Name: Mower Basin Flow Route
Rating: 4.5

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Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Unknown

Features Views

Overnight camping is restricted to 14 days per visit. Hiking is allowed within the trail system. Watch for heavy equipment along Forest Road 227 and 227C as the area is currently being cleared of non-native vegetation to provide light for the native vegetation.

Overview

Flowy singletrack with multiple trail bed surfaces ranging from; packed, loose shale, and a sprinkling of moss, roots and loam. Junco Trail and Hawks Ridge Loop Trail offer the best long range views.

Need to Know

Primitive camping is allowed in designated areas along the Mower Basin Trails Area. The area is close to the NRAO Greenbank quiet zone. Due to the quiet zone, cell phone service is limited to certain areas along the Mower Basin Trail system.

Limited amenities including food and fuel are available north on US 250 in Huttonsville and Millcreek. South on US 250; food, fuel and scenic train excursions are available in Durbin.

Description

Starting at the Mower Basin Trails parking area, take the Sparrow Loop Trail right fork to Warbler Loop Trail left fork. Look for Thrush Trail on the right. Enjoy this small downhill connector with small rollers to the Warbler Loop Trail right fork. Stay on Warbler Loop Trail to Junco Trail on your right.

Junco Trail drops into the basin and skirts a couple of ponds before turning uphill to Forest Road 227C. Turn left onto the Forest Road and enjoy the views of the basin on your left.

Continue back toward the parking area and turn right onto Hawks Ridge Loop Trail just after the parking area. Climb the doubletrack trail into the tree line and take the left fork. This fork steadily traverses the ridgeline on a skinny singletrack to the right of the maintenance path.

As you steadily climb, take advantage of the long range Highlands views on your left. Cell service from certain providers work in this area.

The trail re-enters the forest and becomes tight, loamy and rocky and steadily climbs across the ridge finishing with a tight singletrack downhill back to the trail fork. From the meadow, enjoy a two-track downhill back to the parking area.

History & Background

This area was once a mountain top coal mine and is currently being reclaimed with native tree species using modern techniques. It offers long range Highlands views, crisp air and plenty of flora and fauna.