Wildflowers and ferns can be found along the way on many of the hiking trailing in the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are some trails, however, Mother Nature favors over others.
The trails are open to the public.
Chestnut Springs Trail
Distance: 1.1 miles.
Blaze Color: Yellow-Red.
Difficulty Level: MODERATE.
Key Features: north to south exposure brings out flowers.
Google map directions to trailhead
Fortunes Ridge Trail
Distance: 1.1 miles.
Blaze Color: Red.
Difficulty Level: MODERATE TO DIFFICULT.
Key Features: waterfalls, ecology, and dense forest. In the spring at the waterfalls look up to see wild rhododendron on the cliffs.
Google map directions to trailhead
Blackrock Trail
Distance: 0.8 miles.
Blaze Color: Red.
Difficulty Level: Difficult.
Key Features: rocky, plant-life, ecology. Mountain laurel, rose azalea.
Google map directions to trailhead
Upper Shamokin Gorge Trail
Distance: 0.8 mile.
Blaze Color: Red.
Difficulty Level: Difficult.
Key Features: stream side, challenging. Abundant plant life.
Google map directions to trailhead via Old Appalachian Trail
Devils Knob Trail
Distance: 0.6 miles.
Blaze Color: Red-Yellow.
Difficulty Level: MODERATE.
Key Features: highest elevation, winter views, rocky footing. Look for the small flowers in the rocks in the spring.
Google map directions to trailhead
White Oak Trail
Distance: 0.5 mile.
Blaze Color: Yellow.
Difficulty Level: MODERATE.
Key Features: wildflowers, ferns, morning birding.
Google map directions to trailhead
Shamokin Springs Nature Preserve
Distance: 0.3 miles.
Blaze Color: Yellow.
Difficulty Level: EASY.
Key Features: unique area, streams, birding, family favorite.
Google map directions to trailhead
Trillium Field
Distance: 0.1 mile.
Blaze Color: Yellow.
Difficulty Level: EASY.
Key Features: trillium flowers, informative signage, easy walk.
Google map directions to trailhead
•Trails in Wintergreen’s valley
• 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 spot.
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.
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.
Also see four famous hiking trails near Wintergreen
The Wintergreen Sporting Club offers a hiking group for property owners.
Learn more HERE