.6 miles (very curvy!)
#Turn left onto SR-664 and go 1.1 miles.
#Turn left onto SR-664 (Corder Town Rd) and go 1.1 miles.
#Turn left onto gravel Forest Service Road #700 and go 1.4 miles.
#Turn left onto gravel Forest Service Road #700 and go 1.4 miles.
#At the road split take the left (Forest Service Road #701) and go one mile to gravel parking area.
#At the road split take the left (Forest Service Road #701) and go one mile to gravel parking area.
Line 42: Line 47:


== Route Description==
== Route Description==
<!-- Detailed description of the route. Is there any side trails that are worth traveling? -->
[[File:Little stony creek falls profile.png|thumb|right]]
From the Hanging Rock Recreation Area, this yellow-blazed trail winds up the deep rock-strewn gorge carved by the cascading Little Stony Creek.  Follow former narrow gauge logging railroad up creek valley.  Stream is crossed by several wood bridges.  There is an observation stand at the middle falls.  Rock steps lead down to pool at base of upper falls.  Beyond the upper falls is a parking lot.
From the Hanging Rock Recreation Area, this yellow-blazed trail winds up the deep rock-strewn gorge carved by the cascading Little Stony Creek.  Follow former narrow gauge logging railroad up creek valley.  Stream is crossed by several wood bridges.  There is an observation stand at the middle falls.  Rock steps lead down to pool at base of upper falls.  Beyond the upper falls is a parking lot.  The trail continues north as lesser used [[Chief Benge Scout Trail]].


== Typical Conditions ==
== Typical Conditions ==
<!-- Typical conditions throughout the year of what to expect on the trail. Rocky, muddy, sandy, flowers, lots of downed trees?  -->
<!-- Typical conditions throughout the year of what to expect on the trail. Rocky, muddy, sandy, flowers, lots of downed trees?  -->
The severe damage from the December 2009 storm has been cleared and the wood bridge halfway up the trail repaired.
As shared in TEHCC September 2019 newsletter:
This hiking trail has two issues which render this path temporarily closed officially effective with a USFS May 2018 notice.  Since Summer 2012, a landslide has removed a section of the trail making it impassable after first bridge from lower trailhead.  Multiple blowdowns are reported for this same area, but bypass routes allow access to the middle (curtain) waterfall.  At the upper (plunge) waterfall, a more recent landslide has cut off the observation platform and access to bottom of the waterfall after the second bridge from the upper parking lot.


7/29/12 - While only a few blowdowns were encountered on the trail, the primary issue is that the path is collapsing into the creek in several places, thus providing difficult crossing.  Recommendation is to create a raised boardwalk anchored into the hillside as the sides of the gorge will continue to be scoured by heavy runoff.
Natural Resources Specialist Brandon Olinger for Clinch Ranger District shares that the trail is being rerouted around the older, lower slide.  This section will hopefully open by late September 2019.  The newer, upper slide is seeking funding for its repair.  No timeline but aspire to have done by Fall 2020.  


==Fees, Permits, etc. ==
==Fees, Permits, etc. ==
Line 56: Line 62:


<p>See also Forest Service trail description [http://www.fs.fed.us/outernet/r8/gwj/clinch/recreation/hiking/little_stony_nrt.shtml  Forest Service trail page]
<p>See also Forest Service trail description [http://www.fs.fed.us/outernet/r8/gwj/clinch/recreation/hiking/little_stony_nrt.shtml  Forest Service trail page]
<br>Clinch Ranger District (Wise, VA) Telephone: 276-328-2931.  Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8AM to 4:30PM.
<br>Clinch Ranger District (Norton, VA) Telephone: 276-679-8370.  Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8AM to 4:30PM.


