Poverty Creek Trail System - Mountain Biking in Blacksburg, Virginia

This blog post is a work in progress because I still have a lot more exploring to do on these trails...

The Poverty Creek Trail System is an extensive set of trails located about 20 minutes northwest of Blacksburg, Virginia. Primary activities include mountain biking, trail running, hiking, hiking with dogs, and horseback riding. Most of the trails are multi-use but some near Pandapas Pond do not allow mountain biking or horseback riding. All of the trails are clearly marked with full size maps at many of the intersections. Parking is free, abundant, and accommodates horse trailers. There are two parking lots on the east side of the park. One lot for mountain biking and horseback riding and the other for hikers seeking access to trails around Pandapas Pond. The parking lot for mountain biking and horseback riding does not have water or restrooms but the Pandapas Pond trails do include restrooms. In addition, there are spots to park along State Route 708 that provide access to trails in the center of the park. Finally, Heritage Park includes parking and access to the trail system. Cell phone service is weak while on the trails. A shooting range is nearby so gunshots may be heard while on the trails.

Poverty Creek Trail

Poverty Creek trail is a 7.2 mile multi-use dirt trail that serves as the main artery for a trail system boasting 17 miles of trails. The following is an elevation chart generated during my first attempt to map the trail using my Google Android phone. It conveys the elevation changes accurately except for the big dip in the middle; which is likely the result of my phone losing GPS signal for a brief period of time. I mountain biked east to west starting at the main parking lot and finishing at State Route 708.

My second attempt to record the GPS coordinates of Poverty Creek trail also includes some missing points but seems to have generated a more accurate elevation chart. Although, the left side of the chart should start at around 2,200 feet and the right side should end with 2,000 feet.

From the parking lot, the trail starts fast because it is wide, smooth, and descending. This trail is very beginner friendly because of its characteristics. Further, I found it very suitable for testing out new clipless pedals because I fell over a dozen times without injury. There are very few rocks and the trail is wide in many places.

The following picture shows the first climb which peaks at an intersection with the Prickly Pear trail.

The middle section of the trail is primarily flat as it traverses lowlands near State Route 708 and Poverty Creek (the stream).

The trail crosses Poverty Creek three times. All three stream crossings were much wider and deeper than they were last Fall and likely won't be this high for much longer, as the snow melt nears completion.

The second stream crossing is a quick dip. A close look at the subsequent picture shows an orange diamond on a tree that is used to denote this trail.

The following picture shows where the trail crosses State Route 708; which marks a significant shift in trail grade. From this point, the trail climbs steadily for a couple of miles; as depicted in the elevation chart above.

The trail currently includes some fallen trees because snow has made it tough for trail maintenance.

Most of the climbs on this trail are gradual, straight, and smooth so endurance, not skill, is the only requirement for conquering them.

At this point, the trail begins a gradual descent and becomes a little technical (i.e., narrower and curvier).

The following picture highlights a view to the south that most likely won't be visible once spring foliage has developed. In addition, it is an opportunity to point out that this trail is well shaded during the spring and summer.

The last mile or so of trail contained large dead trees that will require some serious work to remove. A US Forest Service employee on the trail said that they work with employees from East Coasters bike shop to clear and maintain the trails. I hope to join this effort soon. As of March 19, 2010, these trees are still there. These trees can be avoided by turning around at the intersection with the Indian Pipe trail.

The western half of the Poverty Creek trail was the starting point for the Rowdy Dawg mountain bike race; read my race blog post to see pictures taken while riding west to east. The following picture shows where the trail ends at the State Route 708.

Horse Nettle Trail

The Horse Nettle Trail is 3.0 miles long and ascends over 600 feet (from 2,100 to 2,700 feet); when riding from the eastern parking lot to the western end of the trail. The following elevation chart accurately represents the unrelenting climb when riding east to west.

Horse Nettle is designated as "more difficult" and has three distinct terrains: wide dirt track, gravel forest service road, and dirt forest service road. The first half of the trail is primarily wide dirt track with some single track interspersed. It starts wide, flat, and smooth.

A short stretch of single track dips into a small ravine that is capable of accumulating enough water to cover the trail; as I experienced on my first ride.

After a short stretch of single track, the trail opens up and runs along the edge of a ridge; all while maintaining a consistent incline.

At the half way point, the trail turns right onto a gravel forest service road and the climb continues. I'll know I am in solid mountain biking shape when I am able to ride this trail without taking any breaks.

After passing the intersection with the Snake Root trail, Horse Nettle has a quick descent down an old dirt road. The trail ends at a three way intersection that includes Old Farm trail and Jacobs Ladder trail; both of which are long and fast descending trails.

