Blue Ridge Parkway, Peaks of Otter: Elk Run Trail (Blog Hike #273)

Trail: Elk Run Trail

Hike Location: Blue Ridge Parkway, Peaks of Otter

Geographic Location: northwest of Bedford, VA (37.44539, -79.61006)

Length: 0.8 miles

Difficulty: 3/10 (Easy/Moderate)

Dates Hiked: May 2009, May 2014

Overview: A short hike exploring the steep ravine containing Elk Run.

Trail Information: https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/peaks-otter-trails.htm

Hike Route Map: https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=940887
Photo Highlight:

Directions to the trailhead: The trailhead is at the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, located at milepost 85.9 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  This milepost is located northwest of Bedford about half way between US 460 and US 501.

The hike: For my general comments on Peaks of Otter, see the Fallingwater Cascade Trail description.  At 0.8 miles, the Elk Run Trail is the shortest trail at Peaks of Otter.  The many interpretive signs along this trail make this hike an excellent introductory hike to the Blue Ridge environment.

Trailhead behind Visitor Center

            From the back of the Visitor Center, two trails depart, one from either side of the amphitheater.  The Harkening Hill Trail heads left and leads 3.3 miles over the summit of its namesake hill.  The Elk Run Trail heads right and soon forks at an unsigned intersection to form a loop.  To best follow the interpretive signs and make the uphill climb easier, this description will follow the trail clockwise, continuing straight now and using the right hand trail as the return route.

The long gradual to moderate climb along small, gurgling Elk Run begins.  The path curves left and right to ease the grade, crossing Elk Run twice on wooden footbridges.  Areas of interest on the climb include a short section along an old road and another short section through a small boulder field.

Crossing Elk Run

            At 0.5 miles, the trail curves sharply right to cross Elk Run for the final time.  You may think this crossing marks the end of the climbing, but in fact one more short but fairly steep bit remains to reach the high point of the hike, which is located near an old cemetery.  Notice the different kinds of trees and plants that grow up here on the ridge as opposed to in the ravine along Elk Run.

You have done nothing but climb so far, so you can guess what comes next.  Sure enough, the trail curves right and heads straight down the hillside for the only steep section of this hike.  The footing was quite good on my visit, so this descent should not be a problem.

Descending steeply

            The grade lessens as the trail curves right.  The Blue Ridge Parkway can be seen through the trees downhill to your left and the occasional car can be heard buzzing along.  Soon creek level is again reached, and a small tributary of nearby Abbott Lake is crossed via a concrete pipe.  50 feet later, the loop is closed.  A left turn will return you to the Visitor Center and complete the hike.