Rugged trails are rocky and difficult, but the challenge can be very rewarding!
The trails are open to the public
Distance: 0.3 miles (one way).
Difficulty Level: moderately difficult. ◆
Time: 30 minutes.
Elevation Change: 200 ft.
Key Features: rocky, rock scramble, scenic views, geology, fixed ropes.
Blaze Color: yellow.
Access: Start from Blackrock Park.
Google Maps directions to Blackrock Park parking lot.
Distance: 0.8 miles (one way).
Difficulty Level: difficult. ◆
Time: 1 hour.
Elevation Change: 370 ft.
Key Features: rocky, wildflowers, geology.
Blaze Color: red.
Access: The closest access to the eastern end of the trail is from the 0.4-mile Pedlars Edge Access Trail off of Blackrock Circle. The closest access to the western edge is from Blackrock Park via the Plunge Trail.
• Google Maps directions to parking area on the western end.
• Google Maps directions to Blackrock Park.
Distance: 0.8 miles (one way).
Difficulty Level: most difficult. ◆◆
Time: 1.5 hrs.
Elevation Change: 300 ft.
Key Features: scenic view, rocky, steep.
Blaze Color: red.
Access: Closest access is from the Three Ridges overlook parking on Blackrock Road.
Google Maps directions to parking area.
Distance: 1.9 miles (one way).
Difficulty Level: moderate to difficult. ◆
Time: 1 to 1.5 hours.
Elevation Change: 300 ft./800 ft.
Key Features: rocky, scenic view, streams.
Blaze Color: red.
Access: Cedar Cliff parking is at the resort’s Discovery Center/ Snow Tubing parking lot.
Google Maps directions to parking area.
Distance: 1.1 miles (one-way).
Difficulty Level: moderately difficult. ◆
Time: 0.5 -1 hours.
Elevation Change: 510'gain/260’loss.(starting at Fortunes Ridge Drive)
Key Features: waterfalls, hiking, dense forest, stream.
Blaze Color: red.
Access: Closest access is from the intersection of Fortunes Ridge Dr and Wintergreen Dr. (Limited parking, 1-2 cars)
Google Maps directions to parking area.
Distance: 0.8 miles (one way).
Difficulty Level: moderate. 🟦
Time: 0.5 - 1.0 hours.
Elevation Change: 370 ft.
Key Features: rocky, wildflowers, streams.
Blaze Color: yellow.
Access: Parking is at the resort’s Discovery Center/Snow Tubing parking lot.
Google Maps directions to parking area.
Distance: 1.6 miles (loop).
Difficulty Level: moderate to difficult. 🟦
Time: 1-2 hours.
Elevation Change: 410 ft.
Key Features: rocky, wildflowers, loop hike.
Blaze Color: yellow.
Access: Access from the Wintergreen Resort Lot F.
Google Maps directions to parking area.
Distance: 1.0 miles (one way).
Difficulty Level: difficult. ◆
Time: 1 hour.
Elevation Change: 100 ft./400 ft.
Key Features: rocky, birdwatching
Blaze Color: red.
Access: The closest access to the southern end of the trail is from the 0.4-mile Pedlars Edge Access Trail off of Blackrock Circle.
Google Maps directions to parking area.
Distance: 1.0 mile (one way).
Difficulty Level: most difficult. ◆◆
Time: 1-1.5 hours.
Elevation Change: 750 ft.
Key Features: rocky, geology.
Blaze Color: red.
Access: Southern end of the trail is accessed from Fortune Ridge Road. The northern end of the trail is accessed from the Devils Knob trail and the White Oak trail.
Google Maps directions to the limited parking at the trailhead on Fortune Ridge Road.
Distance: 0.8 miles (one way).
Difficulty Level: difficult. ◆
Time: 1.0 hours.
Elevation Change: 270 ft.
Key Features: rocky, streams, challenging.
Blaze Color: red.
Access: Access the trail from the Old Appalachian Trail. Park at the Old AT Access on Laurel Springs Road.
Google Maps directions to parking area.
Wintergreen has over 30 miles of mountain and valley trails,
from extra easy to very challenging
Check out Wintergreen’s longer hikes and circuit (loop) hikes here.
Hiking trails difficulty ratings:
🟢 EASY: Generally level terrain, all abilities.
🟦 MODERATE: Varied terrain, short steep sections.
◆ DIFFICULT: Lengthy steep sections, rocky, possible water crossings.
◆◆ MOST DIFFICULT: Steep rocky sections, experienced hikers only.
The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen’s (TNFW) volunteers and staff maintain Wintergreen’s trails.
Guided hikes are offered by the Nature Foundation at Wintergreen on most Saturdays, with additional hikes during the fall and summer. Go HERE for the calendar of events.
Membership in TNFW help maintain the trails and preserve the area for years to come. Please consider becoming a member. Go HERE for membership.
Find the interactive trail maps of all of Wintergreen here.
Paper trail maps make for a more safe and enjoyable hike at Wintergreen. Maps are available at Wintergreen Resort's Mountain Inn and the Nature Foundation at Wintergreen.
You hike at your own risk
While Wintergreen is a resort community, know that most all of the mountain and valley trails here–like most trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains–insist on being taken seriously.
Follow this advice of experienced hikers of the Blue Ridge Mountains:
Do not hike alone.
Wear proper attire, including sturdy footwear.
Do not underestimate the terrain.
Carry drinking water and a snack.
Be aware of wildlife and respect its space.
Carry a hiking map.
Stay on marked trails to reduce your exposure to ticks and poison ivy.
Be aware of your limitations.
Know that the weather can change rapidly. Weather is different in the mountains.
Most of the trails here are open in winter, but snow and ice can make any trail treacherous. You hike at your own risk!
Trails that cross Wintergreen’s ski slopes are closed during skiing season (i.e., Loggers Alley, Cedar Cliff North).
Longer challenging hikes at Wintergreen
This 3.0-mile loop hike goes through rocky forested trail to spectacular vistas. Blackrock Trail is located on a south-facing slope. Brimstone trail is steep with rocky cliffs which provide incredible views of Three Ridges Mountain and points to the southwest. The trail meanders below the Plunge and consists of a series of steep, short up and down sections.
This 0.4-mile out-and-back trail is an excellent introduction to the beauty and natural history of the area. The trail consists of steep rock scrambles and rocky steps that lead to a spectacular view.
This 2.8-mile route follows the Old Appalachian Trail to Shamokin Falls. This waterfall flows year-round but is best visited after it has recently rained. The trail can be very rocky and muddy in spots, so good hiking footwear is recommended. There are a few spots where bog boards are in place to help navigate through areas that are often wet.
The 12-mile Wintergreen Loop hike encircles Wintergreen Resort (also referred to as Potatopatch Mountain). This hike is extremely challenging using multiple Wintergreen trails. Highlights include stunning views, waterfalls, and beautiful mountain laurel blooms. Challenges consist of steep, rocky sections and slippery spots. Good footwear and a map are essential.
This 6.4-mile hike circles around the southern side of Wintergreen Resort. From the Wintergreen Founders Overlook Access, take the Dobie Access Trail to start this loop. This loop includes many varied and difficult terrain and includes scenic overlooks, streams, steep rocky sections and forested areas.
Note: parts of this trail are closed in the winter when the ski slopes are open.
And, nearby, Three Ridges Trail
For a very long and very rugged trail near Wintergreen check out Three Ridges Trail. It is a 13.3 mile heavily trafficked loop that some hikers take two days to cover. It features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. More details on AllTrails.com
