Trail Overview
After turning onto Rich Mountain (190) Trail, also locally known as Bumpus Cove, will open up approximately one-quarter mile in and allow for groups to park along the edge to adjust tire pressure when entering or before leaving the trail. Bumpus Cove is a well-maintained, gravel road that is mostly 1 car wide and has several spots to pull off should another vehicle be encountered. The trail winds through Rich Mountain via switchbacks, taking you up and past overlooks for very nice views with places to stop and picnic. There are some ruts along with shallow pools (depending on the amount of recent precipitation) of standing water in the trail. At the end of the Rich Mountain Trail, you will find a four-way split with a gated trail on the right. Prior to this point, it is a very easy beginner trail. While the trail appears to continue forward and around a right bend, it actually leads you through the gate on the immediate right (which can sometimes be closed) into the Rich Mountain Summit portion. All other trails in this area, regardless of whether they are gated, have not been opened for motorized travel or public use. It is common to see a few other vehicles on the trail in the afternoon and evening hours or on the weekend, but traffic is rarely heavy.
