On the ridgetop, the trail turns southwest and heads towards a spur ridge saddle. Large craggy boulders line the southside of the trail for a short distance, then the normal deciduous cover type resumes. There are many game trails crisscrossing Rich Hole Trail on the ridge and grouse, deer, and squirrel are abundant. Bear aren’t seen often, but they have been reported.

After reaching the saddle, the trail drops down into a drain that follows North Branch to FDR 108. The trail crosses North Branch 16 times on its way south and the first crossings are shallow and easy to negotiate. By the fifth crossing North Branch is deep and difficult to cross without getting wet. At this crossing a tributary spills down a rock face to join the now swift North Branch.

The path is rocky and sometimes steep along the creek. Stone steps are in place in the steeper sections. At the eleventh creek crossing, the trail opens to a two track road that follows FDR 108 through the remaining creek crossings.

Rich Hole Trail offers a great opportunity to the hiker in search of solitude, wildlife, and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. In order to provide this opportunity motorized vehicles are not allowed in the wilderness area, as well as, mechanized equipment like bikes, carts, and wagons. A No Trace ethic is also required and includes such things as “pack it in-pack it out” and hiking only on system trail.

There are no intersections along the trail. However, it ends at the trailhead of Whit rocks Tower Trail on FDR 108.

The trail begins at the parking area on U.S. Route 60 just south of the county line.

The trail ends on FDR 108 at the southern edge of the wilderness area.

Parking is available on U.S. Route 60 just south of the Alleghany/Rockbridge County line or on FDR 108 on southern edge of the wilderness area.