Driving through the rugged mountains of southwest Virginia only hints at the beauty that exists within this forested wilderness.  Much of it remains inaccessible, but a new six-mile section of the Guest River Gorge can now be explored.  Although much of the land in and around the gorge remains in private hands, the Norfolk Southern Railroad donated an abandoned railroad bed along this state scenic river to the Jefferson National Forest in 1991 (see selection).

It is a 5 ½ mile hike from the trailhead through the Guest River Gorge to the confluence of Clinch River. The walk through the scenic hardwood forested gorge fully merits your efforts.  Rushing rapids and waterfalls mark the river’s passage between the high cliffs and bluffs.

The gorge trail provides access to hikers, fishermen, kayakers and canoeists.  The Guest River is rated a challenging Level 5, in terms of difficulty.  Frequently caught fish include smallmouth bass, crappie and bluegill.  Future development will include wildlife viewing sites along the trail, but those interested in hunting and trapping must do it outside the gorge on National Forest land.  While this area is breathtaking year-round, it is particularly splendid in the autumn when the foliage turns and the shape of the rocky cliffs can be more clearly discerned.  In early June the mountain laurel blooms, followed by the delicate blossoms of the rhododendrons growing in profusion on the hillsides.

Eventually there will be three locations from which to gain access to the Guest River Gorge Trail; only the northern access point near Coeburn is currently in place.  There will also be a southern access point at the trail’s end near the Clinch River in Scott County and at Crab Orchard Creek off Route 661.  On the drawing boards are visitor facilities at the northern and southern access points with picnic areas, restrooms and an information center where you can obtain a self-guided nature interpretative brochure. 

Opening the Guest River Trail, which can be reached from Route 72, is just the first step in the plans to make this area accessible.  In addition to the more than 540 acres of private land already acquired, additional property will be obtained to provide alternative trailheads.  Long-range plans anticipate a hands-on environmental museum along the Guest River Gorge entrance road.

Nature lovers may also want to hike the Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve, a 68-acre preserve along Big Cedar Creek and the Clinch River.  This preserve’s namesake is a towering rock formation that stands 600 feet above Big Cedar Creek.  The lush forested hillsides support a wide variety of wildflowers and ferns, while the two bodies of water, both part of the state scenic rivers system, flow through the preserve to create rapids and breathtaking waterfalls.  Visitors are welcome to hike the preserve’s trails from dawn to dusk.

Directions: From I-81 take the Abingdon exit and travel west on Route 19/Alt 58 to Coeburn.  At Coeburn head south on Route 72 to the sign indicating the Guest River Gorge Road, part of Jefferson National Forest.  For Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve, when Route 19 splits, remain on that and travel north to Lebanon.  Then bear left on Route 82, right on Route 640 and left again on Route 721 for the start of hiking trails in the preserve.