Rich Mountain Summit

Trail Overview

Rich Mountain Summit is the legal continuation of Rich Mountain Trail which has seasonal closures typically from December 20 through late March and is considered an 'out and back' experience. The Rich Mountain Summit Trail begins by taking a 90-degree right turn and passing through a Forest Service gate. There is a small, initial climb passing through the gate. This section is known to be slightly more challenging due to less maintenance, narrow sections, wet slick red clay, as well as long, steep, rutted, hill climbs. Therefore, this trail is best suited for Jeeps/midsized vehicles. Full-size vehicles will find this section far more challenging to manage and therefore are not recommended. There will be opportunities along the climb to enjoy scenic views of the surrounding mountains off to the left and right sides of the trail as it winds toward the top. Depending upon the time of year, there are various flowers and berries which the active wildlife enjoy. Once at the summit, reaching over 3800 feet, there is a small field with significant overgrowth to the right of the trail and a nice, flat, area with a wooded backdrop to rest or camp on the left. Rich Mountain Summit Trail continues past the campsite, heading down the other side of the mountain. Although there are deteriorated sections along the trail, they remain passable in stock 4x4 vehicles. There are gated fields along the sides of the trail intended for nature conservation and not for off-road use or public entry. Rich Mountain Summit Trail officially ends in a large open section with a gate toward the left corner, leading to Mill Creek Road. This gate is permanently closed given it crosses through private property. It will appear that Rich Mountain Summit continues on to the right. However, this section is not a legal part of the trail, is not maintained, and to continue past this point is considered off-trail, please tread lightly and avoid any trespassing.

Photos of Rich Mountain Summit

Want to see more?

Login

Difficulty

The Rich Mountain Summit section tends to receive less maintenance resulting in greater trail deterioration during the course of the open season. A more narrow trail combined with significant gains in elevation over such a short distance result in steep, rutted, and off-camber hill climbs requiring increased attention and actual use of 4WD to navigate.

Technical Rating