Hidden Valley Hike
Hidden Valley in Bath County VA is one more hidden gem in the crown of mid-Atlantic hiking. There are many interconnecting trails in the valley itself, as well as a campground at the Forest Service Hidden Valley Recreation Area. The post-Civil War love story Sommersby was also filmed at Hidden Valley with Richard Gere and Jodi Foster in 1993. Once a year we'll hike this area and spend the weekend in our favorite B&B Gristmill Square just a few miles away. The food and staff are fantastic.The Topo Hike Trails Map has green, yellow, and red trails that are no longer maintained and now pass through private property. They are listed for reference only and are no longer part of the trail system.
Start out on the blue blazed Cobbler Mountain Trail as it ascends then descends the spur before arriving at a wooden footbridge
that crosses Chimney Run in 0.7 miles. Cross the run and continue left
on the blue blazed trail as it follows Chimney Run downstream. The trail
to the right dead-ends on private property within 0.2 miles.
Follow the blue blazed Cobbler Mountain Trail for 2.0
miles as it winds along the bottom of Cobbler Mountain with Chimney Run
to the left before passing through a wetland area and descending to the
intersection of the blue blazed Muddy Run Trail. Turn left on the Muddy
Run Trail for 0.1 miles where the trail ends at the Hidden Valley Trail and where a small wooded footbridge crosses Muddy Run.
At this point you can take one of two trails back downstream on either side of the Jackson River. For the Jackson River Gorge Trail on the opposite back of Jackson river cross Muddy Run on the footbridge and in another 0.2 miles arrive at a large suspension bridge that crosses Jackson River.
Cross Jackson River on the suspension bridge and turn left on the Jackson River Gorge Trail as it follows Jackson River downstream and arrives at a closed gate in 1.8 miles. Pass the closed gate and turn left on the gravel road and shortly cross Jackson River over a concrete ford. Continue to follow Hidden Valley Road for 1.2 miles. The road will become paved then pass the Hidden Valley GWNF campground on your right before you arrive back at the Cobbler Mountain Trail parking area.
