Hiking at Fairy Stone State Park

Beach Trail

The Beach Trail is a .74 mile moderate hiking trail that connects the campground to the beach area. The trail can be accessed from the campground, shelter 2, the upper beach parking lot, and the Visitor Center. The Beach Trail is part of the Little Mountain trail system.

Blaze Color: White

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Horse Camp Trail

The Horse Camp Trail is a 1.75 mile, moderate difficulty trail that takes you to the Horse Camp and is accessible from the Mountain View Trail.

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Iron Mine Trail

The Iron Mine Trail is a 1.1 mile difficult hiking trail that is accessible from the trailhead parking and provides access to the three other trails in the Stuarts Knob system. This trail offers some stunning views of Fairy Stone Lake and the surrounding mountains.

Blaze Color: Yellow

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Lakeshore Trail

This 0.81 mile out and back trail runs alongside the lake and is wooded along most of its length. This trail has some steep sections but is mostly broad and flat. In some locations the Lakeshore Trail shares a common right-of-way with the Turkey Ridge Trail. The Lakeshore Trail is part of the Little Mountain trail system.

Blaze Color: Yellow

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Little Mountain Falls Trail

The Little Mountain Falls Trail is a 3.3 mile difficult, multi-use trail loop. The trail climbs a very steep incline to an overlook and the halfway point. In either direction the climb is roughly the same. On the northern section of the trail there are some level areas as well as the trail's namesake, Little Mountain Falls. The trail is fairly wide with few obstructions however it is very steep overall. Little Mountain Falls Trail is a part of the Little Mountain trail system.

Blaze Color: Orange

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Mountain View Trail

The Mountain View Trail is a 2.1 mile difficult multi-use trail. It is a wide paved road but it is very steep and winding as it ascends to Goose Point Road. This trail is gated as no motorized vehicles are permitted on this trail. For much of its length this trail parallels the Little Mountain Falls Trail while connecting to it at several points along the way. The trail features numerous views of the area and its smooth surface is ideal for bicyclists who are up for the challenge. The Mountain View Trail is a part of the Little Mountain trail system.

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Oak Hickory Trail

The Oak Hickory Trail is a 1.1 mile moderate hiking loop that is accessible near picnic shelters 3 and 4. This trail is fairly steep for a short portion of the south side of the loop. The balance of the trail has very little change in elevation. This trail passes through a variety of woodlands and features a self-guided interpretive trail.

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Stuart's Knob Trail

The Stuart's Knob Trail is a 0.97 mile difficult hiking trail that is accessible from the Iron Mine Trail. It consists of two connected loops, the Upper Stuart's Knob Trail and the Lower Stuart's Knob Trail. The .75 mile upper loop is more difficult than the shorter lower loop, with a narrower, steeper trail and more switchbacks. The lower loop features an overlook at its midpoint with seating and a nice view to the west. The Stuart's Knob Trail is part of the Stuarts Knob trail system.

Blaze Color: Orange

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Turkey Ridge Trail

The Turkey Ridge Trail is a 2.1 mile moderate multi-use trail loop. This trail is not as steep as the Little Mountain Falls Trail but still provides a challenge. In some locations the Turkey Ridge Trail shares a common right-of-way with the Lakeshore Trail. The Turkey Ridge Trail is a part of the Little Mountain trail system.

Blaze Color: Blue

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Whiskey Run Trail

The Whiskey Run Trail is a 1.5 mile difficult hiking trail loop that encircles the other trails in the system with only slight elevation changes. The trail passes through secluded wooded areas where abandoned mines are visible. Hikers may access this trail from the Iron Mine Trail. Whiskey Run is part of the Stuart's Knob trail system.

Blaze Color: Blue

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Fairy Stones

The Legend of the Fairy Stone: Many hundreds of years before Chief Powhatan's reign, fairies were dancing around a spring of water, playing with naiads and wood nymphs, when an elfin messenger arrived from a city far away. He brought news of the death of Christ. When these creatures of the forest heard the story of the crucifixion, they wept. As their tears fell upon the earth, they crystallized to form beautiful crosses.Fairy stones are staurolite, a combination of silica, iron and aluminum. Staurolite crystallizes at 60 or 90 degree angles, hence the stone's cross-like structure.

• Season/Hours: All Year/N/A
• Fee: A small handful of stones may be collected by visitors; digging is prohibited
• Location:Hunting stones in park property behind Haynes 57 Service Station on Rt. 57E