Chief Benge Scout Trail: 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:CBST Trail Sign.JPG
                    | Image Name = placeholder.JPG
|Trail Highlight=Long single trail good for backpacking
                    | City = Norton
|City=Norton
                    | State = Virginia
|Trail Marking=Yellow
                    | Trail Use = {{Hike}} {{Dogs}} {{Camping}} 
|Trail Use=Hiking, Camping, Fishing
                    | Difficulty Rating = Difficult
|Trail Features=Waterfalls, Vistas, Mountains
                    | Hike Time = 10
|Difficulty Rating=Hard
                    | Distance = 16.6
|Hike Time=10 hrs
                    | Elevation Gain = 1,360
|Trail Distance=18.7 mi
                    | High Point = 3,450
|Round Trip Distance=37.4 mi
                    | Latitude = N36°28.367
|Trail Type=In-and-Out
                    | Longitude = W81°56.917
|High Point=3,450 ft
                    | Medical = Kingsport, TN
|Low Point=1,360 ft
<!-- DON'T EDIT THE GOOGLEMAP TAG -->
|Elevation Gain=-99
                    | googlemap =
|Elevation Loss=-99
<googlemap lat="36.872" lon="-82.449"  zoom="9" width="270" type="map" height="180" selector="no" controls="small">
|Elevation Change Direction=North-to-South
36.538330,-81.832008,Chief Benge Scout Trail
|Parking location=36.89352, -82.62847
</googlemap>
|Trailhead location=36.89352, -82.62847
}}
}}
<!-- End Infobox template table-->
{{Trail Map|Other Trails=Little Stony Creek Falls|Zoom Cancel=yes}}


<!-- 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. -->
Chief Benge Scout Trail (CBST) is a good overnight backpacking opportunity or hike a section.  Things to see and enjoy vary from High Knob overlook, cold mountain lakes, following streams in deep gorges, and Little Stony plunge waterfall.
Chief Benge Scout Trail (CBST) is a newer creation.


== 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. -->


There are two routs to the High Knob Trailhead from Gate City, VA.  One is direct for 25 miles on backroads in the Jefferson National Forest; the other, is 40 miles but less than ten minutes longer due to better highway road.  Choice depends on what you are doing.  The latter is better for an in-and-out hike from High Knob, while the latter would also be better for dropping off a shuttle car.
There are several routes to the High Knob Trailhead from Gate City, VA.  One is direct for 25 miles on backroads in the Jefferson National Forest; another, is 40 miles but less than ten minutes longer due to better highway road.  Choice depends on what you are doing and how much time available.   
Better road route:
 
<u>Better road route to High Knob</U>:
#Take US23 north for 33 miles around to Norton, VA.
#Take US23 north for 33 miles around to Norton, VA.
#
#Turn right/east on Hoot Owl Hollow Road/Route 622 for 1.5 miles.
#Turn right/south on Alley Valley Road for just under three miles.
#Turn sharp left/NE on FS Road 238 for half mile.
#Turn right/SW for short road to the former site of the High Knob Observation Tower.


Backroad route:
<u>Backroad route to High Knob</u>:
Located off FS 238 at the former site of the High Knob Observation Tower. This is the westernmost point on the trail. To reach the trailhead, head north on Rte 619 from Ft. Blackmore. After 3.6 miles, you will need to make an abrupt right turn to remain on 619. The scenic gravel road heads straight up the side of High Knob for 14.9 miles past Ft. Blackmore before you turn right onto Rte 238. After 1.6 miles, turn right onto Rte 233. Follow Rte 233 to a parking area at the end.
#Take VA71 east out of Gate City for couple of miles.
#Turn left/north on VA72 for 11 miles to Ft. Blackmore.
#Turn left/north on Big Stoney Creek Road for 3.6 miles.
#Veer right/north to take Alley Valley Road/FS 213 for half mile, then first left to stay on Alley Valley Road for another winding 7.5 miles.  
#Veer right/NE on FS Road 238 for half mile.
#Turn right/SW for short road to the former site of the High Knob Observation Tower.


