Guest River Gorge Trail:
Virginia
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Description:
The Guest River Gorge Trail meanders along ancient sandstone cliffs that plunge 400 feet to the pristine waters below. The deep gorge was created as the Guest River, now designated as a state scenic river, tunneled through Stone Mountain on its way toward the Clinch River. The gentle grade of this trail and its gravel surface make it ideal for a comfortable walk or bike ride. Benches along the route offer more than a place to rest: They yield stunning views of crystal-clear currents that, when interrupted sporadically by boulders, turn into impressive rapids.
In addition to spectacular Guest River views to the south, the trail offers a trip through the Swede Tunnel, built in 1922. It also crosses three bridges that were built over small creeks to replace the trestles once traveled by rail cars hauling coal mined nearby. Be sure to look for Devil's walking stick, a plant native to the southeast and a member of the ginseng family. This tall and spindly plant produces white blooms during July and August.
Near the end, the trail slopes downhill toward a working rail line across the Guest River. Just before this point, you will see a connection to the Heart of Appalachia Bike Route, which stretches another 125 miles to Burke's Garden in Tazewell County, Virginia. Legend has it that Burke's Garden is so beautiful it was originally sought after as the location for George Washington Vanderbilt's Biltmore Estate, but the people of Burke's Garden refused to sell him any land and thus he built his estate in Ashville, North Carolina, instead.
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Parking & Trail Access:
The Guest River Gorge Trail is an out-and-back trail, so there is only one endpoint. From US Alternative Hwy. 58, head south on VA Route 72 near Coeburn. Travel for 2.3 miles on this curvy, two-lane road. You will pass the Flatwoods Picnic Area on your right, and very soon afterward, you will reach a sign for the Guest River Gorge on your left. Turn left onto this paved road, which is Forest Road 2477, and drive for 1.4 miles until you reach the parking lot. The trailhead is marked with a kiosk at the edge of the parking area.
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Reviews: [1 trail ratings]
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great trail in SW VA
By awargo in July, 2010
Well off the beaten path, but once you get there, a beautiful day in the woods. Start at the well marked parking lot off VA72 near Coeburn, and head down the trail. You will be coasting or lightly pedaling most of the 5 miles down the gorge. Go slow and enjoy the view. The tunnel adds a bit of fun. There is nothing but a railroad at the bottom, so turn around and come back up. Now you will be in a lower gear up the gradual climb. Not paved, but a good flat surface for hybrid bikes. A good family outing. No services along the way, so bring lots of water and a snack.
Ghost of the Interstate Railroad
By Curtis Pope in October, 2006
"Decided to explore the Guest River Gorge Trail in the Jefferson National Forest and was thrilled! This trail has pristine natural beauty, rugged high rock cliffs, neat railroad bridges (one tunnel) and virtually no sign of civilization. Railfans will be rewarded with access to the Clinchfield Railroad, now CSX mainline by simply standing on last decked bridge at end of trail. For hard-core mtn bikers, there is a single track system at left side end of trail, only for the strongest (not me)! NFS has built very nice access road, parking lot and pit toilet rest rooms at beginning of trail. The return trip up is tough, but the journey is worth it!
Highly recommended!"
Guest River Gorge
By in September, 2000
"The Guest River Gorge trail is a great place to visit on mountain bike or on foot. It is a rural forested area where the only thing you'll hear is the whitewater on the rocks, and an occasional CSX train at the end of the trail/gorge hauling coal on the former Clinchfield Railroad. This is also where the Guest River empties into the Clinch River. The trail is a bit steeper then other rail-trails but still much easier then other mountain biking. The scenery more then makes up for the extra pedaling. The trail is easily reached: from I-81 south take the 2nd Abington exit to US 19 north. Stay on 19 for around 13 miles and then take US 58A west to Coeburn (around 25 miles). Take the Dungannon exit (1st Coeburn exit)at state rt.72. Travel 4 miles and the entrance (paved Forest Service road)is on the left. A web site describing the trail in more detail along with some history is at:www.wisecounty.org/gorge.htm "
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