This challenging Nelson County hike rewards visitors with stunning mountain views. Situated within some 29,000 acres of relatively intact forest habitat, the 5.5 mile trail takes you through a series of rocky glades that are home to rare plant communities. Plenty of wildlife inhabit this area as well, including black bear, bobcat, white-tail deer, red fox, raccoon, and a multitude of bird species. Overall climb is around 1500 feet. The entire loop should take about 6 hours to complete, even for hikers in good physical condition.
To access, leave the Cabin Creekwood office and turn right at the end of Creekwood Lane. Two miles will bring you to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Cross straight over and go another four miles to stop sign. Turn left onto 151. Take 151 through Nellysford, then turn right onto route 6. Take 6 to stop sign and turn right onto 29. Just before entering Lovingston, you’ll turn right onto 718 (Mountain Cover Road). Go 1.5 miles and turn right onto 651 (Fortunes Cove Lane). Continue 1.2 miles to Mountain Cove Vineyard, then bear left on gravel road. Go 0.2 miles, then turn left into preserve parking area.