- Highlights: Views, nature preserve
- Distance: 3.4 mile loop
- Elevation Change 279 feet
- Trail Surface: Gravel and dirt
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Trailhead Parking: State Route 703 (Airport Road), just left of the entrance to Ingalls Field Airport, Hot Springs VA.
- Trail Markings: Red blazes
- Website: AllTrails and Warm Springs Mountain Preserve
- Beer Pairings: Bacova Beer Company—Sally Amber Ale & So Fresh So Clean IPA
Trail Map:
The Hike:
The Nature Conservancy protects more than 9,000 acres on and around Warm Springs Mountain—their largest preserve in Virginia. This easy loop hike has panoramic views to the east and west. Interpretive signs highlight the mountain’s diversity of wildlife species and habitats in addition to TNC’s efforts to restore the region’s fire-adapted oak and pine forests.
As the trail’s name implies, bears frequent this area. We did see evidence of bears but didn’t spot a bear during our early morning hike. The trail is a former fire road and can be a bit overgrown in places. A meadow near the parking area leads to some of the best views to the west including George Washington National Forest and the mountains of West Virginia.
The trail leads through the preserve, follow the red blazes counterclockwise. On the right is a rocky outcrop with wonderful views to the east. The valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains flow together like waves in the ocean. Follow the loop around to the west for some nice partial views. The trail leads back to the meadow by the parking area for one last look at the valley and mountains to the west.
Hike Photos:
Beer Pairing:
Bacova Beer Company in nearby Hot Springs is about 25 minutes from the trailhead. They have 10 taps of craft beer, their 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.