ModerateBlue Ridge Foothills
Ridgeline Loop
Distance
6.2 mi
Elevation gain
1,140 ft
Duration
3–4 hrs
Difficulty
Moderate
A satisfying loop that threads through second-growth hardwood forest before breaking onto open ridgeline with long views south. The crux is a short rocky scramble at mile 4 — nothing technical, but poles help on the descent.
Highlights
- Open ridge with 180° views at mile 4.1
- Late-spring wildflowers along the creek crossing
- Quiet hemlock grove near the trailhead
Trail tips
- Park at the lower lot — the upper lot fills by 9 AM on weekends.
- The creek crossing at mile 2 can be knee-deep in spring; stepping stones are reliable by July.
- No reliable water after mile 3 — carry at least 2 L.
viewsloopwildflowers
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