Rolling Wheels in Rolling Hills

Torry Ridge Loop
George Washington National Forest

Length/configuration : 21-mile loop.
Aerobic difficulty : Strenuous; many long, steep mountain climbs.
Technical difficulty : Extremely challenging single-track.
Scenery : Spectacular mountain views.
Special comments : Torry Ridge is one of the toughest trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
General Location : Sherando Lake Recreation Area in George Washington National Forest, near Waynesboro.
Elevation Change : 1,900 feet total; the ride starts at 1,600 feet of elevation on FS 42 and climbs to 3,500 feet at Bald Mountain.
Season : Year-round.
Services : Camping is available in Sherando Lake Recreation Area; primitive camping is permitted in the national forest. All services are available in Waynesboro.
Hazards : Deer-hunting season starts in November; wear orange or ride on Sundays, when hunting isn't permitted. These are high-altitude, remote mountains: be prepared for sudden, dramatic changes in weather. Again, this is a difficult ride over exhausting terrain; serious stamina is required.
Rescue Index : Poor. A general store with a phone is south of the turnoff for FS 42. Otherwise, this is a ride through remote backcountry that skirts a wilderness area.
Land Status : National forest.
Maps : The USGS 7.5 minute quads are Big Levels and Sherando. A better bet is the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club's Map 12, which shows all trails in the area.

Here's a ride for serious, well-conditioned riders that takes in some of the best of the Blue Ridge Mountains south of Shenandoah National Park. Easy, it's not: this loop ride is 21 miles long and takes most strong riders at least 5 hours to complete. Torry Ridge, the highlight of the ride, is one of the rockiest and most demanding trails around and George Washington National Forest is famous in the Mid-Atlantic for its rocky, difficult single-track trails. Don't say you weren't warned.

The first 6 miles of the ride follow smooth FS 42, while the next 7 miles are along a tougher, steeper, hard-packed, and very rocky dirt forest road. By then you should be warmed up for what's next: 6 miles of incredibly technical single-track, followed by a 1.5-mile spin on a paved road.

Basically, this ride covers three bases very well. It's extremely long, demands a high level of technical ability, and takes most of the day to ride. The spine of Torry Ridge is extremely technical. And bring plenty of food and water there's no place for a fill-up along the trails.

The rewards of the ride are varied, including stunning views of Sherando Lake from the ridge and the strong possibility of sighting deer and bear along the trails. But local riders say the biggest reason for riding these trails is the sense of accomplishment you feel at the finish.

Finding the trail: From I-64 take VA 624 East to VA 664 South. Turn right on FS 42 and park anywhere along the road. The ride begins along the road.

Notes on the trail: On your bike start riding up FS 42 for about 6 miles. Take the left (past the gate) up FS 162 (Stony Run Trail) for the climb up Big Levels to Bald Mountain. Approximately a quarter of a mile after a large clearing and camping spot on the left, look for a fire road fork to the left; take this left to the intersection of the yellow-blazed Torry Ridge trailhead. Follow Torry Ridge Trail until it ends at Mount Torry Furnace. Go left on the paved road a short distance to FS 42, turn left, and return to your car. Then collapse; you've earned it.

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