Powell River Trail

Virginia

3 Reviews

The Powell River Trail is a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail in Appalachia, southwestern Virginia. The trail sits on the former Louisville & Nashville Railroad bed, which was used to haul coal from Appalachia to the neighboring Big Stone Gap. More than a century later, this corridor is used by enthusiastic residents and visitors alike for walking, running, biking and walking dogs. Fishermen use the trail to access the Powell River. Trail users on the ten-foot wide trail may catch glimpses of wild turkey, bears and bears in the thick forest. The trail also features two tunnels: at 47 feet, the Bee Rock Tunnel was once claimed to be the shortest railroad tunnel in the world (a claim later disproved). The Callahan Tunnel is longer, darker and unlike the former, not reinforced. Interpretive signage placed along the trail narrates the history of the trail. It is hoped that the trail will be extended across US-23 BUS. and into Big Stone Gap to link to that town's greenway system.

Parking and Trail Access

Beginning on State Route 160 over black mountain from Kentucky, Turn left onto N Inman Street then right onto W Main Street. The trailhead is on your right before you go under the steel bridge. Look for the bright red Norfolk and Western caboose on display in the parking lot. The address is 722 W Main St, Appalachia.

Easy trail along the river

August 2024 dh676x6zw2

I love being outside and the sound of the river and the trees are wonderful. Being paved, it is comfortable to be on even after it had rained as opposed to a muddy trail, so I really liked that. There is plenty of parking with overflow parking across the street.

wonderful w kids and dogs

April 2021 dallassuzette88

We took the dogs and kids w/ one in a stroller. It was perfect. The 3 year old tuckered out right before the end but it was beautiful, fun to explore and good for the soul! Definitely not a real hike just a walk but till the kids get older it was great!

A gem

January 2021 3nucizpxs7

January 1st 2021 I brought my dogs with for an hour’s easy walk. Parked in the parking lot just by the steel bridge. The parking lot is diagonally opposite the spot the GPS brought me to. The parking lot is opposite the Valero gas station.
You first cross a bridge spanning a huge area of Powell River, with roaring river sounds and lovely views. Then you walk through a short tunnel (43 feet long). The entire path is 1.2 miles each way. The end of the trail is just past the second (longer) tunnel. Dogs got a drink in one of the little streams. Did not see any bears despite it being fairly warm at 55 degrees. I felt safe walking there on my own with my dogs. Well worth the visit!!