<u>[[Little Stony Creek Falls]] trailhead</u>:
#Take VA71 east of Gate City for couple of miles.
#Turn left/north on VA72 and proceed north (through Ft. Blackmore and Dungannon, then past USFS Hanging Rock Recreation Area) for about 29 miles. The last road section will be very curvy.
#Turn left onto VA664 and go 1.1 miles
#Turn left onto gravel FS Road 700 and go 1.4 miles
#At the road split take the left (FS Road 701) and go 1 mile to gravel parking area.


[[Little Stony Creek Falls]] access point from Gate City, VA:  
<u>For a car drop at Hanging Rock Rec. Area, then starting at High Knob</u>:
#Turn onto VA 71 north (no sign here).  
#Take VA71 east of Gate City for couple of miles.
#After one mile, turn left on VA 72 and proceed north (through Ft. Blackmore and Dungannon, then past USFS Hanging Rock Recreation Area) for about 29 miles. The last road section will be very curvy.  
#Turn left/north on VA72 and proceed 22 miles north (through Ft. Blackmore and Dungannon) to USFS Hanging Rock Recreation Area.
#Turn left onto state route 664 and go 1.1 miles  
#Drop off shuttle vehicle.
#Turn left onto gravel forest service road 700 and go 1.4 miles
#Continue north on VA72 another eight miles to Norton, VA.
#At the road split take the left (forest service road 701) and go 1 mile to gravel parking area
#Turn west on Highway US58 for nine miles to Exit #1.
#Take exit south onto Alley Valley Road/FS 213 for four miles.
#Turn sharp left/NE on FS Road 238 for half mile.
#Turn right/SW for short road to the former site of the High Knob Observation Tower.
#You're now at High Knob to begin the trip.


== Route Description==
== Route Description==
Line 88: Line 106:
Distances are from High Knob.  The last section is an extension onto [[Little Stony Creek Falls]] trail.
Distances are from High Knob.  The last section is an extension onto [[Little Stony Creek Falls]] trail.


Access at Mountain Fork is from FS Road 704 which is locked for winter from Sept 15 thru May 15.
The recommended backpacking route is to drop off a vehicle at Hanging Rock Rec. Area, then start at High Knob so overall heading downhill.  At Bark Camp Lake which is roughly mid-way, the trail splits to go around both sides as Lakeshore Trail.  Travel around the northern shore for campground with showers and bathrooms (open April into October), or proceed around southern shore for a backcountry spot. The following day continues downstream, then past falls on Little Stony Creek to the car shuttle.


== 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 trail follows an old railroad bed with some steep climbs/descents.  Many blowdowns reported to be still on the trail from 2009 and 2011 winter storms.
The trail varies depending on what section. Can be steep.  Multiple creek crossings.
 


==Fees, Permits, etc. ==
==Fees, Permits, etc. ==
Line 100: Line 120:
== Misc. Information ==
== Misc. Information ==
<!-- Enter any additional information that doesn't fit an any other fields. Any seasonal features, factoids, etc...? -->
<!-- Enter any additional information that doesn't fit an any other fields. Any seasonal features, factoids, etc...? -->
 
Per the [http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTSw8jAwgAykeaxcN4jhYG_h4eYX5hPgYwefy6w0H24dcPNgEHcDTQ9_PIz03VL8iNMMgycVQEAIzTHkw!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfME80MEkxVkFCOTBFMktTNUJIMjAwMDAwMDA!/?ss=110808&ttype=recarea&recid=73753&actid=51&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&navid=110160000000000&pnavid=110000000000000&cid=FSE_003714&pname=George+Washington+%26+Jefferson+National+Forest+-+High+Knob+Observation+Site Forest Service website], "Local communities are assisting the Forest Service in constructing a new High Knob Observation Tower, expected to be completed in the spring of 2012. From this tower visitors will enjoy an unrestricted view of five states."
 
