Roaring Branch Trail

Roaring Branch Trail (log in to submit report)
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Highlight	Starting waterfall, climb to a commanding view of the Powell River Valley
Located
Trail Marking	Yellow
Trail UseThings allowed to do on or near the trail
FeaturesThings to see on or near the trail
Difficulty Rating
Hiking TimeTime from car and back. Includes any time hiking to access this trail.	1 hr0.0625 Days <br />60 Min <br /> round trip
Distance:	1.75 mi2.816 km <br /> trailStrict non-repeating trail length / 2.14 mi3.444 km <br /> round tripTypical or shortest length from the car, hike the trail, and return to car
Trail Type	Loop
Low / High Point	1,325 ft441.667 Yards <br />403.86 Meters <br /> / 1,607 ft535.667 Yards <br />489.814 Meters <br />
Elev. Gain/LossSee link for details of calculation. Gain/Loss is direction dependent.	338 ft103.022 Meters <br /> / (338 ft103.022 Meters <br />) – Counter Clockwise
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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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

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

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

*** 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.

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

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

Maps

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Photos

• 

  Trailhead sign with no trail name

• 

  Stone steps by youth conservation corps in 1970s

• 

  High Butte Overlook into Powell Valley

• 

  First creek crossing

• 

  Another view from High Butte

• 

  Creek crossing which required wading

• 

  Yet another creek crossing

• 

  View of Stone Mountains from High Butte

• 

  Wide Creek Crossing