Mine Bank Creek Trail (Mod-Mod Strenuous)
Details
The lesser traveled Mine Bank Creek Trail leads into St. Mary’s Wilderness and while moderately challenging, rewards hikers by following the lovely Mine Bank Creek, dotted this time of year with wildflowers, including the possibility of bleeding hearts, trilliums, and dwarf irises. We might be a little late for some of those, but it's a beautiful streamside hike nonetheless.
Starting from the Blue Ridge Parkway we descend the Mine Bank Creek trail over 1.9 miles to reach the intersection of St. Mary’s Trail. From there we can go right to do a short trek over to Green Pond, which is really just a marshy area, but we can rest and have our turnaround point where we begin retracing our steps.
At the end of the hike anyone interested can join at the Fork Mountain Overlook, just 0.3 miles down the BRP. Bring a chair to tailgate for a bit afterward. I’ll bring a cooler with some drinks and some snacks to share while we enjoy the view of the Blue Ridge Mountains below.
Difficulty Rating: Moderate-Moderately Strenuous; This is an out and back, with all the elevation gain at the end. While not exceptionally steep, it is a steady ascent for about 2 miles on our way back. The hike is short enough that we can take our time. Hike total is around 4.65 miles with an overall elevation gain of around 1,108 feet.
What to Bring/Wear: weather-appropriate clothing, appropriate footwear (including either shoes to change into for water crossings or boot covers), sunscreen, tick spray, snacks/lunch, 2-3 liters of water, poles are very much recommended
Weather: If inclement weather is forecasted, I will either reschedule or cancel and repost for another date.
Dog Policy: I reeaaaalllllly don’t recommend dogs on this hike.
Note: This hike is in a wilderness area. Regulations limit group size to no more than 10, so please pay attention to the RSVP section.
RSVP: If you find you’re not going to be able to attend, please update your RSVP to “Not Going” as soon as you can, to allow others on the waitlist adequate time to be notified to prepare.