- Highlights: Mountain views
- Distance: 3.0 miles out and back
- Elevation Change 610 feet
- Trail Surface: Dirt with some rocky sections
- Difficulty Level: Easy/Moderate
- Trailhead Parking: High Rocks Trailhead, 1563 Broadway Road, route 640, near Wytheville. Park entry fee required.
- Website: AllTrails and Big Survey Wildlife Management Area
- Beer Pairings: Seven Sisters Brewery—Rosie Porter & Henrietta Schwarzbier
The Hike:
This short hike has some great payoffs. Trailhead parking is 2 miles on the right after the Broadway Road (route 640) intersection with route 720. Broadway Road is a gravel, narrow, country road that winds through the Big Survey WMA. There are two small parking areas here. The trailhead is at the rear of the first parking area, between two large rocks.
All Virginia Wildlife Management Areas require a daily access permit. The cost is $4 per person (as of 11/2022) and is can be purchased online: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Cell service at the trailhead is spotty and there isn’t a payment kiosk at the trailhead.
The trail is not marked; however, the path is pretty obvious. Download the AllTrails map to help with navigation. The trail is steep and rocky in several sections. Parts of the trail pass through Rhododendron tunnels. At 1.2 miles, the trail levels out and you may be able to spot the rocky summit through the trees on the left.
The trail loops around to the left for the short, steep climb to the rocky summit. The valley opens up in from of you with the city of Wytheville to the north. Follow a short path to the left for some nice views to the west and southwest. Enjoys the views and retrace your steps to return to the parking area and your vehicle.
Hike Photos:
Click on an image below for an enlarged view.
Beer Pairing:
Seven Sisters Brewing in nearby Wytheville is about 15 minutes from the trailhead. Named after a nearby trail, this pet and kid friendly brewery has indoor and outdoor seating, live music on weekends, and a variety of food trucks.
Pete really liked Rosie, a Baltic Porter (7.7% ABV • 33 IBU) combines the richness of an English porter with smoothness from the addition of lager yeast and months of aging. This porter is ideal for the colder months with rich caramel, chocolate and light roasted notes. Kathy broke from here typical IPAs and tried Henrietta, a Schwarzbier (5.6% ABV • 27 IBU). Schwarzbier is German for black beer and is also known as black Pilsner. Deep in color yet surprisingly light and refreshing, Kathy found a new favorite.
Hike and drink responsibly. Never drink and drive. Stay safe, be responsible, and leave no trace.