Contact Info
810-A Madison Avenue
Covington, VA 24426
- Phone:
- 540-962-2214
Basics
- Length:
- 2.5 miles
- Difficulty:
- Difficult
- Time:
- 1.5 hours
Description
The Fortney Loop Trail descends about 200 feet to Lake Moomaw across from the Fortney Branch Boat Launch, about one mile from trail’s beginning at the south end. The trail is well marked with a graded open tread in good condition. At first the descends gently along the ridge line through open forest before dropping more steeply downhill along several switchbacks to the abandoned asphalt surface of old Route 600, which was inundated under Lake Moomaw when the Gathright Dam was constructed in the 1980. It is interesting to see the efforts of the forest to reclaim the road. Turn right along the abandoned road to reach the lake with a view of the Fortney Branch boat launch. At the lake, stone steps, constructed by a Student Conservation Association work crew, lead to the return trail that winds pleasantly along the lakeside before gradually ascending through open forest to the intersection with the Cove Trail. The Cove Trail is a short branch trail with a gradual descent to Lake Moomaw across from Coles Point.
Details
Length:
Difficulty:
Time:
Additional Details:
Bicyclists should use care navigating the abrupt switchbacks and the stone steps.
Fishing access to the bank of Lake Moomaw is possible from a number of points, especially when coupled with the Cove Trail.
Parking is available both the dump station and next to site 33.
The south end of the Fortney Loop Trail is at its intersection with Morris Hill Campground about 100 yards in from site 33.
The north end of the Fortney Loop Trail is at its intersection with the Morris Hill Campground about 75 yards in from the start at the dump station. This intersection is not signposted.
