Mountain Lake to Butt Mountain Overlook Loop

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Allowed

Features Views

This route follows Forest Service roads, old logging roads, and about 1.5 miles of paved road. The entire route is accessible to motorized vehicles but about half would require a high-clearance 4wd.

There's a beautiful view of the New River Valley at the Butt Mountain Overlook.

Most convenient place to park is The Mountain Lake Resort parking lot. The resort also has its own small MTB trail system, as well as other amenities.

I parked along Mountain Lake Rd (CR 613) above the resort and rode the route counter clockwise. A couple of miles past the resort, you'll pass the War Spur Trail and small parking lot on your right. Another mile or so past that, you'll reach the intersection with the AT and a small parking lot on your left.

At this point, you'll turn left and head down the old logging road that leaves the parking lot. This is a pretty rough old road with several giant puddles to navigate around after heavy rains. After about four miles, you'll come to an intersection where you'll head straight through toward Brushy Top. You cross Brushy Top in about 0.75 miles and another couple of miles after that you'll get to the gated road on your right that goes to the Butt Mountain Overlook.

It's a couple hundred yards to the overlook area. The overlook area is a little trashed as there is still an abandoned fire tower that the college youngerns like to climb (yeah, I'd've been doing that crap about 40 years ago, too...LOL!), along with a small communications tower and building. There are, however, some large rock outcroppings for nice view/picnic opportunities.

After the overlook, you'll head east toward Mountain Lake. After about 1.5 miles, you'll pass the Conservancy Trail on your right that leads down to Barney's Wall (a several-hundred-foot sheer cliff) and then on to the Cascades, both nice hiking destinations.

Another couple of miles past the Conservancy Trail, the road improves greatly and continues about four miles or so (mostly up) to the paved Doe Creek Rd. Turn left and the Mount Lake Resort parking lot will be about a mile up from there.

Lots of history in the area, including Civil War battle activity ( virginiaplaces.org/watershe…).