Wild Oak National Recreation Trail (716)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Commonly Backpacked · River/Creek · Views

Be very careful in the area near the intersection with the Little Skidmore Trail #715. Because of trail changes made by mountain bikers to the trail, it is very easy when traveling clockwise on the Wild Oak Trail to end up off of that trail and onto the Little Skidmore Trail #715.

The Wild Oak Trail's primary access is in Stokesville, VA at a parking lot off FR 95, however there are multiple additional road crossings with parking areas.

The trail has been designated a National Recreation Trail since 1979. It is commonly backpacked in either direction as a 2-3 day trip but can be completed in 1 day by trail runners or strong hikers.

A local trail running club sponsors a trail run every February requiring four loops on this trail. It is called the "WOT 100," though the distance is longer, due to trail changes over the past decade.

There is a section of the trail that passes within the Ramsey's Draft Wilderness Area between Spring House Ridge and Dividing Ridge that mountain bikers are prohibited from using. The trail ascends Shenandoah Mountain into the upper reaches of the Potomac River Watershed and teeters along the edge of the James River Watershed to the south.

Just off the Lookout Mountain section of TWOT, there is a great overlook as the trail approaches the North River, and a suspension bridge that crosses the river near the end.

The SVBC has done considerable amounts of trail rehabilitation on Lookout Mountain, Chestnut Ridge, and Horse Trough Hollow. Wilderness portions of this loop are maintained by members of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.