Wild Oak Trail
Wild Oak Trail | |
---|---|
George Washington National Forest, Virginia, United States | |
Use | Hiking, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding |
Highest point | Little Bald Knob, 4,351 ft (1,326 m) |
Lowest point | North River Gap, 1,600 ft (490 m) |
Difficulty | Strenuous |
Season | Spring, Summer |
Sights | Appalachian Mountains |
The Wild Oak Trail is a 27.0-mile (43.5 km)
History
The Wild Oak Trail was designated a
Camp Todd, which the trail passes by after a crossing of the North River, was used as a herdsman's cabin and a Fire Guard station.[3]
Animals and Plants
There are a variety of birds, reptiles and mammals in the area.
There have been more than forty species of trees and thirty wildflowers identified along the Wild Oak Trail.[4]
Activities
The trail sees a variety of user activity, including
The trail is well marked and easy to follow. Challenges for the hiker include steep ascents and descents, and few water supply points.[2] There are backcountry camp spots along the trail.
Hikers should be aware that the area is popular with hunters in the fall and should exercise necessary caution.[4]
Also, the trail and overlooks tend to be overgrown with vegetation late in summer, so an early Spring or early Fall hike is recommended.
Mountain Biking is also a popular activity on the Wild Oak Trail. Part of the
The Virginia Happy Trails Running Club hold a couple "unofficial" trail running events a year on the Wild Oak. Participants may run the loop multiple times.[5]
Horseback Riders also utilize the trail, while using Camp Todd to stay overnight.[4]
In addition, the primitive North River Campground is located two miles (3 km) from the trail.[6]
Image gallery
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An example of the wildlife found on the trail
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The trail often leads uphill
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The North River crossing, near Camp Todd
Notes
- ^ a b "VHTRC Guide to Local Trails - The Wild Oak Trail (TWOT)". www.vhtrc.org. Archived from the original on 2014-11-12.
- ^ a b c Burnham, Bill; Mary Burnham (May 1998). "Wild Oak Trail". Backpacker Magazine. Archived from the original on 2004-02-16. Retrieved 2009-01-02.
- ^ a b "Dry River Ranger District - Wild Oak Trail". United States Forest Service. Retrieved 2009-01-02.
- ^ a b c d e "George Washington National Forest Hiking - Wild Oak Trail". GORP. Retrieved 2009-01-02.
- ^ "The Wild Oak Trail 100". Virginia Happy Trails Running Club. Retrieved 2009-01-02.
- ^ " North River Campground (accessed May 11, 2007)