Hood Branch Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This trail is less well traveled than many in the state park.

From the Sky Lift parking area look for the terminus of this trail (and Sand Gap Trail) to the right of the Sky Lift in the woods near the mini-golf course. The trail climbs steeply before contouring into the hillside and settling into a more gentle grade as it climbs deeper and deeper into Upper Hood Branch.

This is a nice quiet trail with some great views in wintertime of the surrounding cliffs.

The trail ends at the top right at the Natural Bridge Arch. You can return to the parking area via Rock Garden Trail West and the Low Gap Trail. Alternatively, you can run the loop clockwise for an even better experience.