Near MST/Powhatan Loop
Bent Creek Experimental Forest Hard Times Road
Near MST/Powhatan Loop
Pine Tree Loop
Near MST/Powhatan Loop
Trees

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Hike Route

MST/Powhatan Loop

4.2 (6 Ratings)
A beautiful loop taking in views of the Bent Creek area.
9.7
mi
Distance
1,588
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Fall ColorsLakeRiver/CreekViews

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
9.69mi
Distance
1,588ft
Elevation Gain
1,588ft
Elevation Loss
40%
Max Grade
3,099ft
High Point
2,120ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
This loop starts where Hard Times Road and the MST connect. I went clockwise. This requires a steep climb right away. If you prefer to get your climbing in after a warm up, take this loop counter-clockwise.Follow the MST for about 2 miles until you get to a proper paved parking area on the BRP ("Sleepy Gap"). At that point, take a right onto Sleepy Gap Trail, which will end at the Explorer Loop #337. Hang a left onto this loop and follow around clockwise to the Pine Tree Loop #336, which you'll take to the right. Follow until you can take a right onto the Deerfield Loop #335. Use the Deerfield Connector to get to Small Creek Trail, where you'll finally take a left. This will follow a (yes) "small creek" to Lake Powahatan, where you'll take a right to follow Homestead Trail #333 to Hard Times Road. Take a right and follow this gravel road up a gentle incline back to the MST.If you want to add some mileage, you can stay on Hard Times Road past the starting point until it connects back with the MST/Shut-in Trail near the parking for the arboretum.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Jason Doedderlein