Old Tin Mine Road

As its name implies, Old Tin Mine Road is the former dirt access road to what was once America's only operating tin mine. Closed in 1915 after a few unprofitable years, two portions of the mine can be explored via access points off of Mundy's Gap and Scenic Road. It is also one of the area's main arterial trails, but Cardiac Hill or one of The Maze trails to the south (e.g. South Ridge) are more interesting and less crowded routes going in the same direction. Starting from the east side, Old Tin Mine Road breaks off from Fence Line just before the turnoff to South Ridge. A sign marking the trail is a few hundred feet after it begins as depicted here. From the beginning to the end, the trail is a steady, low-grade climb; barely noticeable in most parts. The former road is a gravely doubletrack, and the initial half mile is covered with a great number of loose rocks deposited by thunderstorm runoffs. A well-used singletrack through the debris avoids the worst of it. As the trail circles a ridge to the south, Lazy Cow splits off near the halfway point. The path then starts to parallel a small arroyo just to the north. As the ridge descends, a shortcut to Cardiac Hill and The Maze trails is off to the left, shortly after the mile point. The trail changes little as it proceeds, with the only interruption being two more turnoffs a half mile further in, to Polecat Alley and Cardiac Hill again. Eventually, Old Tine Mine passes through an always-open gate and crosses Blue Moon. From here on out the trail is a little smoother, but the climb remains the same. A short diversion to the north via Trenchtown Road leads to a small hillside cave. The trail dead ends at Mundy's Gap, providing access to the mines and excellent foothills trails.