- Highlights: Jackson River, swinging bridge, Hidden Valley
- Distance: 5.6 mile loop
- Elevation Change 470 feet
- Trail Surface: Dirt, several rocky sections. 1 mile of the trail is on gravel and paved forest roads.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Trailhead Parking: Cobbler Mountain parking area, Hidden Valley Road, Hidden Valley Recreation Area. The parking area is just before the campground on the right.
- Trail Markings: blue blazes, sign posts at junctions
- Website: AllTrails and Hiking Upward
- Beer Pairings: Bacova Beer Company—Sally Amber Ale & So Fresh So Clean IPA
Trail Map:
The Hike:
This hike in the George Washington National Forest is a nice walk in the woods with some nice river views. The trail is marked and maintained; however, there are many interconnecting trails and some of the junctions were confusing. We suggest downloading the AllTrails map in advance as cell service in this area in problematic.
This hike begins on the blue-blazed Cobbler Mountain Trail. A wood footbridge crosses Chimney Run which was completely dry on our early September hike. After 2 miles, the trail intersects the blue-blazed Muddy Run Trail. Bear left here for a few hundred yards when the trail ends at the Hidden Valley Trail.
Cross a footbridge over Muddy Run and reach the Jackson River and the swinging bridge. The Jackson is stocked with trout and is a popular fishing destination. Cross the river and bear left on the Jackson River Gorge Trail. After several years of floods, the trail was rerouted and is now a few hundred yards away from the river. There are still some nice river views and a few spur trails lead down to the river.
Bear left on the gravel road. On the right is Warwickton, an antebellum mansion which now operates as the Hidden Valley Bed and Breakfast. Pam and Ron are great hosts. Follow the road across the river and through the valley. AllTrails will route you through the campground for a 7.7 mile loop. We passed on that section and returned to the parking area on the left.
Hike Photos:
Beer Pairing:
Bacova Beer Company in Hot Springs is about 10 miles from the trailhead. They have 10 taps of craft beer and the on-site kitchen serves up pub fare, salads, sandwiches, and flatbreads. They have indoor and outdoor seating and dogs are welcome outside.
Pete enjoyed a cold pint of Sally Amber Ale 6.4% 52 (6.4% ABV • 52 IBU), a West-Coast style American Amber Ale with a caramel malt sweetness with a bold hop presence. Kathy was intrigued by the name “So Fresh So Clean” (6.9% ABV • 70 IBU) and had to try it. This American style IPA is hoppy without a bitter finish, she agreed it is in fact a fresh and clean IPA. Hoppy trails!
Hike and drink responsibly. Never drink and drive. Stay safe, be responsible, and leave no trace.