== After the Hike ==
== After the Hike ==
Line 64: Line 70:
<!-- Enter any additional information that doesn't fit an any other fields. Does this trail require any permits for overnight? parking? -->
<!-- Enter any additional information that doesn't fit an any other fields. Does this trail require any permits for overnight? parking? -->
If driving to the upper parking area stop at a small pull-out half a mile from the parking area (rocks with lots of graffiti) and walk quarter mile out to Bear Rock. Spectacular views. No guard rails, use extreme caution!
If driving to the upper parking area stop at a small pull-out half a mile from the parking area (rocks with lots of graffiti) and walk quarter mile out to Bear Rock. Spectacular views. No guard rails, use extreme caution!
== Maps ==
<!-- You can place pictures, PDF's, links, or even create a Google map with your waypoints and place it here. -->
<googlemap version="0.9" lat="36.872" lon="-82.449" type="terrain" zoom="14" width="725" height="350" scale="yes" icons="http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/marker{label}.png">
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/Little Stony Creek Falls.kml
(A) 36.8609,-82.44625
Parking at lower trailhead
[[Image:Little Stony Creek Falls trailhead sign.JPG|50px]]
(A) 36.8699, -82.4632
Parking at upper trailhead
(C) 36.87788, -82.45882
Little Stony Lower Waterfall
(C) 36.87472, -82.4632
Little Stony Middle Waterfall
[[Image:Middle Falls Little Stony Creek.JPG|50px]]
(L) 36.87307, -82.46282
Trail bridge
(C) 36.87133, -82.46203
Little Stony Upper Waterfall
[[Image:Upper Falls Little Stony Creek.JPG|50px]]
</googlemap>


== Photos ==
== Photos ==
<gallery>
{{Park trail gallery|Trail={{PAGENAME}}}}
<!-- Place any pictures from this trail below.  Add a picture by typing Image:imagename.extension  -->
{{Map Marker
Image:Upper_Falls_of_Little_Stony_Creek.jpg|Upper falls at low flow‎
|Icon Type=Parking
Image:Middle Falls Little Stony Creek.JPG|Middle falls
|Marker Title=Parking at lower trailhead
Image:Little Stony Creek Falls trailhead sign.JPG|Trailhead sign
|Marker Description=[[Image:Little Stony Creek Falls trailhead sign.JPG|150px]]
 
|Marker Location=36.8609,-82.44625
<!-- Do not remove the end gallery code.-->
}}
</gallery>
{{Map Marker
 
|Icon Type=Parking
<!-- Finally add the trail to any Categories it should belong to. Please keep the State category. To make a new category just type [[Category:mycategory]]. Keep in mind categories are case sensitive. -->
|Marker Title=Parking at upper trailhead
[[Category:Virginia]] [[Category:Waterfalls]] [[Category:Dog Friendly]] [[Category:Medium]]
|Marker Location=36.8699, -82.4632
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Trail bridge
|Marker Title=Trail bridge #1
|Marker Description=[[Image:Little Stony Creek bridge1.jpg|150px]]
|Marker Location=36.86657, -82.44794
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Trail bridge
|Marker Title=Trail bridge #2
|Marker Description=[[Image:Little Stony Creek bridge2.jpg|150px]]
|Marker Location=36.874745, -82.447136
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Trail bridge
|Marker Title=Trail bridge #3
|Marker Description=[[Image:Little Stony Creek bridge3.jpg|150px]]
|Marker Location=36.877295, -82.460441
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Trail bridge
|Marker Title=Trail bridge #4
|Marker Description=[[Image:Little Stony Creek bridge4.jpg|150px]]
|Marker Location=36.872767, -82.462531
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Waterfall
|Marker Title=Little Stony Lower Waterfall
|Marker Location=36.87788, -82.45882
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Waterfall
|Marker Title=Little Stony Middle Waterfall
|Marker Description=[[Image:Middle Falls Little Stony Creek.JPG|150px]]
|Marker Location=36.87472, -82.4632
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Waterfall
|Marker Title=Little Stony Upper Waterfall
|Marker Description=[[Image:Upper Falls Little Stony Creek.JPG|150px]]
|Marker Location=36.87133, -82.46203
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Toilet
|Marker Title=Bathrooms at horse trailer parking lot
|Marker Location=36.86978, -82.46125
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Overlook
|Marker Title=Bear Rock overlook (not on LSC falls trail)
|Marker Location=36.87742, -82.46192
}}

Latest revision as of 10:06, 25 April 2024

Little Stony Creek Falls

(log in to submit report)
Upper Falls Little Stony Creek.JPG
Highlight Rock-lined gorge with sandstone cliffs and cascading creek to view two different waterfalls
Trail Number FS# 331
Land Owner George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
Located Dungannon, Virginia
Trail Marking Yellow
Trail UseThings allowed to do on or near the trail

