Roaring Branch 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:Roaring Branch waterfall.JPG
                    | Image Name = *
|Trail Highlight=Starting waterfall, view of the Powell River Valley
                    | City = Big Stone Gap/ Appalachia
|City=Big Stone Gap
                    | State = Virginia
|Trail Marking=Yellow
                    | Trail Use = {{Hike}}{{Waterfall}}
|Trail Use=Hiking
                    | Difficulty Rating = Difficult
|Trail Features=Waterfalls, Vistas
                    | Hike Time = 6.5-7
|Difficulty Rating=Hard
                    | Distance = 8.0
|Hike Time=7 hrs
                    | Elevation Gain = 1420
|Trail Distance=3.868 mi
                    | High Point = 2810
|Round Trip Distance=7.736 mi
                    | Latitude = N36°53.037
|Trail Type=In-and-Out
                    | Longitude = W82°47.286
|High Point=3,042 ft
                    | Medical = Big Stone Gap, VA
|Low Point=1,581 ft
<!-- DON'T EDIT THE GOOGLEMAP TAG -->
|Elevation Gain=1,529 ft
                    | googlemap =  
|Elevation Loss=-70 ft
<googlemap lat="36.875" lon="-82.785"  zoom="11" width="270" type="terrain" height="180" selector="no" controls="small">
|Elevation Change Direction=East-to-West
36.88395,-82.7881,Roaring Branch Trail
|Parking location=36.88367, -82.78789
36.85002, -82.83458,High Butte overlook
|Trailhead location=36.88367, -82.78789
</googlemap>
}}
}}
<!-- 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. -->
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.
Begin at a cascading waterfall.  Proceed along the creek through old growth 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 ==
== 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. -->
#Take US23 to Big Stone Gap.
From Kingsport, TN
#Take the exit onto Gilley Avenue into town for couple miles.   
#Take US23 up to Big Stone Gap.
#Turn right on 5th Street and drive thru town.
#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.   
#Street becomes Roaring Branch Road.   
#Park along road by trail sign.
#Park along road by trail sign.
Narrow parking on shoulder has a couple spaces on each side of the small bridge.


== Route Description==
== Route Description==
<!-- Detailed description of the route. Is there any side trails that are worth traveling? -->
[[File:Roaring branch trail profile.png|thumb|right|Profile chart]]
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.   
After admiring the Roaring Branch waterfall, proceed up stone stairs created by youth conservation corps.  Follow yellow blazed trail as the path continues along the stream through the forest.  Multiple stream crossings - some may be very difficult after heavy rain.  Proceed up ridge line to High Butte overlook. (Great spot for lunch.)  Reverse direction back to trailhead.
 
{| class="wikitable" border="1"
|-
!Mileage In
!Roaring Branch Trail
!Mileage Out
|-
|0.0
|Trailhead at roadside parking. Bottom of stone stairs.
|8.1
|-
|0.3
|Finally, top of the stone stairs.
|7.8
|-
|0.4
|Large blowdown, but able to step over.
|-
|0.5
|Stream crossing - rock hopping.
|7.6
|-
|1.1
|Double blaze - switchback.
|7.1
|-
|1.4
|Stream crossing - long jump or wade.
|6.7
|-
|1.7
|Stream crossing - muddy lowland.
|6.4
|-
|1.9
|Stream crossing - with stepping stones
|6.2
|-
|2.5-2.7
|Path follows alternate (overflow) stream route.
|5.4-5.6
|-
|3.0
|Double blaze - at bottom of ridge line.  Warning: briars start appearing.
|5.1
|-
|3.3
|Double blaze - at top of ridge line.
|4.8
|-
|3.5
|Seeing valley below.
|-
|4.1
|High Butte overlook.
|4.1
|}


== 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?  -->
Per NFS Ranger, the trail has been cleared of blowdowns from 2009 winter damage by volunteers.  
'''*** July 2020 *** Current reports are that first 2-2.5 miles are in bad/unmaintained condition with lots of downed trees and overgrowth.'''
 
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 rhododendron 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. ==
==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.-->
No fees or permits required for day hiking.
No fees or permits required for day hiking. Managed by Clinch Ranger District (Wise, VA) Tel: 276-679-8370 (M-F 8AM-4:30PM)


== After the Hike ==
== After the Hike ==
<!-- Other things to check out while you're in the area. Restaurants, attractions, monuments, etc... -->
<!-- Other things to check out while you're in the area. Restaurants, attractions, monuments, etc... -->
 
For refreshment, there is a DQ in Big Stone Gap and a McD's at the turn for US23 heading home.
 
