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A fun trail that winds along next to the Blue Ridge Parkway and loops around Otter Lake.


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Map Key

1.6

Miles

2.6

KM

87%

Runnable

817' 249 m

High

631' 192 m

Low

288' 88 m

Up

267' 81 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

28%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · River/Creek · Waterfall

Runner Notes

Possible but there are a few uphill/downhill spots. This is a wooded area and it has a thick carpet of leaves which make footing and traction difficult at times.

Description

This is a fun trail that winds along next to the Blue Ridge Parkway and loops around Otter Lake. The trail starts from the visitor center off the right side of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Follow the paved path that branches off from the trail of trees.

The start of the actual trail is not well marked, but once you enter the woods, you'll follow alongside a stream. There are a few minor stream crossings which you have to step over using a well-placed concrete stepping stone block and/or rocks.

At 0.6 miles, you'll reach the dam on the west end of the Otter Lake. Here turn right and climb a steep, but short hill to take the southern arm of the loop around the lake. As you make your way around the lake, there are a few more creek crossings, then a junction with Otter Creek Trail off to the right about 1.2 miles into your run.

Continue past this to follow the northern leg of the loop trail west. You'll cross through a parking area on the side of Blue Ridge Parkway, but the trail picks back up on the west side of the lot. Follow this back to the junction below the dam. Take a right to head back along the creek to the visitor center.

Flora & Fauna

Rhododendrons, mountain laurels, maples, oaks, hemlocks and numerous wildflowers. Birds, butterflies, and squirrels.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Blue Ridge

Shared By:

Jake Weber with improvements by Jean-Claude Linossi

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 2 votes

#27790

Overall
  3.0 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#761

in Virginia

#27,790

Overall
10 Views Last Month
1,429 Since Feb 5, 2018
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

View of the Blue Ridge Mountains
May 24, 2018 near Glasgow, VA

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Current Trail Conditions

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