Lee County Hiking Club: Little Stony National Recreational Trail

Six of us headed to Jefferson National Forest near Coeburn, Virginia to hike the Little Stony National Recreational Trail. We attempted this trail a couple of years ago, but turned back due to an overgrown rocky section as we couldn't see where we were stepping. The trail was actually closed at that time but the forest service said it could be hiked. We decided fall would be best for our next attempt. The rocky section is still part of the trail, but it was clear of any undergrowth, so we just had to knock off the leaves to make sure we didn't slip. This trail tends to be very damp as you are basically in the gorge of the stream the entire way. In the spring an algae covers the rocks and it was as slippery as ice when we visited here last. But extremely dry conditions have prevailed this fall, and the rocks were negotiated with no worries of slipping. The hike is quite beautiful, featuring two nice falls and a couple smaller ones. The hike is streamside the entire time and it is boulder strewn, so there is a series of choked pools, a cascade, and bridged stream crossings that make for a very scenic hike. The trail is well marked, the bridges are in great condition, but the trail had several blow downs that had to be negotiated. The footing is tricky in a few spots, rocky and rooty in most spots. There are few sections that were easy walking, but we enjoyed another gorgeous fall day. It was a bit chilly in the morning, but the sun came out and warmed us nicely and we began shedding layers. The stream had some nice trout we were able to spot. We tossed in some bread and a few more made an appearance. It was a very pleasant day with no wind. In fact, the leaves had fallen and created a carpet that looked completely undisturbed. We have hiked three consecutive weekends, enjoying great weather each time. We are off next weekend, and looking forward to an AT hike in two weeks.