Tuscarora Trail - Route 9 to Audubon Road

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Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views

This is a challenging and scenic stretch of the Tuscarora Trail. This is the northern part of Section 12 (WV9 to Sleepy Creek) as described in the South Half trail book published by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. It is found on Map L.

There is nice winding trail along and across Meadow Branch Creek. The bridge in Spruce Pine Hollow Park will get you safely across. Be alert for the blue blazes leading you uphill to the right. There are nice switchback sections and some dirt road climbs too. A good steep climb and then a power line clearing will soon give way to Devil's Nose, a large flat rock formation that gives one a chance to catch one's breath. This spot is not so much a scenic overlook as an oasis in the midst of the forest, it is best experienced in late autumn when colors begin to turn.

Continuing south and downhill will bring you to another nice, new bridge to cross Meadow Branch yet again. The balance of the jaunt is a nice mixture of power hiking climbs and descents, switchbacks and flat-out sections that are easy to navigate. The south end of this section will find you at the end of Audubon Road.