Bald Mountain

Trail Overview

Bald Mountain is a seasonal, two-way trail, about 10 miles in length. Starting at FR42 Coal Road, you'll be going up in elevation towards the Blue Ridge Parkway. The trail is continually rocky from the beginning to the end, with off-camber rock ledges throughout. Forestry signage along the trail shows alternative bypasses along the route, which are more difficult than the main trail. These bypasses circle out and return back to the main trail. The trail is very narrow, with pine and mountain laurel. Paint and body damage is not easily avoided. There are several depressions on the trail that collect standing water of variable depths, depending on conditions, but most have a rocky, firm base. Near the midpoint of the trail, there are a few depressions of standing water which have soft sand or mud bottom of variable depths. Cell signal coming from the bottom up is generally good, except for the last few miles. There are several scenic views along the trail, and numerous campsites near the parkway. This trail also is known as Big Levels Trail, or FR162, and is located near the town of Stuart's Draft at the bottom.

Photos of Bald Mountain

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Difficulty

Multiple off-camber rocky steps and possible deep, muddy water crossings

History

Forestry designated Jeep trail.

Technical Rating