Iron Mountain Trail - North
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Trail Overview
What is now the Iron Mountain Trail (IMT) was the route for Appalachian Trail until 1972 when a major relocation moved the AT over to the Grayson Highlands. Today, IMT offers a more secluded experience with spectacular overlooks. For this trail wiki, the trail is being listed as two major sections with the city of Damascus as the dividing point.
North of Damascus, the Iron Mountain Trail is multi-use, thus appears to be very popular with mountain bike riders as a technical challenge.
How to get there
Southern access is from Beartree Recreation Area, such as Lum Trail, which begins at the Chimpmunk Loop of the campground. (Note: Campground gate only open 7AM to 10PM during April 15 through October.)
From Damascus, VA:
- Head east out of town on US-58 for just under eight miles.
- Turn left/north onto Beartree Gap Road and drive around three miles to campground.
- Parking areas at each trailhead.
GPS address for Bear Tree Recreation Area is 20993 Beartree Gap Road, Damascus, VA 24236.
Route Description
Typical Conditions
Iron Mountain Trail in Virginia is located in Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.
Fees, Permits, etc.
No permits for hiking, horseback riding, or backpacking, unless you are using a fee area to gain access to the Iron Mountain Trail. If so, day use fees run $5 per vehicle. Beartree Recreation Area website
Misc. Information
Maps
Photos
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