Meet at Philips Road Trail Head , 9 AM, which is located where Philips Road, Washington County, VA crosses Abrams Creek. This location is about 8 miles from Exit 1 on I-81, about 40 minutes from Kingsport. Exit 1 west toward Gate City, right on Rich Valley Road State 700, left on Livingston Creek Road, bear right on Philips Road, and down the mountain to parking lot and trail head at Abrams Creek. Alternatively one can come in from the west on Nordyke Road.
We will hike south on a newly opened section of the Mendota Rails to Trails. This section is the most spectacular section of the trail. The trail parallels Wolf Run Creek with the stream cascading over rock ledges on one side and a towering 600′ foot cliff on the other. Over a mile of the creek has a dry stack rock retaining wall laid in the 1800’s. We will cross 5 restored RR bridges along the way. We will hike in 2.5 miles and then hike back out. For those interested we can then hike 1.5 miles north on the trail crossing three restored bridges including gracefully curved Wildwood Bridge with views of Clinch Mountain and Sunny Side bridge over the Holston River, then return to the parking lot. Paralleling Sunny Side Bridge is a 250′ swinging bridge for those that like a bounce in their bridges. If anyone is interested, we could spot a car at the Mendota Trail Head and make the trip north one way with lunch at the Mondota Store. Or bring lunch and we will find a scenic place to eat along the trail. We should have good fall color.
For anyone not thoroughly hiked out I can take you for a 20 minute hike into spectacular Abrams Falls which is nearby.
Along with Brian Penley, I was project co-manager building the bridges, as well as designer of the bridges. I can provide tales of bridge building and the fun we have had managing water in Wolf Run Gorge.
Contact: William Tindall at (423)-357-4850 or HolstonWoods@gmail.com
Bookings
Bookings are closed for this event.