Old 84 / Flat Top Loop
Distance: 10.4 Miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Riding Surface: Gravel Road, Singletrack, Grassy Doubletrack
Configuration: Loop
Start/End: Pull-off on FS 828, 1.5 miles from RT. 603 Intersection
Maps: 1) Mount Rogers National Recreation Area Map 2) 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 Old 84 trailhead. The trail ascends to a maximum of 4000 feet near Double Top, then drops 200 feet to Hurricane Gap. Another short climb of 600 feet on FS 84/FS 828, then another descent of 200 feet back to the starting point. Total elevation gain is 1400 feet; total elevation loss is 1200 feet.
Access: To reach the FS 828 pull over; from the intersection with U.S.58 & U.S.91 east of Damascus, turn left and follow U.S.58 for 9.7 miles to Rt. 603 at Konnarock. Go straight on Rt. 603 (U.S.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.
From Hurricane Campground, go straight on FS 84 for 4.3 miles to the intersection with FS 828. Turn left an go 1.1 miles and park on the left at the pull over.
Description: This ride follows the Iron Mountain Trail to Cherry Tree Shelter, then hits FS 84 for a fast descent down to the Old 84 trailhead. Watch for the turn-off on the right, as you may have an urge to keep going on this nice downhill! Follow Old 84, a grassy double track, as it rolls along the mountainside. This is a nicely shaded trail that is an ideal summer ride. When the leaves are off the trees, expect some dazzling views into the valley below and of the opposite ridgeline. Crank back up FS 84 and turn left on FS 828. You will end the ride with a nice descent back to the parking area.
| Start at the large flat pullover area on FS 828, 1.5 miles from the intersection with Rt. 603. |
| 0.0 Turn right, facing the road from the parking area, on FS 828. |
| 0.1 Pass the metal gate on left with blue blazes. |
| 0.3 Turn left onto the Iron Mountain Trail. Look for the yellow blaze and a trail sign. |
| 0.6 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. |
| 1.8 Pass through the bollard gate with the yellow blaze on it. |
| 1.9 Turn left at the FS 84 intersection and descend. |
| 3.7 Turn right off FS 84 and go around the metal gate. There is a # 49 painted on the tree here. |
| 3.8 Bear right at the intersection of Old 84 and Jerry’s Creek Trail, which is on the left. Old 84 is marked with orange blazes. |
| 5.7 There are some nice views on the left. This trail has several gentle climbs and descents. Enjoy the scenery! |
| 6.7 Continue straight at the clearing, marked with the #50, that is on the right. |
| 7.3 Notice the old growth hemlock trees on left. Descend gently on this grassy double track. |
| 7.8 Cross over two dirt "tank traps". |
| 8.6 Turn right at the intersection of Rowland Creek Trail and Old 84. There is a #52 on the metal gate at the entrance to Rowland Creek Trail on the left. Do not take Rowland Creek Trail. |
| 8.8 Turn right at the Old 84 intersection with FS 84. Start to climb on FS 84. |
| 9.3 Turn left onto FS 828 at the intersection of FS 84 & FS 828. You will start a short climb here. |
| 10.0 The road begins to level out, then descends rapidly. |
| 10.4 Arrive back at the starting point. |