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Virtual Tour: Cottonwood Trail

The Cottonwood Trail is a 2.3 mile round trip hike. The easy, multi-use trail is accessible from the Massanutten Shelter Parking area. In addition, the Primitive Campground has a separate access point to the trail for registered campers. The trail passes through a wooded area before you reach the boardwalk loop that circles through a wetland area with vernal pools. This quiet corner of the park offers great opportunities for spotting wildlife. In springtime, the vernal pools serve as a breeding ground for salamanders, damselflies, frogs and Fairy Shrimp. Large Cottonwood trees and wildflowers such as Wild Geranium and Jack-in-the Pulpit can be observed here. Several other trails, including Wildcat Ledge, Point and Allen's Mountain, can be accessed from this trail.

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