Wintergreen trails great for teenagers
Most any of Wintergreen’s trails are good for teenagers, but some are more nuanced than others. Here’s a subjective selection of 10 hikes least likely to be labeled lame. (And, if we had to pick only one: The Plunge Trail is a short eye-opener.)
Also, check out the famous hiking trails near Wintergreen.
Make sure your teenagers take on trails that match their experience and skill level, size, and physical and emotional maturity, especially if you’re not going with them on a hike. Teens mature at different rates and physical abilities between kids of the same age vary widely. An eye on the weather is always wise in the mountains, but especially when hiking with kids. No one should hike alone.
The trails are open to the public.
Upper Shamokin Gorge Trail
Distance: 0.8 mile.
Blaze Color: Red.
Difficulty Level: DIFFICULT.
Key Features: stream side, challenging.
Google map directions to trailhead via Old Appalachian Trail
Fortunes Ridge Trail
Distance: 1.1 miles.
Blaze Color: Red.
Difficulty Level: MODERATE TO DIFFICULT.
Key Features: waterfalls, ecology, and dense forest.
Google map directions to trailhead
Devils Knob Trail
Distance: 0.6 miles.
Blaze Color: Red-Yellow.
Difficulty Level: MODERATE.
Key Features: highest elevation, winter views, rocky footing.
Google map directions to trailhead
Brimstone Trail
Distance: 0.8 miles.
Blaze Color: Red.
Difficulty Level: MORE DIFFICULT.
Key Features: rocky, spectacular views
Google map directions to trailhead
Upper Shamokin Falls Trail
Distance: 0.4 mile.
Blaze Color: Yellow.
Difficulty Level: MODERATE.
Key Features: waterfall, stream, a family favorite. Morgans Loop offers a return from Upper Shamokin Falls with another view of the waterfall.
Google map directions to trailhead
The Plunge
Distance: 0.2 miles.
Blaze Color: Yellow.
Difficulty Level: MODERATE (if you take your time) TO DIFFICULT.
Key Features: spectacular views, geology.
Google map directions to trailhead
•Trails in Wintergreen’s valley
• Lower Shamokin Falls Trail
Distance: 1.7 miles. Blaze Color: Blue. Difficulty Level: MODERATE.
Key Features: cascading waterfall, long hike.
Google map directions to trailhead at the end of Old Stoney Creek Road
• Stoney Creek Park
Distance: 1 mile. Blaze Color: Blue. Difficulty Level: EASY.
Key Features: valley picnic spot, streamside, easy hike. Note: Not a loop trail.
Google map directions to trailhead in Stoney Creek
• Allen Creek Nature Preserve
Distance: .7 miles. Blaze Color: Blue. Difficulty Level: EASY.
Key Features: wetland, rare plants, picnic spots.
Google map directions to trailhead in Stoney Creek
• Pauls Creek Trail
Distance: 0.6 mile. Blaze Color: Blue. Difficulty Level: MODERATE.
Key Features: swimming, waterfall, streamside, family favorite.
Google map directions to trailhead in Stoney Creek
Wintergreen has over 30 miles of mountain and valley trails,
from extra easy to very challenging
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.
While Wintergreen is a resort community, know that the many of the mountain and valley trails here–like most trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains–insist on being taken seriously.
It’s wise to have serious footwear as no path is perfect. A serious respect for the wildlife (both big and tiny, plant and animal) is also smart. The weather is a different force among the mountains that deserves extra consideration. Allow plenty of time for your hikes so as to be more safe and to also fully enjoy the trails. Don’t rush. Be alert. Take care when walking in Wintergreen’s wilderness, which starts and ends with your first and last step on any trail.
The best way for people and pets to avoid ticks is to stick to paths or trails that are wide and sunlit, according to the Center for Disease Control.
Go to the interactive Google map of Wintergreen hiking trails here.
Guided hikes are offered by the Nature Foundation at Wintergreen on most Saturdays, with an additional hikes during the fall and summer. Find out more HERE.
You hike at your own risk.
Therefore,…
Be aware that the weather can change rapidly.
Do not hike alone.
Do not underestimate the terrain.
Carry drinking water and a snack.
Be aware of wildlife and respect its space.
Wear proper attire, including footwear.
Carry a hiking map.
Stay on marked trails.
Be aware of your limitations.
Carry a cellphone, but know that coverage is not everywhere.
Most of the trails are open in the winter, but just a little snow and ice can make even easy trails treacherous.
What's that bird?
Check in with the most recent Wintergreen area eBird reports on the links here; click on the name of the bird species on the list to see a photo.
• The Wintergreen Nature Foundation's Trillium House bird sightings
• Spruce Creek Park bird sightings
• more Wintergreen area eBird reports
eBird is the world’s largest biodiversity-related citizen science project, with more than 100 million bird sightings contributed each year by eBirders around the world. Learn more