Rock Payne Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Waterfall

Some steep sections but usually good even trail.

As you run out of old logging road on the Warbler Cove Trail, look to the left for a trail that heads precipitously uphill. Power through the uphill until you are switchbacking an even steeper section where making use of trees as handholds keeps the climb secure. The higher you get, the more exposed rock you find until you summit on Rock Knob.

Once you make the ridgeline, you can cruise for a while on relatively flat surface until you eventually have to push to make the summit of Paynes Knob. From here you continue on flat terrain until you have to power up another unnamed summit.

Be sure to look for the rock bald off to your left for some open views.

After a short while, you pass Mule's Face Trail to your left and then make one last push up to the Blue Ridge Highway.

Lovely hemlock groves.