== Misc. Information ==
<!-- Enter any additional information that doesn't fit an any other fields. Does this trail require any permits for overnight? parking? -->
Managed by Clinch Ranger District (Wise, VA)
Tel: 276-328-2931 (M-F 8AM-4:30PM)
 
== Maps ==
<!-- You can place pictures, PDF's, links, or even create a Google map with your waypoints and place it here. -->
[[File:Roaring Branch Trail - geocaches.JPG]]


== 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:High Butte.jpg|High Butte Overlook into Powell Valley
|Icon Type=Parking
 
|Marker Title=Trailhead
<!-- Do not remove the end gallery code.-->
|Marker Description=[[File:Roaring Branch Trailhead.JPG|150px|Trailhead sign with no trail name]]
</gallery>
|Marker Location=36.88367,-82.78789
 
}}
<!-- 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. -->
{{Map Marker
[[Category:Virginia]] [[Category:Waterfalls]] [[Category:Overlook]] [[Category:Hiking]] [[Category:Difficult]]
|Icon Type=Overlook
|Marker Title=Overlook
|Marker Description=[[File:High Butte.jpg|150px|High Butte Overlook into Powell Valley]]
|Marker Location=36.85002, -82.83458
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Water crossing
|Marker Title=Creek Crossing
|Marker Description=[[File:Roaring Branch Trail - first creek crossing.JPG|150px|First creek crossing]]
|Marker Location=36.87819,-82.79517
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Water crossing
|Marker Title=Creek Crossing
|Marker Location=36.87550,-82.80042
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Water crossing
|Marker Title=Creek Crossing
|Marker Location=36.86806,-82.80827
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Water crossing
|Marker Title=Creek Crossing
|Marker Location=36.86592,-82.81091
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Water crossing
|Marker Title=Creek Crossing
|Marker Location=36.86594,-82.81046
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Water crossing
|Marker Title=Creek Crossing
|Marker Location=36.87606,-82.79976
}}

Latest revision as of 21:37, 27 July 2020

Roaring Branch Trail

(log in to submit report)
Roaring Branch waterfall.JPG
Highlight Starting waterfall, view of the Powell River Valley
Located Big Stone Gap
Trail Marking Yellow
Trail UseThings allowed to do on or near the trail

Hiking

FeaturesThings to see on or near the trail

WaterfallsVistas

Difficulty Rating Hard
Hiking TimeTime from car and back. Includes any time hiking to access this trail. 7 hrs0.438 Days <br />420 Min <br /> round trip
Distance: 3.868 mi6.225 km <br /> trailStrict non-repeating trail length / 7.736 mi12.45 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 1,581 ft527 Yards <br />481.889 Meters <br /> / 3,042 ft1,014 Yards <br />927.202 Meters <br />
Elev. Gain/LossSee link for details of calculation. Gain/Loss is direction dependent. 1,529 ft466.039 Meters <br /> / (-70 ft-21.336 Meters <br />) – East-to-West
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' 1.21" N, 82° 47' 16.40" W Map
Trailhead 36° 53' 1.21" N, 82° 47' 16.40" W Map
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Download KML / Upload new version / KML File Page / Create Profile Chart / gpsvisualizer Map

Trail Overview[edit]

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[edit]

From Kingsport, TN

  1. Take US23 up to Big Stone Gap.
  2. Get off at "Exit 1" at Mile Marker 33.
  3. At end of exit ramp, turn left (west) onto Gilley Avenue into town for couple miles.
  4. Turn right at traffic light onto 5th Street and drive thru town.
  5. Street becomes Roaring Branch Road.
  6. Park along road by trail sign.

Narrow parking on shoulder has a couple spaces on each side of the small bridge.

Route Description[edit]

Profile chart

After admiring the Roaring Branch waterfall, proceed up stone stairs created by youth conservation corps. Follow yellow blazed trail as the path continues along the stream through the forest. Multiple stream crossings - some may be very difficult after heavy rain. Proceed up ridge line to High Butte overlook. (Great spot for lunch.) Reverse direction back to trailhead.

Mileage In Roaring Branch Trail Mileage Out
0.0 Trailhead at roadside parking. Bottom of stone stairs. 8.1
0.3 Finally, top of the stone stairs. 7.8
0.4 Large blowdown, but able to step over.
0.5 Stream crossing - rock hopping. 7.6
1.1 Double blaze - switchback. 7.1
1.4 Stream crossing - long jump or wade. 6.7
1.7 Stream crossing - muddy lowland. 6.4
1.9 Stream crossing - with stepping stones 6.2
2.5-2.7 Path follows alternate (overflow) stream route. 5.4-5.6
3.0 Double blaze - at bottom of ridge line. Warning: briars start appearing. 5.1
3.3 Double blaze - at top of ridge line. 4.8
3.5 Seeing valley below.
4.1 High Butte overlook. 4.1

Typical Conditions[edit]

*** July 2020 *** Current reports are that first 2-2.5 miles are in bad/unmaintained condition with lots of downed trees and overgrowth.

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 rhododendron 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.[edit]

No fees or permits required for day hiking. Managed by Clinch Ranger District (Wise, VA) Tel: 276-679-8370 (M-F 8AM-4:30PM)

After the Hike[edit]

For refreshment, there is a DQ in Big Stone Gap and a McD's at the turn for US23 heading home.

Photos[edit]





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