Friday Morning Forest-Roads Ride

Our ride this week is going to be a special all-day outing to the Jackson River Scenic Trail in Covington, VA, starting from the Intervale trailhead at 10AM. There will be two ride options: Trail Ride is an out and back on the Jackson River trail; Loop Ride adds a loop at the northern end, up to Lake Moomaw. Both rides will meet back up for an afternoon stop at the Cliff View restaurant.

It is an hour and 40 mins drive from Harrisonburg to the Intervale Trailhead with an option to meet at the I81 rest stop at mile marker 232 (south of the Weyer’s Cave exit) at 8:30AM. We start the ride on the southern terminus of Jackson River Trail at 10:00AM.

Trail riders will ride the entire rail-to-trail route, about 17 miles each way on fine, crushed gravel. Loop riders will ride up to the dam then return to the trail to meet Trail riders for lunch at the Cliff View restaurant. It previously took us a little more than five hours to ride the Trail, including stops on the hanging bridge, enjoying flowers, indigenous plants, snakes, turtles, cliff overhangs, and with bathroom stops.

We all start at Mile 0 Intervale Trailhead,1903 Dressler Dr, Covington, VA at 10AM.
Mile 7.8 Smith Bridge Trailhead. The bridge is well marked from the trail. This is the path to the Cliff View restaurant..
At Natural Well Trailhead is a mountain stream well with drinkable water.

At Mile 14.2 the Loop riders split to the paved road up to the dam. Loop riders ride up Cole Mountain Rd. It is narrow and windy with a memorable climb.
Loop riders Mile 15.5 Ride across the Gathright Dam on Coles Mountain Rd.
Loop riders Mile 18.6 Turn left on E Morris Hill Rd. (ends 1,000ft climb)
Loop riders Mile 22.3 Turn Left on Indian Draft Rd (Rt 641)
Loop Riders Mile 22.8 Turn Left on Jackson River Rd
Loop Riders Mile 23.4 Turn right on Friels to the Cliff View restaurant
Loop Riders Mile 24 Meet the Trail riders at the restaurant.

Trail riders Mile 14.2 Continue on the Trail along Cedar Creek.
Trail riders Mile 17 The Trail riders reach the north terminus of the Trail There are bathrooms and a wide rest area.
Trail riders reverse on the Trail going back to the Smith Bridge Trailhead
Trail Riders Mile 7.8 turn off the trail towards Cliff View restaurant.
Meet the Loop riders at the restaurant.

From the restaurant we regroup to return to the 8 miles to the Intervale Trailhead.

Weather forecast is sunny and 85 degrees with a chance of late thunderstorms. Bring snacks, plenty of water, sunscreen, rain gear if desired.

https://jacksonrivertrail.com/

Strava, Jackson River Trail with Loop to the Dam
https://www.strava.com/routes/3364994045748394806

Cliff View restaurant, 410 Friels Drive Covington, VA 24426 (540) 962-2200