Balcony Falls Trail
Basic Information: |
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| Type: | Day Hike - Out and Back |
| Distance (Total): | 8.2 miles / 13.2 km |
| Elevation Gain: | 1,450 feet / 442 meters |
| Minimum Elevation: | 800 feet / 244 meters |
| Maximum Elevation: | 2,250 feet / 686 meters |
| Hiking Season: | - All Year Long |
| Things To See: | - Creeks - Forest - Gorge - Mountain Views - Scenic Views - Wildlife |
| Difficulty: | Intermediate |
| Rating: | ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ |
| Nearby Town: | Glasgow, Virginia, United States |
Description: |
Edit |
From the trailhead, follow the "Balcony Falls Trail" signs. Shortly after meeting with a dirt road, take a right onto a blue blazed trail. At the time of this writing there was no sign indicating this turn. If you arrive at a locked gate into a cow pasture you have missed the turn.
The trail crosses the corner of Locher Tract and then follows an old woods road about 1.2 miles. It then climbs, with switchbacks through frequent timber type changes from pine to mixed hardwoods. At 2.3 miles, enter James River Face Wilderness. Scenic views from the top of the ridge include the town of Glasgow and the James River Gorge. The trail ends where it joins an old fire road, which is now the Sulphur spring trail.
WARNING: The US Forest Service description is misleading. This trail offers some views of the town of Glasgow through fallen trees. There are no views of the James River Gorge. There is no waterfall on the trail. It is named after Balcony Falls that are on the James River nearby. The trail is poorly marked and maintained as of September 2009.