Roaring Branch Trail
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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 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
As reported by the NFS Ranger, the trail, primarily in the first mile and half, was cleared by volunteers of many blowdowns from the 2009 winter damage. Someone has marked with stakes and begun installing rock and log waterbars to address water flow down the trail path.
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: 276-328-2931 (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.
Misc. Information
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
