By jeepster93 in March, 2009
The Jackson River trail is an abandoned C & O railroad bed with very scenic small waterfalls present over rocks in the spring time. On Jackson River road you can park at Petticoat Junction store (just ask the store attendant). Just a little ways from the store you can go either North or South. The South part is not too long and goes back towards Covington. The highlight of the trail is the North route which goes towards Lake MooMaw partially alongside the Jackson River. This part of the trail is roughly 14 miles one way, so you might want to pack a small backpack if you plan on doing the entire North route. It is slightly upgrade going North.
The trail is old ballast and can be very rough in spots. There are a few waterholes, and in one spot approximately 10 miles North of Jackson River road there is a slightly damaged trestle, but if you are very careful you can get over it. In the mid-summer time there are lots of delicious blackberries along the trail, but watch out for the poison oak. I would highly recommend a mountain bike with good tire tubing. A hybrid bike will work, but you have to have thick tubing and be careful in spots where there are some unexpected rocks along the trail. Have fun!
By ekolivera in September, 2008
This trail was very difficult to find, but once we located it, we enjoyed our ride. It is hard packed grass. Not many locals seem to know about it. Here are the directions we were given from the Homestead.
Take route 220 south (8-10 miles from the Homestead)
Turn right onto Fall Road (640) There is a small abandoned concrete building on the corner.
Turn left onto Jackson River road.
Make next left onto Smith Bridge Road.
Park at river acess. Bike trail is not along the river. Go back up the road that you just came down and look for yellow posts that mark the entrance to the trail.
The north branch (left) doesn't go very far. Maybe a mile or two.
The south branch goes to Interval, there is a portion that is on a road. We stopped there and turned back.
It is a very pleasant ride.