Beech Grove

Trail Overview

Beech Grove Trail is a short but very technical 1-mile single-track climb in Jefferson National Forest, starting at the Virginia Creeper Trailhead and crossing over the Appalachian Trail on its way up. Do not let the mileage fool you, this trail packs more challenge per foot than most trails twice its length. The elevation data says it all: 562 feet of gain in under a mile with no flat sections to catch your breath. The surface is dirt and rock throughout, with large embedded stones scattered across the line that throw your front wheel sideways without warning. Tight switchbacks stack up on each other as the trail climbs steeply through dense rhododendron and mixed hardwood forest. The trail is narrow with little room to recover from a bad line, and the leaf-covered edges drop away sharply on the uphill side. If your bike goes off the trail on a steep section, getting it back up is a serious effort, so consider carrying a lightweight manual winch as recovery options are limited on the steeper pitches. The trail is open to dirt bikes, mountain bikes, hikers, and horseback riders. ATVs are not suitable here. No permits required. Expect no cell service.

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Difficulty

Beech Grove has a combination of steep, loose switchbacks, large rocks that redirect your wheels mid-climb, and a narrow trail with leafy drop-offs on the edges, making this one of the more demanding short trails in the area. Wash-outs happen fast if you lose momentum or pick the wrong line through the rock sections. This is a trail where one mistake can put your bike off the edge and into the rhododendron -- come prepared and ride within your limits.

Technical Rating

Beech Grove can be accessed by the following ride types:

• Dirt Bike