Pads Creek

Total Miles
9.7

Elevation

571.08 ft

Duration

--

Technical Rating

6

Moderate

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Trail Overview

Pads Creek Trail travels along Forest Service trails and an unmaintained state road. The Eastern portion winds along the creek through gravel National Forest trails with ample camping opportunities. Bubbling Springs day use area with hiking trails located along the route. At the intersection of Griffith Rd 630, along an active rail line, the trail degrades into 2 track. Multiple mud holes and creek crossings throughout. The initial creek crossings are rocky base and fairly shallow but each one gets progressively larger depending on direction of travel. Near the intersection with route 42 is the largest water crossing the Cow Pasture River. Depending on waterflow this crossing can range from 18" to well over 3'. Cell service along the route is almost non existent. The Western end from route 42 is near the town of Clifton Forge and interstate 64. The Eastern end is accessed from route 633 near Goshen.

Photos of Pads Creek

Pads Creek
Pads Creek
Pads Creek

Difficulty

Potential for several very deep and fast moving water crossings. The forest service portion generally would be a 3.

Technical Rating

6

Status Reports

Fred Francis
Apr 13, 2024
Obstructed
Impassable Water Crossing
Had a Jeep get swamped on the second to last water crossing. We had a few inches of rain 2 days before we hit this trail and the last two water crossings were impassable. The ones that did make it thru where he got swamped had 6-8” of water in the floorboards while crossing. Don’t recommend this trail after any significant rainfall and probably want to be at least a week of dry weather before hitting it. The gut that got swamped was on 33” tires I believe with not much lift. Even the one with 4” lift and 37” tires had water in the floorboards. Great trail all in all just don’t recommend it for anyone with a “stockish” rig. Most of us were on 35”+ tires and it was still a no go. If you hit this one be ready for a challenge if it’s been any rain in the days before you go. Have fun out there and be safe!! OIIIIIO
Daniel Mclaughlin
Mar 24, 2024
2019 Jeep Wrangler
Open
Normal
Muddy/Wet
Trail was very easy in the beginning and there were a few camp spots along the way by the river. A little rocky in spots but any stock can handle. The river crossings started out small and got larger on each one. The last two are the deepest! The last one you cross where you see a bridge is about 3 feet when we crossed. A lot of fun and I recommend this one to anyone who has the vehicle for it. I have a Rubicon on 35”.
Harvey Johnson
May 29, 2023
4x4
Open
Normal
Muddy/Wet

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