Trail Overview
This through route follows a mostly gravel-based forest road through a mixture of mature pine stands and hardwood forest. The surface consists primarily of compacted light-colored gravel and native dirt, with scattered loose stone and grass growing between the tire tracks in several areas. The roadway is roughly one vehicle wide, although wider shoulders and occasional openings provide places to pull aside and allow another vehicle to pass. Tall pines dominate much of the surrounding landscape, with younger pine growth, hardwoods, grasses, shrubs, and other low vegetation lining the road. Several stretches are relatively straight and open, while others pass through denser forest. Wildlife may frequently cross the roadway, and fallen trees or branches are possible due to the surrounding forest.
Difficulty
Typical dips, whoops, and ruts create minor uneven terrain along the route. Fallen trees or branches may occasionally block the roadway.
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.
