Distance: 0.3 miles (loop trail).
Difficulty Level: easy. 🟢
Time: 0.5 to 1 hour.
Elevation Gain: 42 ft.
Key Features: streams, hiking, wildflowers, birding, family-friendly, forest, loop hike.
Blaze Color: yellow.
Access: The trail can be accessed from a small parking lot (4-6 cars) located at the corner of Blue Ridge Drive and Shamokin Springs Road.
Google Maps directions to parking area.
The Shamokin Springs Nature Preserve Trail is a very popular loop trail for walking. You'll likely encounter others while exploring.
The best times to visit this trail are March through November. The trail is somewhat rocky, so take your time and watch your step.
This nature preserve is one of the more unusual environments on Wintergreen’s mountain. The high-elevation wetland and braided streams allow northern tree species such as birches and American beech to thrive here. The preserve is home to numerous ferns, wildflowers, and bird species.
A guide is available at the Nature Foundation at Wintergreen’s nearby Trillium House.
Longer hikes starting at Shamokin Springs Nature Preserve:
Shamokin Falls via Shamokin Springs is a 2.8-mile moderate hike. This out-and-back trail starts on the Shamokin Springs Trail, turns right (heading north) on the Old AT Trail, and then turns left on the Upper Shamokin Gorge Trail to the Upper Shamokin Falls Trail. Details.
Shamokin Springs to Overlook on the Old AT is a 2.1-mile moderately easy hike. This out-and-back hike starts on the Shamokin Springs Trail and goes to a spectacular overlook on the Old Appalachian Trail. Details.
