Hidden Rocks Trail

Waterfall along Hidden Rocks Trail
Hidden RocksHidden Rocks Trail
Length: 3.3 miles (out, loop, and return)
Starting location: Hone Quarry Recreation Area, parking lot on FDR 62. From Dayton, VA, head west on Rt 257. Following signs for West 257, travel 11 miles. Shortly after entering George Washington National Forest, turn right onto FDR 62 into Hone Quarry Recreation Area. Go ½ mile to the gravel parking area on your right. GPS 38.27331, -79.06824
Map (see attachment below)
Difficulty: moderate
Description: The trailhead is well-marked. From the parking lot, head for the steps and National Forest trail #511 with yellow blazes. Trail starts out heading northeast and parallel to FDR 62. You'll begin on level footing but will soon encounter several steep up-and-down dips in the trail. After about ½ mile, take a turn to the left to enter a lovely rhododendron tunnel down to the stream Rocky Run. Be sure to follow yellow blazes across the stream, then walk upstream a bit and cross the stream two more times. Re-enter the forest along the level trail lined with rhododendron and mountain laurel. After ¼ mile and another stream crossing, look for the trail to turn right and ascend sharply to Lower Hidden Rocks. You will find the easiest access to the top of the rocks (and nice views) by swinging left along the base of the cliffs and climbing around, then up and over, the boulders. To return, go back down to the base of the boulder and continue on the newly-cut trail across to another rock outcropping called Hidden Cracks, and turn left back down the mountainside. When you arrive at the stream, turn left and follow the trail downstream for a short trail-end loop (note, this small trail-end loop is not included on our map). Take the same trail you walked in on to return to the parking lot. Avoid any temptation to shortcut back to FDR 62 (particularly visible in the winter); there is a band of private property between the trail and the road, and you don't want to trespass.
Trail is closed to horses, and not recommended for bikes.
Why we like it: The short length with a big destination viewpoint coupled with several crossings of a beautiful seasonal stream make this trail a perfect family outing. Children love this kind of walk: not too steep or strenuous, water to explore, big rocks to climb on. Also, with close proximity to the Hone Quarry Recreation Area, a family can easily couple the walk with a weekend camping/fishing trip or family picnic. Also, there are huckleberries to pick on the clifftops in July!
Watch out for:
Length: 3.3 miles (out, loop, and return)
Starting location: Hone Quarry Recreation Area, parking lot on FDR 62. From Dayton, VA, head west on Rt 257. Following signs for West 257, travel 11 miles. Shortly after entering George Washington National Forest, turn right onto FDR 62 into Hone Quarry Recreation Area. Go ½ mile to the gravel parking area on your right. GPS 38.27331, -79.06824
Map (see attachment below)
Difficulty: moderate
Description: The trailhead is well-marked. From the parking lot, head for the steps and National Forest trail #511 with yellow blazes. Trail starts out heading northeast and parallel to FDR 62. You'll begin on level footing but will soon encounter several steep up-and-down dips in the trail. After about ½ mile, take a turn to the left to enter a lovely rhododendron tunnel down to the stream Rocky Run. Be sure to follow yellow blazes across the stream, then walk upstream a bit and cross the stream two more times. Re-enter the forest along the level trail lined with rhododendron and mountain laurel. After ¼ mile and another stream crossing, look for the trail to turn right and ascend sharply to Lower Hidden Rocks. You will find the easiest access to the top of the rocks (and nice views) by swinging left along the base of the cliffs and climbing around, then up and over, the boulders. To return, go back down to the base of the boulder and continue on the newly-cut trail across to another rock outcropping called Hidden Cracks, and turn left back down the mountainside. When you arrive at the stream, turn left and follow the trail downstream for a short trail-end loop (note, this small trail-end loop is not included on our map). Take the same trail you walked in on to return to the parking lot. Avoid any temptation to shortcut back to FDR 62 (particularly visible in the winter); there is a band of private property between the trail and the road, and you don't want to trespass.
Trail is closed to horses, and not recommended for bikes.
Why we like it: The short length with a big destination viewpoint coupled with several crossings of a beautiful seasonal stream make this trail a perfect family outing. Children love this kind of walk: not too steep or strenuous, water to explore, big rocks to climb on. Also, with close proximity to the Hone Quarry Recreation Area, a family can easily couple the walk with a weekend camping/fishing trip or family picnic. Also, there are huckleberries to pick on the clifftops in July!
Watch out for:
- Lower Hidden Rocks and Hidden Cracks are well-loved by local rock climbers - you might get to see experts in action in a perfect wild setting.
- Rocky Run is a seasonal stream, and in winter and early spring it can be roaring and very difficult to cross. In late summer, it is typically nearly dry.
- When the water is a moderate level in spring and summer, look for crayfish and salamanders in the stream - they're abundant!
- When climbing and scrambling on steep terrain and boulders, always be alert and watch where you place your hands.
- When exploring high places, remember that gravity never sleeps, so don't get careless. Please never toss things like rocks or trash off the tops of cliffs when there is a trail below.

map_of_hidden_rocks.pdf | |
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