Virginia Highlands Horse Trail Spur D

Virginia Highland Horse Trail is a single-track, multiuse trail in Jefferson National Forest, accessed from Hale Lake Road (FS 798) on the eastern end and Route 21 on the western. The trail is open to motorcycles from October 1 through April 1, so plan accordingly. This section begins off a steep cutoff from Hale Lake Road and continues on a benched trail until a left-hand turn, which leads to a gated entrance. There is a dispersed campsite if continuing straight before turning to the gate. Be sure to leave no trace. This section is wider and likely follows an old logging road. There are some ruts and rollers to keep it exciting. There are a couple of creek crossings and the occasional downed tree.