- Highlights: Views
- Distance: 2.0 miles out and back
- Elevation Change 279 feet
- Trail Surface: Dirt and rocks
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Trailhead Parking: State Route 624, east of Warm Springs VA; roadside parking at Tower Mill Mountain trailhead. Take Highway 39 east for 5.5 miles. Turn left onto SR 609 and proceed for 2.7 miles. Take SR 624 across the cement bridge and go .6 miles. Tower Mill Mountain Trailhead is on the left.
- Trail Markings: Blue blazes and rock cairns
- Website: AllTrails and US Forest Service
- Beer Pairings: Bacova Beer Company—Sally Amber Ale & So Fresh So Clean IPA
Trail Map:
The Hike:
There are many hikes named Chimney Rock. This one is in the George Washington National Forest, about 8 miles northeast of Warm Springs VA. Much of the trail is also known as the Tower Hill Mountain Trail. This little-known gem of a hike isn’t well marked or well maintained—but it’s worth seeking out. Definitely download the AllTrails map as navigation is challenging—especially to the overlook.
The trail is steep and rocky much of the way. Some of the blue blazes were very faint and hard to see, so stay alert. The trail begins to level out as you reach .9 miles. Look on the left for a bent-over tree. Pass under the tree. At this point, the blue-blazes end. There are a few small rock cairns marking the trail.
Follow the trail (using the AllTrails map you downloaded) along the ridge for about .2 miles to reach the overlook. GPS coordinates for the viewpoint are N38° 05.430′ W79° 41.747’. Watch your step as the cliff is over 500’ above the valley floor. Piney Mountain, Warm Springs Mountain, and Middle Knob lay before you. This is a great place to enjoy the views and a snack as you likely will have Chimney Rock to yourself. Retrace your steps back to the blue-blazes and descend back to your vehicle.
Hike Photos:
Beer Pairing:
Bacova Beer Company in nearby Hot Springs is about 15 miles from the trailhead. A closer option for a beverage is the Inn at Warm Springs. The Tavern has four taps of craft beer, wine, cider, and a full bar—with a very impressive bourbon selection. They offer indoor and outdoor seating and the on-site restaurant has a full lunch and dinner menu.
Kathy enjoyed an Old Fashioned made with Col. EH Taylor single barrel bourbon. Pete decided to try something new—House Cider (8.5%) from nearby Troddenvale Cidery. Made with a blend of three varieties of Virginia-grown apples, this dry cider is barrel fermented and aged in oak barrels. Hoppy trails!
Hike and drink responsibly. Never drink and drive. Stay safe, be responsible, and leave no trace.