Barton Gap Loop

Barton Gap Loop

Distance: 7.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Riding Surface: Dirt road, Singletrack trail
Configuration: Loop
Start/End: Hurricane Campground pull-off on the left side of FR 84, near the entrance to the campground.

Maps: Mount Rogers National Recreation Area Map
USGS 7.5 minute quadrangle, Troutdale, VA
USGS 7.5 minute quadrangle, Whitetop Mountain, VA

Elevation change: This ride begins at an elevation of 2700 feet at the Hurricane campground. It climbs 800 feet to a maximum elevation of 3500 feet on the Barton Gap Trail, then it drops 700 feet down to FR 650. The ride drops another 350 feet to the creek, where it is then a mere 50 foot gain back to the starting point. Total elevation gain is 850 feet; total elevation drop 1050 feet.

Access: To get to the Hurricane Campground starting point from the intersection with Rt. 58/Rt. 91 east of Damascus, turn left and follow US 58 for 9.7 miles to VA 603 at Konnarock. Go straight on VA. 603 (US 58 makes a sharp right here) another 2.9 miles to Weaver Grocery. Make a sharp right on VA. 603 and continue 7.5 miles to the intersection with US 16 at Troutdale. Turn left on US.16 and go 2.5 miles. Turn left onto VA 650 and go 1.4 miles to the Hurricane Campground entrance. Park near the entrance, on the left, on FR 84.

Description: This ride starts on FR 84, crosses Hurricane Creek and gently ascends to the ridge top while hugging the side of the mountain on some very tight singletrack trail. You will then top-out and descend for 0.6 miles, where you will intersect FR 643, a dirt/gravel road, and descend another 3.3 miles down to the intersection with Comers Creek. Ride the level trail beside Comers Creek back to the Hurricane Campground and practice your technical skills on the rocky section. Then it’s out to the main campground for a cold drink of water and back to the parking pull-off on FR 84. Keep your eyes open for deer, turkey and wildflowers, as they are all very plentiful in this area!

0.0: Proceed west on FR 84 from the pull-off at the Hurricane Campground entrance. You will start to climb this dirt road.

2.0 Turn right on Barton Gap Trail and immediately cross Hurricane Creek, a very rocky crossing. (Note: this trail may be hard to find. There is a motorcycle placard on a post next to the road at this point. Directly across the road is a hiker only trail, marked by a hiker placard on a post, that connects with the AT.)

2.5 Start a gentle climb on narrow singletrack. There are good views off to the right. This section hugs the side of the mountain. There is limited sight distance so use caution and watch for other trail users.

2.6 The trail becomes more level, and then a gentle descent begins.

2.9 Descend for the next 0.6 miles. There are some rocky sections with a few log crossings.

3. 5 Turn right at the intersection with FR 643 and descend.

4.5 Start a gradual climb.

4.9 Pass the metal gate on the right. Continue on the rolling terrain of FR 643. Deer are plentiful so keep your eyes open.

6.8 Turn right on the trail that parallels Comers Creek. Do not cross the creek.

7.2 Begin the rocky technical section.

7.4 Turn left as you emerge on the pavement at Hurricane Campground. Water and bathrooms are available for use here.

7.8 Return to the pull off on FR 84.

Back to the Rides

	0.0: Proceed west on FR 84 from the pull-off at the Hurricane Campground entrance. You will start to climb this dirt road.
	2.0 Turn right on Barton Gap Trail and immediately cross Hurricane Creek, a very rocky crossing. (Note: this trail may be hard to find. There is a motorcycle placard on a post next to the road at this point. Directly across the road is a hiker only trail, marked by a hiker placard on a post, that connects with the AT.)
	2.5 Start a gentle climb on narrow singletrack. There are good views off to the right. This section hugs the side of the mountain. There is limited sight distance so use caution and watch for other trail users.
	2.6 The trail becomes more level, and then a gentle descent begins.
	2.9 Descend for the next 0.6 miles. There are some rocky sections with a few log crossings.
	3. 5 Turn right at the intersection with FR 643 and descend.
	4.5 Start a gradual climb.
	4.9 Pass the metal gate on the right. Continue on the rolling terrain of FR 643. Deer are plentiful so keep your eyes open.
	6.8 Turn right on the trail that parallels Comers Creek. Do not cross the creek.
	7.2 Begin the rocky technical section.
	7.4 Turn left as you emerge on the pavement at Hurricane Campground. Water and bathrooms are available for use here.
	7.8 Return to the pull off on FR 84.