Woody Gap and Dockerty Lake Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Spring · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This is a beautiful, scenic route through wonderfully shaded forest. Starting at Woody Gap, you head down the main road and take the jeep track to Dockerty Lake. At the Dockerty Lake parking lot, you join the singletrack which takes you along the lakeside and then up a fairly challenging climb all the way to the Appalachian Trail. Be sure to take the detour to the waterfall, it is very pleasant.

Once on the Appalachian Trail you take a left back towards Woody Gap. You'll climb for a while longer on the singletrack until it turns into awesome undulating singletrack through the forest. Once at Woody Gap, you can refuel and get some water and then head over the main road and continue on the Appalachian Trail until you feel the need to turn around and head back to your vehicle.

Take all of your own water and food, there are no shops up there. You can leave them in your car at Woody Gap.

This trail starts off with a very easy 3km down the main road to the turn off to Dockerty Lake. Continue along the jeep track until you reach the lake. The Dockerty Lake Trail is well sign posted and takes you along the bank of the lake. Once you leave the lake a grueling 5km climb begins but it is through some magical indigenous forest with a waterfall to view en-route.

Once at the top of the climb, you join the Appalachian Trail and turn left to begin your trip back to Woody Gap. An initial climb rewards you with very negotiable singletrack back to Woody Gap where you can refuel.

Then head out again from Woody Gap and do a 10km out and back along the Appalachian Trail. This section has some climbs but nothing too strenuous. Enjoy the majestic forest trail and soak up the breathtaking views.

Awesome indigenous forest, squirrels, birds and whole lot. Very peaceful.