Gwinn Ridge Trail

The Gwinn Ridge Trail makes a loop around a ridgeline through mixed hardwood forest.

NPS/John Chapman

Quick Facts

Amenities

1 listed

Trailhead

Labeled (2) on the Sandstone Brooks Area Trails map

Length

3.0 miles/4.83 km (Round-trip)

Difficulty

Strenuous

Trail type

Hiking only

Trail Description

South of Sandstone Visitor Center on the east side of the New River off Brooks Mountain Road is the Gwinn Ridge Trail, a three mile loop through a ridge top forest. The south branch of the moderately strenuous trail follows the edge of the ridge where hikers can sometimes (in winter) get views through the trees. It then descends off the north side of the ridge, climbs back up, and loops back to the starting point. The trail can sometimes be difficult to follow in places.

To reach the trailhead

Follow Brooks Mountain Road from Route 20 for 2.5 miles to a small parking area at the trailhead. Brooks Mountain Road is not paved. It can be steep in some places and does not get regularly plowed in winter.