Roaring Branch Trail: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 04:31, 21 March 2011


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Trail Name	Roaring Branch Trail
Nearest City	Big Stone Gap/ Appalachia
State	Virginia
Trail Marking	{{{Marking}}}
Trail Use/Features
Difficulty Rating	Difficult
Hiking Time	6.5-7"-7" is not declared as a valid unit of measurement for this property.
Distance, round-trip	8.08 mi <br />12.875 km <br />
Climb/Descent Elevation	14201,420 Feet <br />432.816 Meters <br /> / {{{Elevation Loss}}}"{{{Elevation Loss}}}" is not a number.
High Point	28102,810 Feet <br />936.667 Yards <br />856.488 Meters <br />
Nearest Medical	Big Stone Gap, VA
Trip Reports	Click Here

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Trail Overview

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

From Kingsport, TN

Take US23 up to Big Stone Gap.
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.
Park along road by trail sign.

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

Route Description

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.

Typical Conditions

Per NFS Ranger, the trail has been cleared of blowdowns from 2009 winter damage by volunteers.

Fees, Permits, etc.

No fees or permits required for day hiking.

After the Hike

Misc. Information

Managed by Clinch Ranger District (Wise, VA) Tel: 276-328-2931 (M-F 8AM-4:30PM)

Maps

File:Roaring Branch Trail - geocaches.JPG

Photos

High Butte Overlook into Powell Valley

@@ Line 30: / Line 30: @@
 == How to get there ==
 <!-- 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.
 #Park along road by trail sign.
+Narrow parking on shoulder has a couple spaces on each side of the small bridge.
 == Route Description==