Little Stony Creek Falls: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox Trail | {{Infobox Trail | ||
| Image Name = | | Image Name = * | ||
| Hike Time = 3-4 | | Hike Time = 3-4 | ||
| City = Dungannon | | City = Dungannon | ||
| State = Virginia | | State = Virginia | ||
| Marking = | | Marking = Yellow | ||
| Trail Use = {{Hike}}{{Dogs}} | | Trail Use = {{Hike}} {{Dogs}} | ||
| Season = Year Round | | Season = Year Round | ||
| Difficulty Rating = Moderate | | Difficulty Rating = Moderate | ||
| Distance = 5.2 | | Distance = 5.2 | ||
| Elevation Gain = | | Elevation Gain = 700 | ||
| High Point = | | High Point = 2192 | ||
| Latitude = 36.8609 | | Latitude = 36.8609 | ||
| Longitude = -82.44625 | | Longitude = -82.44625 | ||
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== Route Description== | == Route Description== | ||
<!-- Detailed description of the route. Is there any side trails that are worth traveling? --> | <!-- Detailed description of the route. Is there any side trails that are worth traveling? --> | ||
Follow former narrow gauge logging railroad up creek valley. Stream is crossed by several wood bridges. Lookout stand at middle falls. Rock steps down to pool at base of upper falls. | |||
== 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. | |||
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. | |||
==Fees, Permits, etc. == | ==Fees, Permits, etc. == | ||
<!-- Please list any Fees, Permits, Regulations, etc. that may be required on this trail.--> | <!-- Please list any Fees, Permits, Regulations, etc. that may be required on this trail.--> | ||
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. | |||
<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] | ||
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<!-- You can place pictures, PDF's, links, or even create a Google map with your waypoints and place it here. --> | <!-- 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"> | <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/ | http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/Little_Stony_Creek_Falls.kml | ||
(G) 36.8609,-82.44625 | (G) 36.8609,-82.44625 | ||
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<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
<!-- Place any pictures from this trail below. Add a picture by typing Image:imagename.extension --> | <!-- Place any pictures from this trail below. Add a picture by typing Image:imagename.extension --> | ||
Image: | Image:Upper_Falls_of_Little_Stony_Creek.jpg | ||
<!-- Do not remove the end gallery code.--> | <!-- Do not remove the end gallery code.--> | ||
Revision as of 19:40, 1 August 2012
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Trail Overview
Two nice waterfalls in gorge with sandstone cliffs along the sides. Hike up good trail with several bridges.
How to get there
From Gate City, VA to lower trailhead:
- Turn onto VA-71 north (no sign here).
- After one mile, turn left on VA-72 and proceed north (through Ft. Blackmore and Dungannon) for 22 miles.
- Look for USFS sign, to USFS Hanging Rock Recreation Area (about 2.6 miles north of Dungannon).
- 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:
- Follow above directions.
- 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 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.
- Follow the trail downstream.
Route Description
Follow former narrow gauge logging railroad up creek valley. Stream is crossed by several wood bridges. Lookout stand at middle falls. Rock steps down to pool at base of upper falls.
Typical Conditions
The severe damage from the December 2009 storm has been cleared and the wood bridge halfway up the trail repaired.
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.
Fees, Permits, etc.
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 (Wise, VA) Telephone: 276-328-2931. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8AM to 4:30PM.
After the Hike
Misc. Information
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
<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
(G) 36.8609,-82.44625 Parking at lower trailhead (G) 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 (L) 36.87307, -82.46282 Trail bridge (C) 36.87133, -82.46203 Little Stony Upper Waterfall
</googlemap>