== 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="11" width="725" scale="yes" icons="http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/marker{label}.png">
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/Chief_Benge_Scout_Trail.kml
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/Little_Stony_Creek_Falls_Trail.kml
 
(G)
High Knob trailhead
(G)
access point
(G)
access point
(G) 36.8699, -82.4632
Little Stony Falls access point
(G) 36.8609,-82.44625
Hanging Rock Rec. Area trailhead
(C) 36.87133, -82.46203
Little Stony Upper Waterfall
</googlemap>


== Photos ==
== Photos ==
<gallery>
{{Park trail gallery|Trail={{PAGENAME}}}}
<!-- Place any pictures from this trail below. Ideally we would have a picture of the trailhead to help people know when they found it -->
{{Map Marker
<!-- Add a picture by typing Image:imagename.extension  -->
|Icon Type=Point of interest
Image:placeholder.jpg|caption
|Marker Title=High Knob trailhead
<!-- Do not remove the end gallery code.-->
|Marker Location=36.89352, -82.62847
</gallery>
}}
 
{{Map Marker
<!-- Finally add the trail to any Categories it should belong to. -->
|Icon Type=Point of interest
[[Category:Virginia]] [[Category:Difficult]] [[Category:Hiking]] [[Category:Camping]] [[Category:Dog Friendly]] [[Category:Waterfalls]] [[Category:Fishing]]
|Marker Title=High Knob Lake access point
|Marker Description=Picnic area
|Marker Location=36.8915, -82.61927
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Point of interest
|Marker Title=Mountain Fork access point - locked in winter
|Marker Location=36.88812, -82.58563
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Point of interest
|Marker Title=Edith Gap access point
|Marker Location=36.88128, -82.55355
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Point of interest
|Marker Title=Bark Camp Lake access point
|Marker Location=36.8677, -82.5157
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Point of interest
|Marker Title=Little Stony Falls access point
|Marker Description=[[Image:CBST Trail Sign.JPG|150px]]
|Marker Location=36.8699, -82.4632
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Point of interest
|Marker Title=Hanging Rock Rec. Area trailhead
|Marker Description=[[Image:Little Stony Creek Falls trailhead sign.JPG|150px]]
|Marker Location=36.8609,-82.44625
}}
{{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
}}

Latest revision as of 06:42, 2 March 2020

Chief Benge Scout Trail

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CBST Trail Sign.JPG
Highlight Long single trail good for backpacking
Located Norton, Virginia
Trail Marking Yellow
Trail UseThings allowed to do on or near the trail

HikingCampingFishing

FeaturesThings to see on or near the trail

WaterfallsVistasMountains

Difficulty Rating Hard
Hiking TimeTime from car and back. Includes any time hiking to access this trail. 10 hrs0.625 Days <br />600 Min <br /> round trip
Distance: 18.7 mi30.095 km <br /> trailStrict non-repeating trail length / 37.4 mi60.189 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 1,360 ft453.333 Yards <br />414.528 Meters <br /> / 3,450 ft1,150 Yards <br />1,051.56 Meters <br />
Elev. Gain/LossSee link for details of calculation. Gain/Loss is direction dependent. -99-99 Feet <br />-30.175 Meters <br /> / (-99-99 Feet <br />-30.175 Meters <br />) – North-to-South
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° 53' 36.67" N, 82° 37' 42.49" W Map
Trailhead 36° 53' 36.67" N, 82° 37' 42.49" W Map
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Upload KML

Trail Overview[edit]

Chief Benge Scout Trail (CBST) is a good overnight backpacking opportunity or hike a section. Things to see and enjoy vary from High Knob overlook, cold mountain lakes, following streams in deep gorges, and Little Stony plunge waterfall.

