Biking at Hungry Mother State Park
(276) 781-7401
2854 Park Blvd.
Marion, VA 24354
Latitude: 36.882561
Longitude: -81.533867
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CCC Trail
The Civilian Conservation Corps Trail is a 1 mile, moderate difficulty, multi-use trail that runs from the intersection of the Powder House and Lake Trails, nearly all the way to the peak of Molly's Vista Trail. This trail follows the creek at lower elevations, crossing it several times. As the elevation increases the trail leaves the creek and increases in grade. Above the intersection with the Middle Ridge Trail, the trail increases in difficulty until finally reaching the Molly's Knob Trail. Vast thickets of Rhododendron line this trail along much of its length.
Blaze Color: Orange
Usage:
- Length: 1.05
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth, Gravel
Fisherman's Run Trail
The Fisherman's Run Trail is a 1.1 mile easy, multi-use trail that runs along the west side of the lake. The trail connects the beach area to a small parking lot, accessible from Route 16, near where the trail becomes the Powder House Trail. This smooth trail has little elevation change and offers many places for hikers and bikers to stop and rest or, as its name suggests, fish from the lake.
Blaze Color: Lt. Green
Usage:
- Length: 1.23
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth, Gravel
Lake Trail
The Lake Trail is a moderate difficulty, 2.9 mile trail for hiking and biking, that closely follows the east side of the lake. The trail makes brief diversions along the ridges and away from the lake shore, where it connects to the Ridge, Middle Ridge, CCC, and Powderhouse trails. This relatively wide trail features numerous changes in elevation along with a fair share of sharp turns and switchbacks resulting in constantly changing vistas of the lake and surrounding mountains. Shady thickets of Rhododendron, dense leafy forest, and cool creek beds along with the abundant wildlife, make this this trail an interesting and ever-changing panorama.
Blaze Color: Navy Blue
Usage:
- Length: 2.89
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth, Gravel
Middle Ridge Trail
The Middle Ridge Trail is a 1.17 mile, moderate difficulty, multi-use trail that connects the upper portion of the CCC Trail to the Lake Trail. The trail primarily follows a ridge with moderate changes in elevation. This single track trail passes through the woods and Rhododendron, providing an alternate route up or down Molly's Knob.
Blaze Color: Yellow
Usage:
- Length: 1.17
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Molly's Knob Trail
The Molly's Knob Trail is a 1.6 mile, difficult trail, that takes users from a parking lot near the group lodge up to the top of Molly's Knob. The trail gradually becomes steeper and narrower while you ascend and is fairly hard before reaching the summit which is the park's highest point at 3,270 feet. While hiking this trail you will see both Catawba (pink bloom) and Maximum (white bloom) Rhododendron, as well as many varieties of fern and the spring blooming, lady's slipper flower. You may even be lucky enough to spot a red eft, the terrestrial subadult stage of the Red-spotted newt (N. v. viridescens), a type of amphibian.
Blaze Color: White
Usage:
- Length: 1.6
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Surface: Earth, Gravel
Old Shawnee Trail
The Old Shawnee Trail is a 1 mile, moderate difficulty, multi-use trail that forms an extension of the Raider's Run Trail where it is accessible from two places. Like the Raider's Run, the trail passes through the woods but is not as difficult. While this trail is listed as moderate difficulty, bikers should note that the trail features several difficult places where the trail either floods easily or where the creek simply flows straight down the trail.
Blaze Color: Green
Usage:
- Length: 0.94
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Powder House Trail
The Powder House Trail is a one mile long, moderate difficulty, multi-use trail that passes through the woods along the south side of the lake and connects the Fisherman's Run Trail to the Lake Trail. This trail is a bit rougher than the adjoining trails and features moderate changes in elevation. The trail obtains its name from the restored CCC powder house located nearby. The powder house was used by the Civilian Conservation Corps to store blasting powder and dynamite during the construction of the park and its trail system. Its somewhat remote location and fire or spark resistant construction was insurance against the ever present danger of explosion.
Blaze Color: Red
Usage:
- Length: 1
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth, Gravel, Boardwalks
Raider's Run Trail
The Raider's Run Trail is a .9 mile, difficult trail for hiking and biking. It forms a loop that is accessible from the parking area just off of the main park road and not far from the Hemlock Haven Conference Center access. This trail passes through the woods over steep uphills and downhills along a narrow track. This trail is the only means of access in two places to the Old Shawnee Trail.
Blaze Color: Royal Blue
Usage:
- Length: 0.85
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Surface: Earth, Gravel
Other Activities At Hungry Mother State Park: Boating and Water Sports, Camping, Educational Activities, Fishing, Gifts and Shopping, Hiking, Hunting, Picnicking, Swimming, Wildlife Activities and Canoeing And Kayaking
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