Hatton Ridge Road

Dogs Unknown

From its northern terminus off of County Road 1206, Hatton Ridge Road traverses a long unbroken ridge for almost its entire length at 6.4 miles. The road rolls with the ridge and there are few hills of consequence. This is a great year round hike, but be aware that there is heavy traffic during hunting season in this area.

The upper end of Powdermill Branch Trail tees into Hatton Ridge Road beyond the USFS gate and can be combined with the ridge road for longer outings. You can also access Hatton Ridge Road by taking the Powdermill Branch Trail first. Along the way there is a lot of National Forest land, but past the USFS gate, the road changes from a county road to FR 165 and becomes truly lonely and spectacular. In the winter, you can catch glimpses of huge cliff lines in the distance. In summer, the road follows a dark and dappled tunnel through overhanging hardwoods and evergreens.

You can access the upper terminus of the Powder Mill Branch Trail, and combined with that and the Short Creek Rim Trail, there are possibilities for riding for most of a day or for a short backpacking adventure.

Be warned, the end of this trail peters out before a fairly large cliff band. While you're exploring the area, just use caution near the edges!