Click to see a picture of Rowland Falls
Distance: 13 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous and technical
Riding Surface: Gravel Forest Service Road, Singletrack, Grassy Doubletrack
Configuration: Loop
Start/End: Pull off on FS 828
Maps: Mount Rogers National Recreation Area Map
USGS 7.5 minute quadrangle, Whitetop Mountain, VA
Elevation change: The ride begins at an elevation of about 4000 feet at the FS 828 starting point. It then climbs 600 feet on the Iron Mountain Trail, to FS 84, where it then descends 800 feet to the Jerry’s Creek Trail Head. Get ready for the big drop, as Jerry’s Creek descends 1000 feet over the next mile, on narrow, twisting, singletrack, to the crossing at Jerry’s Creek. Climb 200 feet and then drop another 440 feet on this grassy doubletrack to the Rowland Creek Trail. Fun time’s over, now you have to climb out 1200 feet, over 3 miles, to the end of Rowland Creek Trail. Another shorter climb of 600 feet on FS 84/FS 828 then another descent of 200 feet back to the starting point. Total elevation gain is 2600 feet; total elevation loss is 2440 feet.
Access: To reach the FS 828 pull over from the intersection with Rt. 58 & Rt. 91 east of Damascus, turn left and follow Rt. 58 for 9.7 miles to Rt. 603 at Konnarock. Go straight on Rt. 603 (Rt. 58 makes a sharp right here) another 2.9 miles to Weavers Store and turn right on Rt. 603. Go 4.3 miles and turn left on FS 828, just before the Grindstone Campground. Proceed up FS 828 for 1.5 miles until you arrive at a level, grassy field that is a primitive camping area and is marked with red # 44 painted on several trees. There is plenty of space to park and you will start your ride here.
Note: You can also start this ride from the Skulls Gap Picnic Area. Check the water levels as you will have several creek crossings on this ride.
Description: This ride starts out on FS 828
then proceeds to the Jerry’s Creek / Old 84 Trail head via the Iron Mountain Trail
and FS 84. You will be following the orange blazes of the Highlands Horse Trail during the
majority of this ride.
At the start of Jerry’s Creek Trail you will descend very
quickly for the first mile on some very technical, narrow, rocky, off camber singletrack
that hugs the side of the mountain. Ride smart because one false move and its over the
side and down the hill, so concentrate on your line here. You will also encounter some
patches of large, embedded rock that will surprise you. One of my friends that I rode with
had two flat tires on this section, so choose your line carefully and make sure you have a
spare tube and patch kit with you! At the bottom you will cross Jerry’s Creek and
proceed on the very pleasant grassy doubletrack, a nice reprieve after that harrowing
descent.
At the end of Jerry’s Creek Trail you will emerge onto FS
643. Just a short jaunt over to the Rowland Creek Trail where you better get your climbing
legs warmed up. There are some steep sections on this trail, and you may have to walk your
bike, but it’s worth it. About half way up you will be rewarded with a beautiful view
from the top of Rowland Falls, looking down on this cascading waterfall. Then you have to
climb your way out to the intersection with FS 84/Old 84/Rowland Creek Trail. Take FS 84
to FS 828, back to the pull-over from where you started.
Start at the large flat pullover area on FS 828, 1.5 miles from the start of this road where it meets US Rt. 603, near the entrance to Grindstone Campground (or 1.1 miles from FS 84 & FS 828 intersection). There is a red #44 on the trees here at this starting point.This is also a good camping area.
 | 0.0 Turn right, facing the road from the parking area, on FS 828. |
| .1 Pass the metal gate on left with blue blazes. |
| .3 Turn left onto the Iron Mountain Trail. Look for the yellow blaze and a trail sign. |
| .6 Continue straight on Iron Mountain Trail at the Cheery Tree Shelter. There is a directional trail sign (Straight Branch Shelter 6 miles) here. Proceed toward the Straight Branch Shelter following the yellow rectangle blazes. |
| 1.8 Pass through the bollard gate with yellow blaze on it. |
| 1.9 Turn left at the FS 84 intersection and descend on this dirt road. |
| 3.7 Turn right off FS 84 and go around the metal gate. There is a red "# 49" painted on several of the trees. |
| 3.8 Turn left on Jerry’s Creek Trail at the intersection of Old 84 and Jerry’s Creek Trail. There is a directional sign that reads "Jerry’s Creek Trail, 643 5.5 miles". The Old 84 trail turns to the right at this point. |
| 4.2 Begin descending on some very rocky singletrack. This section is narrow and sight distance is limited so use caution. |
| 4.7 The trail flattens out near the bottom here. Jerry’s Creek is on the right. |
| 5.1 Cross Jerry’s Creek and follow the orange blazes on the old logging road. This section is rolling, grassy doubletrack |
| 7.0 Begin descending on the grassy doubletrack. There are some nice views of the opposing ridgeline. |
| 8.2 Go around a metal gate at the intersection of FS 643 and Jerry’s Creek Trail. You can see FS 643 straight ahead. |
| 8.3 Turn right on FS 643. |
| 8.4 Turn right at the sign that reads "Rowland Creek Trail, Falls-1.5, Old 84-3, Loop-10" |
| 8.7 There is a rocky creek crossing. Follow the orange blazes. Notice the beautiful scenery of the rock overhangs and the creek below. Start a gradual, loose rocky climb. |
| 9.4 Cross the creek again. Rowland Creek is now on the right. |
| 9.5 Turn left at the "T" intersection. Follow the orange blazes and attempt a rocky switchback and continue up the singletrack as you start a steep technical climb. |
| 9.8 The trail levels out briefly, but then resumes this steep climb. |
| 9.9 Rowland Falls is below you to the right. It is possible to scramble down to the creek for a better view and a cool swim. The trail becomes very smooth ahead, but continues a gradual climb. |
| 10.1 Cross the creek again. |
| 10.3 There is a very rocky creek crossing with a possible line to the left if you want to try it. Continue to follow the orange blazes. |
| 10.4 Turn left at the double orange blaze. The #52 is painted on a tree. |
| 10.6 Still climbing on the grassy doubletrack. Try to hang in there! |
| 11.3 Turn right as you proceed around the metal gate at this trail intersection, to FS 84 (not Old 84). |
| 11.4 Turn right on FS 84 (not Old 84) Start to climb on the dirt road FS 84. |
| 11.9 Turn left onto FS 828 at the intersection of FS 84 & FS 828. One more short climb. |
| 12.6 The road begins to level out, then descends rapidly. |
| 13 Arrive back at the FS 828 pull-over starting point. |