Hiking

FeaturesThings to see on or near the trail

WaterfallsMountains

Difficulty Rating Medium
Hiking TimeTime from car and back. Includes any time hiking to access this trail. 3 hrs0.188 Days <br />180 Min <br /> round trip
Distance: 2.608 mi4.197 km <br /> trailStrict non-repeating trail length / 5.2 mi8.369 km <br /> round tripTypical or shortest length from the car, hike the trail, and return to car
Trail Type In-and-Out
Low / High Point 1,514 ft504.667 Yards <br />461.467 Meters <br /> / 2,199 ft733 Yards <br />670.255 Meters <br />
Elev. Gain/LossSee link for details of calculation. Gain/Loss is direction dependent. 681 ft207.569 Meters <br /> / (15 ft4.572 Meters <br />) – South-to-North
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 2 trails / 4.3 mi of trail
Parking 36° 51' 39.24" N, 82° 26' 46.50" W Map
Trailhead 36° 51' 39.24" N, 82° 26' 46.50" W Map
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Trail Overview[edit]

Hike in deep, rock-lined gorge with sandstone cliffs and cascading creek to view two different waterfalls - a curtain and a plunge.

How to get there[edit]

From Gate City, VA to lower trailhead:

  1. Turn onto VA-71 north (no sign here).
  2. After one mile, turn left on VA-72 and proceed north (through Ft. Blackmore and Dungannon) for 22 miles.
  3. Look for USFS sign, to USFS Hanging Rock Recreation Area (about 2.6 miles north of Dungannon).
  4. At extremely sharp switchback, go straight (left side of highway) into picnic area and park.

Note: Picnic area is only open mid March-October 31, thus locked gate during off-season. Park along the access road (do not block the gate) and add quarter mile each way to the hike.


To upper parking area:

  1. Follow above directions.
  2. Continue on VA-72 past the entrance to USFS Hanging Rock Recreation Area for an additional 6.6 miles (very curvy!)
  3. Turn left onto SR-664 (Corder Town Rd) and go 1.1 miles.
  4. Turn left onto gravel Forest Service Road #700 and go 1.4 miles.
  5. At the road split take the left (Forest Service Road #701) and go one mile to gravel parking area.
  6. Follow the trail downstream.

Route Description[edit]

Little stony creek falls profile.png

From the Hanging Rock Recreation Area, this yellow-blazed trail winds up the deep rock-strewn gorge carved by the cascading Little Stony Creek. Follow former narrow gauge logging railroad up creek valley. Stream is crossed by several wood bridges. There is an observation stand at the middle falls. Rock steps lead down to pool at base of upper falls. Beyond the upper falls is a parking lot. The trail continues north as lesser used Chief Benge Scout Trail.

Typical Conditions[edit]

As shared in TEHCC September 2019 newsletter: This hiking trail has two issues which render this path temporarily closed officially effective with a USFS May 2018 notice. Since Summer 2012, a landslide has removed a section of the trail making it impassable after first bridge from lower trailhead. Multiple blowdowns are reported for this same area, but bypass routes allow access to the middle (curtain) waterfall. At the upper (plunge) waterfall, a more recent landslide has cut off the observation platform and access to bottom of the waterfall after the second bridge from the upper parking lot.

Natural Resources Specialist Brandon Olinger for Clinch Ranger District shares that the trail is being rerouted around the older, lower slide. This section will hopefully open by late September 2019. The newer, upper slide is seeking funding for its repair. No timeline but aspire to have done by Fall 2020.

Fees, Permits, etc.[edit]

The day use fee for USFS Hanging Rock Recreation Area does not appear to be collected as no sign in present at the payment stand. The rec area has 16 picnic areas with cooking grills and vault toilets.

See also Forest Service trail description Forest Service trail page
Clinch Ranger District (Norton, VA) Telephone: 276-679-8370. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8AM to 4:30PM.

After the Hike[edit]

Misc. Information[edit]

If driving to the upper parking area stop at a small pull-out half a mile from the parking area (rocks with lots of graffiti) and walk quarter mile out to Bear Rock. Spectacular views. No guard rails, use extreme caution!

Photos[edit]






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