|
 There are two routes to choose from on this hike in Hidden Valley, Virginia. The more difficult 7.0 mile 1,150 ft route requires finding the green blazed trail, following the abandoned orange blazed ridge trail, then bushwhacking extremely steeply down to the Muddy Run Trail. The easier 5.5 mile 600ft route takes the Cobbler Mountain Trail directly to join the Muddy Run Trail. The more difficult Cobbler Mountain Ridge loop should only be taken by experienced hikers. A GPS compass and map are highly recommended for this route.
Both Hikes:
Start out on the blue blazed Cobbler Mountain Trail as it ascends then descends the spur before arriving at a wooden footbridge that crosses Chimney Run in 0.7 miles. Cross the run and continue left on the blue blazed trail as it follows Chimney Run downstream. In 0.1 miles, decide if you wish to take the very difficult Cobbler Ridge Loop or the easier Cobbler Mountain Trail.
For the Cobbler Ridge Loop Only: Difficult
At this point, you need to bushwhack directly uphill for 150 yards to intersect the old green blazed forestry road. Look for pink ribbons on the trees placed by equestrians to mark the spot to ascend (these may no longer be there). On the green blazed FS road, go uphill for 0.7 miles passing the GWNF boundary and red stripped marker trees near the ridge. Continue on the dirt road for another 0.3 miles, where the road now descends the mountain to your right. Remain on the ridge and locate the abandoned orange blazed trail that continues for 1.0 miles to the top of Cobbler Mountain. From the summit of Cobbler Mountain, descend bushwhacking on the left of the ridge at 15° magnetic EXTREMLY STEEPLY (marked on the map as red dots) for 0.7 miles to the valley and intersection of Muddy Run Trail. Turn left downstream on the Muddy Run Trail for 0.6 miles first passing a great group camping area before arriving at the intersection of the Cobbler Mountain Trail. Continue straight on the Muddy Run Trail.
For The Cobbler Mountain Trail Only: Easy
Continue on the blue blazed Cobbler Mountain Trail for 1.7 miles as it winds along the bottom of Cobbler Mountain before arriving at the intersection of the blue blazed Muddy Run Trail. Turn left on the Muddy Run Trail.
Both Hikes:
Continue on the Muddy Run Trail for 0.1 miles where it meets the Hidden Valley Trail and a small wooded footbridge crosses over Muddy Run. Cross Muddy Run on the footbridge and in another 0.2 miles arrive at a large suspension bridge that crosses Jackson River.
Cross Jackson River on the suspension bridge and turn left on the Jackson River Gorge Trail as it follows Jackson River downstream before arriving at a closed gate in 1.8 miles. Pass the closed gate and turn left on the dirt road and shortly cross Jackson River over a concrete ford. Continue to follow Hidden Valley Road for 1.2 miles. The road will become paved then pass a GWNF campground on your right before you arrive back at the Cobbler Mountain Trail parking area. |
icon 
