Chadwell Gap Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Cave · Fall Colors · Views

The trailhead is well-marked and begins just at the edge of the parking lot. The typical NPS trail markers and signage indicate the trails beginning. The trail passes through a thin grove of tall trees at a slight grade for the first mile and half. The path is wide and easily seen despite no distinguishable trail markers. The surface of the trail goes from small well-graded gravels and dirt to a coarser and more jumbled rocky path at about mile 1.75. The ascent becomes tougher at this point as the grade begins to increase. A pair of trekking poles makes the next tougher and even more gravely, rocky section of the trail more manageable.

About 3/4 of the way up the path, at the start of a switchback, a break in the trees provides a look out and rest stop before finishing out the toughest section of the hike. The path then becomes dotted with lots of larger rocks and washed out sections.

As one would expect when ascending an Appalachian mountain, eventually you hike into a large vertical rock face. An open cave like area about 40 feet long and 30 or so feet deep can be seen along the base of rock escarpment. The trail continues along the base of this face as you near the end of the ascent. When you reach a section of concrete steps you are approximately 9/10 of the way through the trail. A wooden sign marks where the Chadwell Gap Trail ends.

Lots of mature trees and song birds can be seen and heard along the path.