Roaring Branch Trail

File:* 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 Loading map... {"type":"ROADMAP","minzoom":false,"maxzoom":false,"types":["ROADMAP","SATELLITE","HYBRID","TERRAIN"],"mappingservice":"googlemaps3","width":"270px","height":"180px","centre":false,"title":"","label":"","icon":"","lines":[],"polygons":[],"circles":[],"rectangles":[],"copycoords":false,"static":false,"visitedicon":"","wmsoverlay":false,"zoom":8,"layers":[],"controls":["zoom"],"zoomstyle":"DEFAULT","typestyle":"DEFAULT","autoinfowindows":false,"resizable":false,"kmlrezoom":false,"poi":true,"cluster":false,"clustergridsize":60,"clustermaxzoom":20,"clusterzoomonclick":true,"clusteraveragecenter":true,"clusterminsize":2,"imageoverlays":[],"kml":[],"gkml":[],"searchmarkers":"","fullscreen":false,"scrollwheelzoom":false,"locations":[{"text":"","title":"","link":"","lat":36.88395729801157330030036973766982555389404296875,"lon":-82.7879700953939163809991441667079925537109375,"icon":""}]} Show Large Map

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

1. Take US23 to Big Stone Gap.
2. Take the exit onto Gilley Avenue into town for couple miles.
3. Turn right on 5th Street and drive thru town.
4. Street becomes Roaring Branch Road.
5. Park along road by trail sign.

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.

Misc. Information

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

Photos

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  High Butte Overlook into Powell Valley