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- Petites Gap
- Milepost
71
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- Liberty House Inn, 602
Mountain Avenue Bedford, VA
24523
- (540) 587 0966 --
LibertyHouseInn@aol.com
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Petites
Gap is named for a local family. The road to the west
goes to Cave Mountain Lake, seven miles away, in
Jefferson National Forest. Swimming, picnicking,
camping.(1)
Sulphur Springs Trail
The
trail head for Sulphur Springs Trail is only 2.6 miles
down a well maintained forest service road from the
gap.
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The Appalachian Trail also
crosses the service road only a few yards from
the Parkway. Several cars can park along the
road. Make sure you are not blocking access, or
you will find a ticket on your windshield when
you return.
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The drive down to Sulphur
Springs trail head is very scenic. The road
offers several impressive vistas of distant
mountain ranges and the valley below. Road is
well maintained, but be prepared for a few "wash
board" sections.
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After 2.6 miles you will find
the trail head, well marked, with ample parking
for at least four cars. Hiking parties are
limited to groups of 10 people. The trail was
once a logging road and has only a few steep
sections. It winds through mainly hard wood
forest with several impressive rock formations
and vistas.
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The trail intersects with the
Appalachian Trail after approx. four miles, and
it is possible to loop back around to Petites
Gap. The section of the AT is, however, much
more of a challenge. Anyone planning on doing
the loop should allow for a full day hike and
carry food, water, and emergency provisions.
This trail passes through some of the most
remote sections of forest in the
region.
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