Sites On This Loop
- MAH01: Gathright Dam – Jackson River Float Trip
- MAH02: Johnson Springs – Jackson River Float Trip
- MAH03: Smith Bridge – Jackson River Float Trip
- MAH04: Indian Draft – Jackson River Float Trip
- MAH05: Petticoat Junction – Jackson River Float Trip
- MAH06: Dolly Anne Hollow (FDR125)/Smith Creek (FDR 125)
- MAH06A: Warm Springs Mountain Preserve – Bear Loop Trail
- MAH07: Douthat State Park
- MAH08: Lime Kiln Road (FDR 194)/Douthat Road (Rt. 629)
- MAH09: Walton Tract on the Cowpasture River
- MAH10: Callie Furnace – This site has been withdrawn from the VBWT
- MAH11: Evans Tract on Cowpasture River
- MAH11A: Green Pastures Recreation Area
- MAH12: Lake A. Willis Robertson
- MAH13: Top Road/North Mountain
Description
It is said that the Allegheny Mountains are endless. As visitors journey through valleys of the James, Jackson and Cowpasture Rivers, the Alleghenies indeed seem endless, with mountain vistas as far as the eyes can see. Hundreds of miles of trails crisscross the area, taking the adventurous deep into the forest for a truly memorable experience. Travel the Top Drive/North Mountain Loop, and the mountains multiply into the distant haze. Touted as the “Skyline Drive without the crowds,” this gravel road leads the wildlife watcher to high elevation forests where scarlet tanagers and rose-breasted grosbeaks abound. As the Alleghenies appear infinite, so do the opportunities for watching wildlife. Awe-inspiring views continue from the trails of Douthat State Park. Keep an eye out for local denizens such as black bear, wild turkey and numerous songbirds. Douthat Lake regularly hosts bald eagles, as does the much larger Lake Moomaw. Neighboring towns provide a variety of accommodations, making an extended stay easily feasible and well worthwhile.
This webpage was designed in partnership with the Virginia Bird and Wildlife trail program which is the first of its kind within the United States, the VBWT is our state’s list of 65 loops and 680 sites that connect all the best wildlife viewing locations within Virginia providing a vast diversity of well maintained hiking routes through a variety of habitats to see everything from bald eagles to butterflies. As well as historical places such as the birthplaces of presidents and 12 million year old fossils. Explore our natural wonders, walk the trails and see what you can discover every site mentioned is a wonder to behold and a little piece of our state’s beauty.
Loop Map
Services
Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce
540-962-2178
info@visitalleghanyhighlands.com
County of Bath Tourism
540-839-7202
discoverbath@bathcountyva.org
Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce
540.473.8280
bccoc@rbnet.com
Lexington-Rockbridge County
540.463.3777
lexingtontourismdirector@rockbridge.net