Pads Creek

The majority of the trail was open we entered from the Goshen end. The road that cuts off to the right that is seasonally open has a beaver dam flooding the last section of the road against the railroad tracks makes it impassable. The rocks and water crossings on the clifton forge side were intimidating by we made it thru without problems but did take a few scratches!

The northern 2/3rds of this trail (about 6 miles) is all easy gravel road. Once you get to the railroad tracks, up against the wilderness area, is where things start to get interesting. There are mud, rocks, and various water crossings. In my opinion it's more fun to save the best for last and run the trail north to south. The only issue with that is you risk the final unavoidable water crossing being too deep. When I crossed, it was approximately 18-24" deep. My WJ with a 4" lift and 32s handled it today just fine, but it was about as high as I would be comfortable crossing.

Water levels were not too high. Some mud holes.

We started at 42 the south end of trail and headed North. 1st water crossing at cowpasture river was about 18" deep this was the deepest crossing. We had three vehicles 4 runner, FJ Cruiser and Jeep. We all made it easily through all water crossings. 1st half of trail was rough rocky terrain with several water crossings and water filled holes. 2nd half was just gravel roads. I would recommend going South to North to ensure the cowpasture River crossings is possible.

Ran with a group of 10 Jeeps. Entered the trail from the north and immediately got immersed in the dust from the gravel. This lasted for half the trail until it became 2-track. The second half was fun with some minor pooled water and a couple of good water crossings. I would definitely recommend the trail, but do it after a little rain for more fun and less dust.

Lots of rain up river yesterday and this morning. Water was about half way up the doors and my tundra isn’t lifted.

over grown in some areas. take a saw for down trees. Water crossings 37in deep.

The Cow Pasture River gauge said 2.5 foot. That was fairly accurate. Up to my headlights in a lifted XJ on 33s. Had to cut one tree out of the way to get my large group through. Other than that, it’s a fun trail. Some deep mud and rocky stream crossings. There are a few campsites on the northern end.

Very nice trail. I started on the south western point of the trail crossing the Cow Pasture River. You enter the trail from the boat ramp and stay to the right (bank side) and head to the trail exit to the right of the boat ramp. The river bottom is gravel. When I crossed, the water level was an estimated 2' at the deepest. No issue's. Just keep a good bow wave in front. Trail has multiple water crossings. The southern section is a public numbered Route that goes through private land alongside train tracks. This is the most technical portion of the trail and not for the faint of heart. pinstripes, yes , fun yes, exciting yes. Once you get through this section you will enter the National Forest following the creek. Cool pull offs with swimming holes and little waterfalls. One cool camping spot near the National Forest boundary (southern section). Northern section not much more than a gravel forest road with pot holes. A couple cool camping spots. Cow Pasture entrance is the cool start point.

Trail was fun! Water levels were about 2 1/2 ft on entry and up to 3 ft at another water crossing. Just have to pick the lines in water so you aren’t in the deeper areas. I walked the creeks as my wife drove, so we were safe. Highly recommend doing this one!

Entrance to trail very deep. We are in a lifted GX460 with a snorkel and it was up to our door so we turned around. Fun trail when it’s drier weather though!

Trail snowy and icy, but passable. Water crossings were manageable and about 18”, but icy in places. Really fun time.

Water was at a good level for our lifted GX460. Trail is a little overgrown so it may leave some pin stripes. Took about an hour or so.

I started on west end, deepest water was about 24” deep, someone had cleared 2 trees from east end of trail.