From Turk Gap Parking get on the Appalachian Trail (AT), hiking north. Hike north on the AT 7.9 miles. Turn right, hiking down North Fork Moormans River Road (NFMR) for 1.4 miles to the park boundary and exit the park (all gravel road). Continue on NFMR another 0.8 mile and re-enter the park. Note: Bear right when the gravel road splits. If in doubt, follow the river downstream and you can’t get lost. NFMR becomes a trail upon re-entering the park (it is still an old road with an interesting history). Look for a campsite any time after Shop Run, ¼ mile into the park.
Day 2 (8.8 to 9.8 miles):
Continue hiking downstream on NFMR another 1.6 to 2.6 miles (total on NFMR is 5.2 miles). You will exit the park again while in the Charlottesville Reservoir area. Continue following the main road and the river; when you reach a sizeable gravel parking area, go to the river and look across the river for the yellow gate marking South Fork Moormans River Road (SFMR) on the other side. Cross the river and hike up SFMR 4.0 miles (if in doubt, follow the river upstream). Turn right onto the AT, hiking north 3.3 miles to Turk Gap.
Notes:
There are several stream crossings on Moormans River and the water can be knee to waist high in the spring and after heavy rains! On the plus side, there are several wonderful swimming holes on NFMR and one jewel of a hole on SFMR, making this a great summer trip. NFMR is seldom camped. Give yourself time and daylight to find a legal campsite. There are some places to pitch your tent, but you’ll have to look for them.
Options:
Option for shorter second day – 5.8 to 6.8 miles. Begin the same as above on NFMR, but only hike up SFMR Road 2.1 miles. Turn right onto Turk Branch Trail and hike 2.1 miles to Turk Gap.
