Trail Overview
This out-and-back route travels through a heavily wooded section of the Mount Magazine area before ending at a closed gate, requiring travelers to return the same way they entered. The surface varies from gravel and scattered loose rock to native dirt, with fallen leaves and pine needles covering many of the less-traveled sections. Vegetation becomes increasingly dense farther into the route, with mature hardwoods and pines mixed with younger pine growth, shrubs, grasses, and thick understory. Portions of the roadway are beginning to be reclaimed by vegetation, leaving a narrow two-track in several areas. A small creek drainage also crosses the route and may be completely dry or contain water depending on recent rainfall. Wildlife may frequently use the roadway and surrounding forest, so watch for animals crossing the route.
Difficulty
Water erosion has created several large ruts and uneven sections, along with typical whoops and dips. The small creek crossing can vary with rainfall, while heavy overgrowth may cause pinstriping or scratches to vehicle paint.
History
The Mount Magazine area has a long history of transportation, forestry, and recreation. During the Great Depression, federal programs including the Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration developed roads and recreation infrastructure around the mountain. Cove Lake was constructed as part of the Mount Magazine land-use project and was completed in 1938, while CCC crews based at nearby Blue Mountain performed forestry work and improved roads throughout the area. Many of today's routes travel through the same national forest landscape that was extensively managed and developed during this period.
