Brumley Mountain Trail: Difference between revisions
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{{Trail | {{Trail | ||
| | |Banner Image=File:The Channels Natural Area Preserve Top View.jpg | ||
| | |Trail Highlight=Your likely trail if you want to "go to The Channels" | ||
| | |Park=The Channels Natural Area Preserve | ||
|Land Owner=Virginia Department of Forestry | |||
|Trail Marking=White diamond | |Trail Marking=White diamond | ||
|Trail Use=Hiking, Biking | |Trail Use=Hiking, Biking, Geocaching | ||
|Trail Features=Vistas | |Trail Features=Vistas, Canyons | ||
|Difficulty Rating=Medium | |Difficulty Rating=Medium | ||
|Hike Time=4 hrs | |Hike Time=4 hrs | ||
|Trail Distance= | |Trail Distance=2.96 mi | ||
|Round Trip Distance= | |Round Trip Distance=5.92 mi | ||
|Trail Type=In-and-Out | |Trail Type=In-and-Out | ||
|High Point=4, | |High Point=4,188 ft | ||
|Low Point=3, | |Low Point=3,014 ft | ||
|Elevation | |Elevation Gain=1,174 ft | ||
|Elevation Loss=0 ft | |||
|Elevation Change Direction=East-to-West | |||
|Parking location=36.86454, -81.94702 | |Parking location=36.86454, -81.94702 | ||
|Trailhead location=36.86395, -81.94729 | |Trailhead location=36.86395, -81.94729 | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{Announcement | |||
|Title=Limited Parking Space | |||
|Body='''Notice:''' Beginning June 10, 2020, the parking area at Channels Natural Area Preserve is limited to 10 vehicles. If the parking area is full when you arrive, please come back another time. Parking along Highway 80 is not permitted, and violators will be ticketed. Visit the [https://dof.virginia.gov/education-and-recreation/state-forests/virginia-state-forests/channels-state-forest/ park website] for details | |||
}} | |||
</br> | |||
{{Trail Map|Zoom Cancel=Yes}} | |||
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__TOC__ | __TOC__ | ||
== Trail Overview == | == Trail Overview == | ||
If you are looking to hike to The Channels, this is the trail you were probably looking for. Although it is 14.6 miles long, most people hike it using the 3 mile access to The Channels from the east end of the trail where it terminates at VA-80. | |||
The Great Channels are an unusual geological maze of large sandstone boulders and eroded crevices. | The Great Channels are an unusual geological maze of large sandstone boulders and eroded crevices. | ||
Per a park brochure: "At the crest of the mountain, within the Natural Area Preserve, are the Great Channels of Virginia, impressive formations of 400-million-year old sandstone outcroppings. Geologists conclude that the Channels were likely formed while the high elevation sandstone cap was under the influence of permafrost and ice wedging during the last ice age. These forces shattered and enlarged joints in the sandstone caprock." | Per a park brochure: "At the crest of the mountain, within the Natural Area Preserve, are the Great Channels of Virginia, impressive formations of 400-million-year old sandstone outcroppings. Geologists conclude that the Channels were likely formed while the high elevation sandstone cap was under the influence of permafrost and ice wedging during the last ice age. These forces shattered and enlarged joints in the sandstone caprock." | ||
Recommend late May to June when the Mountain Laurel is also in bloom. | |||
== How to get there == | == How to get there == | ||
There are a few ways to reach The Channels as they are on a network of trails. For now the "traditional" approach will be described and other routes hopefully detailed in the future.<br> | There are a few ways to reach The Channels as they are on a network of trails. For now the "traditional" approach will be described and other routes hopefully detailed in the future.<br> | ||
Line 51: | Line 44: | ||
#Follow VA-80 for about 14 miles and park at the trail head on your left where Raven Ridge Road (Private) intersects VA-80. | #Follow VA-80 for about 14 miles and park at the trail head on your left where Raven Ridge Road (Private) intersects VA-80. | ||
There is parking at the trail head for seven to twelve vehicles by Raven Ridge Road. Raven Ridge Road is an active private road. Do not block the road access in finding parking spots. | There is parking at the trail head for seven to twelve vehicles by Raven Ridge Road. Raven Ridge Road is an active private road. Do not block the road access in finding parking spots. This parking spot on VA-80 is known as Hayters Gap. | ||
== Route Description== | == Route Description== | ||
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== Photos == | == Photos == | ||
{{Park trail gallery|Trail={{PAGENAME}}}} | {{Park trail gallery|Trail={{PAGENAME}}}} | ||
{{Map Marker|Icon Type=Parking|Marker Title=Hayters Gap Road Trailhead|Marker Description= |Marker Location=36.86461,-81.94703}} | |||
{{Map Marker|Icon Type=Power line|Marker Title=Power line crossing|Marker Description= |Marker Location=36.861423,-81.953277}} | |||
{{Map Marker|Icon Type=Point of interest|Marker Title=Turn off road (stay straight while road switchbacks right)|Marker Description= |Marker Location=36.861161,-81.955638}} | |||
{{Map Marker|Icon Type=Old structure|Marker Title=Private cabin|Marker Description= |Marker Location=36.863489,-81.959281}} | |||
{{Map Marker|Icon Type=Trail sign|Marker Title=Split with Brumley Mountain Trail|Marker Description= |Marker Location=36.871957,-81.978305}} | |||
{{Map Marker|Icon Type=Overlook|Marker Title=Overlook to Tri-Cities|Marker Description= |Marker Location=36.871055,-81.977652}} | |||
{{Map Marker|Icon Type=Overlook|Marker Title=Overlook at fire tower|Marker Description= |Marker Location=36.871424,-81.978036}} | |||
