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George Washington National Forest
Hiking - Warm Springs District

The Bolar Mountain area has 11 miles of trails that offer scenic overlooks and provide nice loop hikes. They are accessed from each campground by spur or connector trails and are for hiker use only. The 1.8 mile Grouse Point Loop Trail leads to two outstanding views of Lake Moomaw: The Grouse Point Overlook and the Twin Islands Overlook. The 4.4 mile Greenwood Point Trail connects Campground 3 with the Greenwood Point Campground and offers some nice views of the lake. Bikes and horses are not permitted on these trails.

Hidden Valley offers a system of trails which combines natural beauty and interesting local history for the day hiker, backpacker, or mountain biker. The 5.7 mile Hidden Valley Trail allows you to enjoy streamside vegetation, interesting rock ledge formations, and river views while following the Jackson River. Large, old hemlock, sycamore and birch shade the trail as you enjoy the beautiful rhododendron. A swinging bridge crosses the river at mile 3.4. This is the main trail of the system and it extends from the Hidden Valley Campground northward to FDR 241. The 7.5 mile Bogan Run Trail passes Warwick Mansion as it climbs Back Creek Mountain through stands of scarlet and chestnut oak. This trail extends from the Hidden Valley Trail to SR 600. The 2.3 mile Rock Shelter Trail joins the Hidden Valley Trail at the swinging bridge and makes an excellent circuit loop. The 1.1 mile Muddy Run Trail is a scenic side trail where the hiker may get a glimpse of white tail deer while traveling along a mountain stream.

The Beard's Mountain Trail offers nice views of the Cowpasture River Valley and opportunities for viewing the many species of wildlife at home in the Allegheny Mountains. The 7-mile trail starts by crossing a swinging bridge across the Cowpasture River. It winds up Beard's Mountain and follows the top of the mountain where you can access Douthat State Park or SR 629. From Warm Springs, take SR 39 east about 12 miles to Millboro Springs. Take SR 42 south about 6 miles to SR 626. Turn right on SR 626. It becomes FDR 260 after about .2 mile. Follow FDR 260 about 2 miles to where it ends at a small parking area. The trail begins there.


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[from Outside magazine]