Sams Ridge Trail

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Features Fall Colors · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This 2.2-mile trail takes you on a steep path from the valley floor and up to the junction of Broad Hollow Trail and Hazel Mountain Trail. If the water levels are high on the Hazel River Trail, this trail will provide you with a safe passage into the Shenandoah National Park.

Access and parking for the two trails starting in the valley is a bit challenging. Rte 600 (Woodstock Rd) is dirt and there are only about 5 spots to park near the junction of Hungry Horse Ln. You may not drive or park on Hungry Horse Ln. After parking in one of the few allowable parking spots, you'll run up Hungry Horse Ln a couple of hundred yards to the trailhead of the Hazel River Trail.

About 100 yards up on the right you'll find the trailhead marker for Sams Ridge Trail, and from this point on the trail is a steep climb that follows the ridgeline. Near the top of the trail, you'll run into a few short sections that allow a break from the climb. Overall, the trail is a thigh buster the entire way. If you want to create a great loop, you can pair this trail with the Hazel River Trail and return to your car with a nice run following the creek.