{{Map Marker|Icon Type=Old structure|Marker Title=Old cabin for fire watch|Marker Description= |Marker Location=36.871230,-81.978150}} | |||
{{Map Marker|Icon Type=Tower|Marker Title=Fire tower|Marker Description= |Marker Location=36.871338,-81.978551}} | |||
{{Map Marker|Icon Type=Point of interest|Marker Title=The Channels|Marker Description= |Marker Location=36.870934,-81.979825}} | |||
{{Map Marker|Icon Type=Parking|Marker Title=Brumley Gap Trailhead|Marker Description= |Marker Location=36.828033,-81.962133}} |
Latest revision as of 10:47, 8 January 2023
Brumley Mountain Trail (log in to submit report) | |
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Highlight | Your likely trail if you want to "go to The Channels" |
Park | The Channels Natural Area Preserve |
Land Owner | Virginia Department of Forestry |
Located | Rosedale, VirginiaLocation inherited from associated park |
Trail Marking | White diamond |
Trail UseThings allowed to do on or near the trail | |
FeaturesThings to see on or near the trail | |
Difficulty Rating | Medium |
Hiking TimeTime from car and back. Includes any time hiking to access this trail. | 4 hrs0.25 Days <br />240 Min <br /> round trip |
Distance: | 2.96 mi4.764 km <br /> trailStrict non-repeating trail length / 5.92 mi9.527 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 | 3,014 ft1,004.667 Yards <br />918.667 Meters <br /> / 4,188 ft1,396 Yards <br />1,276.502 Meters <br /> |
Elev. Gain/LossSee link for details of calculation. Gain/Loss is direction dependent. | 1,174 ft357.835 Meters <br /> / (0 ft0 Meters <br />) – East-to-West |
Trip ReportsFrom user "hiked it" submissions<br />Recent is within last 90 days | 1 logged hikes (0 recent) |
NearbyWithin 5 mi<br />Click link to view list | 1 trails / 5.4 mi of trail |
Parking | 36° 51' 52.34" N, 81° 56' 49.27" W Map |
Trailhead | 36° 51' 50.22" N, 81° 56' 50.24" W Map |
| |
Show In Google Maps |
Limited Parking Space |
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Notice: Beginning June 10, 2020, the parking area at Channels Natural Area Preserve is limited to 10 vehicles. If the parking area is full when you arrive, please come back another time. Parking along Highway 80 is not permitted, and violators will be ticketed. Visit the park website for details |
Download KML / Upload new version / KML File Page / Create Profile Chart / gpsvisualizer Map
Trail Overview[edit]
If you are looking to hike to The Channels, this is the trail you were probably looking for. Although it is 14.6 miles long, most people hike it using the 3 mile access to The Channels from the east end of the trail where it terminates at VA-80.
The Great Channels are an unusual geological maze of large sandstone boulders and eroded crevices.
Per a park brochure: "At the crest of the mountain, within the Natural Area Preserve, are the Great Channels of Virginia, impressive formations of 400-million-year old sandstone outcroppings. Geologists conclude that the Channels were likely formed while the high elevation sandstone cap was under the influence of permafrost and ice wedging during the last ice age. These forces shattered and enlarged joints in the sandstone caprock."
Recommend late May to June when the Mountain Laurel is also in bloom.
How to get there[edit]
There are a few ways to reach The Channels as they are on a network of trails. For now the "traditional" approach will be described and other routes hopefully detailed in the future.
From Kingsport, TN
- Take I-81 north to VA Exit 24 (Meadowview).
- Follow VA-80 for about 14 miles and park at the trail head on your left where Raven Ridge Road (Private) intersects VA-80.
There is parking at the trail head for seven to twelve vehicles by Raven Ridge Road. Raven Ridge Road is an active private road. Do not block the road access in finding parking spots. This parking spot on VA-80 is known as Hayters Gap.
Route Description[edit]
Hike the dirt Raven Ridge Road following the signs to The Channels. The trail appears to have been initially blazed with double yellow rings on trees but have been updated with white diamonds nailed to trees. Also mile markers were added to aid in (the assumed frequent) rescues.
I have a bit of a discrepancy between most agreed distances and my watch routes viewed on Google Earth.
Miles Out | Brumley Mountain Trail | Miles Remaining | Elevation (ft) |
---|---|---|---|
0.0 | Trail head at parking spot | 3.1 | 3,011 |
0.05 | Gate for private road access | 3.05 | 3,040 |
0.5 | Cross under power line | 2.6 | 3,211 |
0.7 | Stay straight to stay on trail, cabin on road to right | 2.4 | 3,110 |
1.0 | Private cabin seen from the trail to the right | 2.10 | 3,204 |
1.15 | Road gate | 1.95 | 3,226 |
1.57 | Mile marker 12 on tree, rough halfway point | 1.53 | 3,316 |
2.72 | Mile marker 11 on tree | 0.38 | 3,951 |
3.08 | Diversion from Brumley Mountain Trail (stay left, trail goes right) | 0.02 | 4,094 |
3.2 | Turn left for mini-channels and views to the east, turn right towards fire tower for The Channels | 4,153 | |
3.25 | Pass under/by fire tower at the trail high point to The Channels, follow arrows the remaining way | 4,208 |
Typical Conditions[edit]
Wide dirt roads narrowing to a hiking trail. Very muddy in spots after rain and due to drainage across roadbed. Not accessible or recommended in winter. The deep Channels can be full of snow into spring.
Fees, Permits, etc.[edit]
No fee or permit required for hiking; however, mountain biking does require a $4 day use fee. Hunting is allowed in the state forest, thus avoid during those official seasons.
Photos[edit]