Jacobs Ladder Trail

Jacobs Ladder is a 1.3 mile, vertically steep single track trail that starts with a few technical switchbacks and then straightens out. The subsequent chart estimates the elevation drop when riding from the intersection with Horse Nettle down to the intersection with Poverty Creek trail.

The trail cruises along the side of a steeply sloped ridge (seen in the following picture) and includes lots of leaves and branches.

After navigating a dense set of tree roots, you'll complete the trail by crossing Poverty Creek (the creek) and then reaching the intersection with Poverty Creek trail.

Gateway Trail

Gateway trail is a 1.6 mile climb of over 600 feet in elevation; from 2,000 to 2,600 feet. The following elevation chart estimates the challenging climb gradient on a ride from the Heritage Park parking lot to the end of the Gateway trail.

The subsequent elevation chart was recorded during my ride down the trail.

Gateway trail starts across the street from the Heritage Park parking lot on Meadowbrook Drive.

Ride north out of the parking lot, cross Meadowbrook Drive, head east on Meadowbrook Drive, and then quickly turn left onto a paved trail; seen below.

Gateway trail is a laborious climb but includes a mix of smooth and rugged trail along with tight switchbacks.

The most challenging aspect of the trail is ascending tight switchbacks that include a large web of tree roots. On my first ride up Gateway, many of these turns forced me to get off my bike because I was too out of shape to maintain enough speed to bounce over the tree roots.

At times, the trail is wide and level but for the most part it is an unrelenting climb that is sure to test your endurance.

The trail is nearing its end when you reach the following stretch of rocks. The ride down Gateway is challenging because of its tight switchbacks but the tree roots are less of a factor because downhill momentum will help your bike roll over them.

Gateway ends at an intersection with the Horse Nettle and Jacobs Ladder trails. I recommend riding Horse Nettle before Gateway because Horse Nettle includes the same amount of climb but is less technical. In addition, a ride up and down Gateway can be combined with a cyclocross ride on the grassy hills of Heritage Park because they share the same parking lot. For me, Heritage Park was a confidence booster after an intimidating ride up and down Gateway.

May Apple Trail

May Apple is a 1.0 mile flat, smooth, and wide dirt trail that intersects with the Poverty Creek and Snake Root trails. The following chart was recorded riding west (Poverty Creek) to east (Snake Root).

Other than crossing Poverty Creek (seen in the following picture), it is an uneventful trail.

Joe Pye Trail

Joe Pye is a long 1.2 miles because it includes several stream crossings, protruding tree roots, and tight ascending turns. The following chart shows the climb experienced riding from Poverty Creek to Horse Nettle.

After crossing Poverty Creek (the creek), it weaves through dense shrub growth.

It includes some nasty tree roots that forced me to dismount. It is the least fun trail I have ridden in the system or maybe on the day I rode it I was too fatigued to enjoy its challenges.

Royale Trail

The Royal trail is a 0.9 mile trail that descends when riding north to south. The left side of the following elevation chart is incorrect. I don't think I gave my phone enough time to identify the starting elevation so it looks like the trail starts with a climb when in reality it is all downhill. The rest of the chart shows an accurate representation of the trail's decline whe riding north to south.

The following picture was taken from the beginning of the north end of the trail. This trail is marked as moderate in difficulty but is easy when riding north to south.

Trillium Trail

The Trillium trail is a 1.1 mile single track that connects Poverty Creek and Skullcap trails. Trillium is rockier than Poverty Creek and includes one prolonged climb.

It does not include stream crossings but does include a few areas where puddles develop.

Skullcap Trail

Skullcap trail is 1.6 miles long and includes a combination of both rocks and tree roots. It is more technical than Poverty Creek and Trillium and includes one tough climb. The following picture is backwards looking and shows a two foot drop.

Queen Anne Trail

The Queen Anne Trail is 0.8 miles of fast, smooth, and descending trail that connects with Skullcap and ends at State Route 708.

The following picture shows the Queen Anne trail ending at State Route 708. The final 100 foot approach to State Route 708 contains a set of gnarly tree roots hiding under leaves and that caught me off-guard.

Indian Pipe Trail

From the Poverty Creek trail, the Indian Pipe trail is a 0.4 mile fast, almost straight down hill descent that ends at FS 708. Riding down Indian Pipe was easy but climbing it looks challenging.

In sum, the Poverty Creek Trail System is a fun set of trails that should be attractive for beginners and experts. I still have lot more riding to do including some of the more difficult trails. In addition, I plan continue to improve the GPS mapping and elevation charts by riding on each trail several times. Other mountain biking trails in the region include: