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Map Key

3.0

Miles

4.8

KM

69%

Runnable

3,092' 943 m

High

1,623' 495 m

Low

1,725' 526 m

Up

256' 78 m

Down

13%

Avg Grade (7°)

36%

Max Grade (20°)

Dogs Off-leash

Description

The Sam Judd Ramsey Trail is a useful trail for connecting with other trails, but it has some aspects that limit its usefulness. The trail leaves the National Forest in its easternmost mile. Although some reports indicate that it continues thanks to an agreement with the landowner, the trail is not marked outside of the National Forest and several roads intersect with the trail, making it impossible to know for sure if you are on an acceptable path. The trail leaves the National Forest right at an elbow curve shown on trail maps, but that section of trail no longer exists. The safest choice is to turn around at the end of the public lands.

Heading west from this trail's one road crossing (which is the trailhead for both sections of trail), the Sam Judd Ramsey Trail follows an old road that crosses through an area that has recently been logged on both sides of the trail. The trail crosses three roads, and the third crossing is important - about 100 yards after that crossing, the trail leaves the old road, cuts left, and angles up the mountain. This is not obvious, so if you aren't careful you'll find yourself climbing the mountain on an old road at an insanely steep 33% grade.

If you are looking for the trail from the top of Walker Mountain, load a waypoint in your GPS first - the trail is not marked by a sign. Instead a faded yellow blaze is on a tree and a ribbon may encircle that same tree. It is not an obvious intersection.

There are no vistas on this trail, though ascending from Sidling Hill there are some nice views of Walker Mountain to the west.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jeff Monroe

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#54080

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Trail Rankings

#1,439

in Virginia

#54,080

Overall
2 Views Last Month
50 Since Mar 26, 2020
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Photos

Looking eastbound near the summit of Sideling Hill.
Mar 25, 2020 near Warm Sp…, VA
Eastern end of Sam Judd Ramsey Trail marked by red spray paint on trees. This photo looks west from outside the National Forest boundary. The trail east of this point does not exist.
Mar 25, 2020 near Warm Sp…, VA
If coming from the crest of Walker Mountain to the SJ Ramsey Trail, Ramsey is very difficult to find without a GPS. This photo shows a tree marking the start of the trail - it is the only marking.
Mar 25, 2020 near Warm Sp…, VA
Descending westbound from Sidling Hill with Walker Mountain in the background.
Mar 21, 2020 near Warm Sp…, VA

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