Elk Garden To Brier And Cabin Ridge Loop - Hiking trail near Troutdale, Virginia, United States - Description

This loop through the Virginia Highlands will take you through sections of woods and sweeping vistas. The itinerary uses the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail that parallels the Appalachian Trail to increase solitude in this crowded area.

From the trailhead at Elk Garden, cross the road and go through the gate. Stay right on the orange blazed Virginia Highlands Horse Trail. The white blazed Appalachian Trail goes left. Continue on the VHHT for 1.8 miles to Deep Gap. Make sure to stay on the orange blazed VHHT and not the white blazed AT. Then in .7 miles you will reach the open vistas of Brier Ridge.

From the trail intersection, follow the steep Cabin Ridge Trail down the valley. At the bottom it will cross a creek and then stay left onto the railroad grade. The trail will climb slowly back out of the valley to Cabin Ridge and reconnect with the VHHT in about 2 miles from Brier Ridge.

Take a left onto the orange blazed VHHT as it meanders through woods and vistas. It will reach Brier Ridge in about 2.3 miles. Continue on the orange blazed VHHT back to Elk Garden in 2.5 miles.

Take I-81 to Exit 35 at Chilhowie. Follow VA 762 South and then VA 600 over Iron Mountain. At an intersection with 2 out of business gas stations, take a left AFTER the bridge onto VA 603 to Elk Garden. The trailhead parking lot is at the top of the hill on the right.