How to get there[edit]

There are several routes to the High Knob Trailhead from Gate City, VA. One is direct for 25 miles on backroads in the Jefferson National Forest; another, is 40 miles but less than ten minutes longer due to better highway road. Choice depends on what you are doing and how much time available.

Better road route to High Knob:

  1. Take US23 north for 33 miles around to Norton, VA.
  2. Turn right/east on Hoot Owl Hollow Road/Route 622 for 1.5 miles.
  3. Turn right/south on Alley Valley Road for just under three miles.
  4. Turn sharp left/NE on FS Road 238 for half mile.
  5. Turn right/SW for short road to the former site of the High Knob Observation Tower.

Backroad route to High Knob:

  1. Take VA71 east out of Gate City for couple of miles.
  2. Turn left/north on VA72 for 11 miles to Ft. Blackmore.
  3. Turn left/north on Big Stoney Creek Road for 3.6 miles.
  4. Veer right/north to take Alley Valley Road/FS 213 for half mile, then first left to stay on Alley Valley Road for another winding 7.5 miles.
  5. Veer right/NE on FS Road 238 for half mile.
  6. Turn right/SW for short road to the former site of the High Knob Observation Tower.

Little Stony Creek Falls trailhead:

  1. Take VA71 east of Gate City for couple of miles.
  2. Turn left/north on VA72 and proceed north (through Ft. Blackmore and Dungannon, then past USFS Hanging Rock Recreation Area) for about 29 miles. The last road section will be very curvy.
  3. Turn left onto VA664 and go 1.1 miles
  4. Turn left onto gravel FS Road 700 and go 1.4 miles
  5. At the road split take the left (FS Road 701) and go 1 mile to gravel parking area.

For a car drop at Hanging Rock Rec. Area, then starting at High Knob:

  1. Take VA71 east of Gate City for couple of miles.
  2. Turn left/north on VA72 and proceed 22 miles north (through Ft. Blackmore and Dungannon) to USFS Hanging Rock Recreation Area.
  3. Drop off shuttle vehicle.
  4. Continue north on VA72 another eight miles to Norton, VA.
  5. Turn west on Highway US58 for nine miles to Exit #1.
  6. Take exit south onto Alley Valley Road/FS 213 for four miles.
  7. Turn sharp left/NE on FS Road 238 for half mile.
  8. Turn right/SW for short road to the former site of the High Knob Observation Tower.
  9. You're now at High Knob to begin the trip.

Route Description[edit]

The Scott County Chamber of Commerce has an excellent write-up of CBST with trailhead access and general description. Below is a summary until others can contribute more details.

Access Point Distance (mi) Elevation (ft)
High Knob 0.0
High Knob Lake 1.0
Mountain Fork 3.9
Edith Gap
Bark Camp Lake
Little Stony Falls 16.6
Hanging Rock Rec. Area 19.2

Distances are from High Knob. The last section is an extension onto Little Stony Creek Falls trail.

Access at Mountain Fork is from FS Road 704 which is locked for winter from Sept 15 thru May 15.

The recommended backpacking route is to drop off a vehicle at Hanging Rock Rec. Area, then start at High Knob so overall heading downhill. At Bark Camp Lake which is roughly mid-way, the trail splits to go around both sides as Lakeshore Trail. Travel around the northern shore for campground with showers and bathrooms (open April into October), or proceed around southern shore for a backcountry spot. The following day continues downstream, then past falls on Little Stony Creek to the car shuttle.

Typical Conditions[edit]

The trail varies depending on what section. Can be steep. Multiple creek crossings.

Fees, Permits, etc.[edit]

Camping is at High Knob Lake and Bark Camp Lake, which have $10-12/site fees. Hanging Rock and High Knob Recreation Areas have $3 day use fees.

Misc. Information[edit]

Per the Forest Service website, "Local communities are assisting the Forest Service in constructing a new High Knob Observation Tower, expected to be completed in the spring of 2012. From this tower visitors will enjoy an unrestricted view of five states."

Photos[edit]





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