One of the state slogan's for Virginia is the well-known motto, "Virginia is for Lovers." There are several little known but astonishingly beautiful trails that are a well-kept "secret" in Virginia's Jefferson National Forest that prove this old saying. One of these trails that is hidden away in the mountains of Southwestern Virginia that is perfect for both lovers of natural beauty as well as romantics is The Guest River Gorge Trail.
Located just outside of the small town of Coeburn, Virginia, the trail is 5.8 miles in length and follows along an abandoned railway bed. The first mile of the trail is graveled and mostly level and easy for most hikers before winding its way down through the gorge which plunges over 400 down from majestic cliffs, so the trail requires more strenuous effort. Fishing, kayaking, canoeing as well as mountain biking are allowed on the trail and it is one of my favorite destinations for a scenic day hike. Several small waterfalls are to be found throughout its length, enhancing the scenic beauty of this hidden jewel as they cascade down from the high sandstone bluffs that make up the gorge. Numerous geologically unique rock outcroppings, an old railway tunnel and several railroad trestles making the trip interesting as well. To get to this trail take exit #1 at Coeburn on Alternative Hwy. 58 and then travel south for 2.3 miles along scenic and curvy State Route 72. After passing the Flatwoods Picnic Area on the right the Guest River Gorge is left. Turn left onto Forest Road 2477 and drive for 1.4 miles to reach the parking lot. The trailhead is marked.
This trail is not the only site worth seeing in this area. Additional area hiking trails that are a must see for those who love the great outdoors and are seeking a spectacular view as the backdrop for their romantic getaways are within 2 to 10 miles of this part of the Jefferson National Forest and are also accessed from State Route 72 and intersecting forest roads. These areas include the stunning The Devil's Bathtub and Waterfall as part of the Devil's Fork Loop, Little Stony Falls, Bear Rock, Chief Benge's Trail, Hanging Rock, Flag Rock Recreation Area and Bark Camp Lake Recreation Area. An annual Guest River Rally is also held in the nearby town of Coeburn each Labor Day that is filled with many special activities at the gorge on this day.
The nearby Little Stony Falls and Bear Rock are particularly special to me as I spent a great portion of my teen-aged years along these trails as my grandparent's farm was less than two miles away from these stunning areas. Hiking along all of these remote trails in the Jefferson National Forest seem to be one of Virginia's best kept secrets when it comes to the great outdoors and it makes these areas all the more special and enjoyable. Probably the most significant reason why I love these hiking trails the best of any that I have traveled is that it was while viewing the high vistas and breathtaking fall foliage from atop Bear Rock that my husband proposed to me. This area is abundant in wildlife and many interesting scenic views that should not be missed by any lover of natural beauty or romance.
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