Four Gorge Trail

The Four Gorge Trail is located within the Carvins Cove Natural Reserve in Roanoke, Virginia. You'll typically access it from one of the main parking areas for the reserve. Specific trailhead parking details are usually available on the Carvins Cove website or local trail maps.

Yes, Carvins Cove Natural Reserve requires a permit for access. These permits can often be purchased daily or annually, and the fees contribute to the maintenance and preservation of the reserve's extensive trail system. Check the official Carvins Cove website for current permit information and purchase options.

Yes, the Four Gorge Trail is generally dog-friendly. However, all dogs must be kept on a leash at all times to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all trail users. Please remember to pack out any waste.

The trail offers enjoyable hiking throughout much of the year. Spring brings lush greenery, and fall is particularly scenic with vibrant autumn colors. Summer can be warm, so an early start is recommended. Winter hiking is possible, but be prepared for potentially muddy or icy conditions, especially in the gorges.

The main Four Gorge Trail is generally rated as medium or moderate in difficulty. While it includes some climbs and descents, they are typically not overly technical. It's considered a good warm-up for those looking to explore more challenging sections of Carvins Cove. The full route described here, which is nearly 20 km long, is rated as difficult due to its extended distance and cumulative elevation changes.

The core Four Gorge Trail itself is approximately 2.3 miles long. However, it's frequently combined with other trails in Carvins Cove to create longer loop options. The route described on komoot is a longer loop covering nearly 20 km (about 12.3 miles), taking around 5 hours and 20 minutes to complete.

You can expect a natural, wooded environment with the trail twisting and winding through multiple drainages. It features a mix of moderate climbs and descents as it contours along Brushy Mountain. The scenery includes opportunities to enjoy diverse forest views, especially beautiful during fall foliage.

The Four Gorge Trail is a key access point and a standard starting point for many of the longer loops within the Carvins Cove Natural Reserve. It connects to the Brushy Mountain Fire Road, providing an off-road route to the central trails of the Cove, which is renowned for its extensive network of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Yes, the route that includes the Four Gorge Trail also passes through sections of other official trails within Carvins Cove. These include the RockStar Gravel, RockStar Trail, Tuck-A-Way, and Lower Comet trails, allowing for varied and extended hiking options.

The Four Gorge Trail serves as an excellent warm-up and access point for exploring the more challenging 'uppers' of the Carvins Cove trail system. If you're seeking a longer adventure, consider combining it with trails like the Brushy Mountain Fire Road or other paths that lead deeper into the reserve's extensive 60-mile network. This allows you to customize your hike to your desired length and difficulty.

The core 2.3-mile Four Gorge Trail is generally considered moderate and can be suitable for families or beginners who are comfortable with some elevation changes. However, the longer, nearly 20 km route described here is rated as difficult and would be more challenging for beginners or young children. For families, consider shorter out-and-back sections or combining it with easier loops within Carvins Cove.