Crane Trail #454

Dogs Off-leash

A very remote trail that seldom sees runners, located almost entirely within the aptly named Rough Mountain Wilderness. No summer views, but a good run for a workout and for solitude.

Private property borders Virginia Rt 42 on the western end of this trail, so there is no access there. Eastern access is very difficult, requiring a long drive over dirt forest service roads that includes a stream ford. The eastern end of the trail itself is also difficult to find. The best way to find it is to run north from the access road along the railroad tracks (active route, with both freight and Amtrak traffic) until the tracks bridge a small stream. There should be a wooden kiosk at this point, but downed trees still make the trail difficult to find. It is best found using a GPS receiver.

Once it starts climbing Rough Mountain, the trail is easy to follow and in pretty good shape. It crests the ridge (you can bushwhack from here south to Griffith Knob for great views) and then heads west down to private property. Likely due to care from adjoining landowners, the western part of the trail is in much better shape than the eastern section. Just be sure to turn around at the National Forest boundary.