Ramsey's Draft Wilderness - East Loop - Hiking trail near Staunton, Virginia, United States - Description

Ramsey's Draft Wilderness encompasses 6,519 acres of the North River Ranger District. It was legislatively designated as Wilderness on October 30, 1984 under the Virginia Wilderness Act. Ramsey's Draft (draft and run are local names for creeks) is classified as rugged and steep with elevations from 2,200 feet to the top of Hardscrabble Knob at 4,282 feet. The area of Ramsey's Draft was included in a 38,399 acre tract purchased in 1913. About 1,794 acres in the headwaters of Ramsey's Draft and around Hardscrabble Knob have been managed essentially as wilderness since 1935. This area of Ramsey's Draft is considered one of the few virgin forests of its size in the East. A Civilian Conservation Corp Camp (CCC) was located just outside the present day wilderness boundary during the 1930's. CCC crews improved the road that crossed Ramsey's Draft, working on many fords, and constructed several of the trails in the area.

Day 1:

- Start on Bridge Hollow Trail for 1.5 miles. This trail begins on the east side of Ramsey's Draft. Watch for Bald Ridge Trail sign on Ramsey's Draft Trail just past the bulletin board. Follow the trail to the right across the stream to the trail beginning. Initially the trail begins going up steep rock steps but eventually levels out to easier terrain. Bald Ridge Trail is at the end of Bridge Hollow Trail. The trail is difficult.

- Turn left onto Bald Ridge Trail. This trail is the eastern boundary of the wilderness and follows Bald Ridge for a majority of the way. Bald Ridge Trail is steep in some places but stays on the ridge. It follows Bald Ridge and crosses all the peaks and ends at Wild Oak Trail at a wildlife pond. The trail is most difficult.

- Turn left onto Wild Oak Trail. This a national recreation trail and is maintained by the North River Ranger District. Wild Oak Trail connects Bald Ridge Trail. This trail is easy to difficult.

- Turn left onto Hiner Spring Trail. This trail is located along the northwestern edge of the wilderness. It runs along a fairly gentle ridge and connects the Wild Oak Tail on Bald Ridge to the Ramsey Draft Trail near Hiner Spring. The trail is easy to difficult.

- Find a campsite at Hiner Spring. Take an optional detour to Hardscrabble Knob.

Day 2:

Close the loop by taking Ramsey's Draft Trail for 6.8 miles. Is the main trail through the wilderness. The trail crosses the draft many times and during peak water flows, crossing can be very difficult. The trail passes through where beautiful hemlock (Hemlock Woolly Adelgid) can be seen and sweet birch are abundant. The trail is most difficult.

From Staunton, travel west on U. S. Route 250 approximately 20 miles to the Mountain House parking area. Drive past the first parking lot (picnic tables, restrooms, etc.) to the second lot and leave your vehicle there during your hiking expedition. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle and be sure to lock your doors.