- Highlights: Waterfalls, historic iron furnace
- Distance: 1.9 mile loop
- Elevation Change 308 feet
- Trail Surface: Dirt with wooden bridges and boardwalks
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Trailhead Parking: Roaring Run Day Use Area, Eagle Rock, VA; Jefferson National Forest
- Website: AllTrails and US Forest Service
- Beer Pairings: Nowhere Brewery—Working Class Porter & Float Trip IPA
The Hike:
This easy hike passes beside Roaring Run much of the way. We hiked following heavy rains and the stream was full and the falls were spectacular. This loop trail combines the Woodland Trail and the Streamside Trail. Both trails begin near the trail kiosk by the restrooms.
We began the loop by following the Woodland Trail to the right. A footbridge crosses over Roaring Run before reaching the ruins of Roaring Run Furnace. This furnace was used to make iron in the early 1800s. Interpretive signs describe the process and answers the question “why build an iron furnace here?”.
The Woodland Trail continues through the forest and gradually climbs 200’ over the next half mile before reaching a junction with the Streamside Trail. Bear right and follow the stone and wooden steps. Roaring Run will be on your left as you climb to views from the base of the waterfall.
Use caution as the trail becomes rocky and the rocks are often wet and slippery. Return to the junction of the Woodland and Streamside Trails and bear right on the footbridge crossing Roaring Run.
Follow the path as it crisscrosses the stream on a series of footbridges. A one mile section of Roaring Run is a designated Trophy Trout waters. As a result, this is a popular fishing hole. The path returns to the parking area and your vehicle.
Hike Photos:
Click on an image below for an enlarged view.
Trail Map:
Beer Pairing:
Nowhere Brewery in nearby Covington is less than 30 minutes from the trailhead. This nano brewery has 8 taps, indoor and outdoor seating, and several nearby eateries provide a variety of takeout options.
Kathy enjoyed a pint of Float Trip (6.5% ABV), a west coast style IPA with a gorgeous copper color and a nice bitter finish. Pete really liked Working Class (4.5% ABV) an English brown porter made with Fuggles hops and British pale ale malts. This robust beer has notes of dark chocolate, coffee, and caramel.
Hike and drink responsibly. Never drink and drive. Stay safe, be responsible, and leave no trace.