The best walks and hikes in Raccoon Branch Wilderness

Yes, dogs are generally permitted in the Raccoon Branch Wilderness and the surrounding Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, but they must be kept on a leash and under your control at all times to protect wildlife and other visitors.

The wilderness is conveniently located near Virginia Route 16. The primary access point for many trails is the Raccoon Branch Campground, which serves as a great starting point for day hikes. Parking is available at the campground and other designated trailheads in the area.

Dispersed, primitive camping is allowed within the Raccoon Branch Wilderness, following Leave No Trace principles. For those who prefer more amenities, the Raccoon Branch and Hurricane Campgrounds are located just outside the wilderness boundary and offer established campsites and facilities.

The trails within the wilderness itself are known for being rugged and are generally moderate to difficult. For instance, the Hickory Ridge Trail is short at 0.7 miles but is very steep. For easier walks, you might consider exploring the areas around the campgrounds or shorter sections of the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail.

The Virginia Highlands Horse Trail is a major multi-use trail that traverses the wilderness and is open to both hikers and horseback riders. It intersects with several other trails, including the Appalachian Trail, providing extensive options for equestrians.

The wilderness is characterized by its high-gradient, deeply incised streams like Raccoon Branch and Scott Branch, which create many small cascades and scenic water features. However, there are no major, named waterfalls that are primary hiking destinations within the wilderness boundaries.

Spring and fall are ideal times to visit, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with spring wildflowers or autumn foliage. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter may bring snow and ice, requiring appropriate gear for the steep terrain. Always check trail conditions before you go.

Yes, the wilderness protects the watersheds of Raccoon Branch and Scott Branch, which are both designated cold-water streams. These and other streams in the area offer opportunities for stream fishing for native brook trout. A valid Virginia fishing license is required.

The routes in Raccoon Branch Wilderness are very well-regarded by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the area for its rugged, remote feel and the classic Appalachian scenery of forested ridges and scenic hollows.

Yes, you can create loops by combining different trails. A popular combination involves using parts of the Appalachian Trail, Bobby's Trail, and the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail. For a longer, challenging loop, consider the Mount Rogers Summit loop from Marion, which covers over 12 miles of stunning terrain.

Expect extremely rugged and steep terrain. The trails often involve significant elevation changes as they climb over ridges like Dickey Ridge and drop into stream-carved hollows. The paths are mostly forested and can be rocky and root-covered, so sturdy hiking footwear is essential.

The Dickey Knob Trail is renowned for its rewarding views. This trail climbs to the summit of Dickey Knob, where you can find the foundation of an old fire tower and enjoy panoramic vistas of the Rye Valley and surrounding mountains.