Skip to content

Clyburn Ridge Loop Trail

EasyVirginia · United States

GPX
Distance
6.3 km (3.9 mi)
Elevation gain
138 m (453 ft)
Typical time
1 hr 31 min
Difficulty
Easy
Route type
Loop
Highest point
Not recorded

About Clyburn Ridge Loop Trail

Clyburn Ridge Loop Trail is a 6.3 km hiking route in Virginia, United States. It climbs roughly 138 m (453 ft) along the way. Most people take around 1 hr 31 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. Nothing here is technical, and the climbing is spread out rather than concentrated.

This is mountain terrain, and the scale of the surroundings is the reason to come.

The circuit closes on itself, which makes logistics simple: one car park, one round of 3.9 mi. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.

Spring through autumn is the natural window, and shoulder season means fewer people on the narrow sections.

In short, Clyburn Ridge Loop Trail suits families, first-time visitors and anyone looking for a half day outdoors. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Easy6.3 km138 m

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

The route in detail

The loop is usually walked clockwise from the main trailhead. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. The upper section is where the route earns its reputation, and it is also where weather changes fastest. The return leg is the reverse of the outward journey, which makes it easy to judge remaining time.

Highlights

  • Mountain
  • Circular route, no backtracking

Know before you go

Best season
April to October
Waymarked
Not consistently
Surface
Mixed natural surface
Dogs
Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access
Not accessible
Entrance fee
No fee recorded
Camping
Not recorded
Drinking water
Carry your own
Toilets
Not recorded
Mobile coverage
Generally usable
Parking
Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
Emergency
112 in Europe, 911 in North America

How this trail scores

Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.

Scenery
50/100

Terrain features, relief and photographic interest

Adventure
33/100

Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is

Difficulty
18/100

Effort index from distance and climbing

Accessibility
69/100

Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it

Family
64/100

Suitability for children who already walk

Dogs
62/100

Access rules, terrain and water along the way

Tips from the trail

  • Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
  • Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
  • Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
  • Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

  • Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.

Safety

Emergency services in United States are reached on 911. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.

What to bring

  • Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
  • Weatherproof jacket
  • At least 1.5 litres of water
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
  • Small first aid kit including blister plasters

Photography

Shoot the first hour after sunrise from the higher ground: the low angle picks out every ridge and the valleys still hold mist. Because it is a loop, the light changes direction as you go, so save some memory for the back half. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

No one has reviewed Clyburn Ridge Loop Trail yet. Be the first.

Sign in to review

Trails near Clyburn Ridge Loop Trail

Other routes within a short drive, ranked by distance from this trailhead.

Easy

Virginia · United States

Distance
0.8 km
/ 0.5 mi
Elevation gain
17 m
Typical duration
11 min
Moderate

Virginia · United States

Distance
9.2 km
/ 5.7 mi
Elevation gain
203 m
Typical duration
2 hr 14 min
  • Lake
Easy

Virginia · United States

Distance
3.1 km
/ 1.9 mi
Elevation gain
69 m
Typical duration
45 min
Easy

Virginia · United States

Distance
3.1 km
/ 1.9 mi
Elevation gain
68 m
Typical duration
45 min
Easy

Virginia · United States

Distance
2.6 km
/ 1.6 mi
Elevation gain
57 m
Typical duration
38 min
Easy

West Virginia · United States

Distance
1.2 km
/ 0.7 mi
Elevation gain
26 m
Typical duration
17 min
  • Lake

Keep exploring