Rye Patch Trail #2023

Dogs Unknown

This trail is open to hikers, bikes and equestrians. Please be kind and follow the rules of the trail.

Rye Patch is a mix of doubletrack and singletrack that runs from Panhandle Road 202/FS Road 56 to the junction of FS Road 5081. This trail has tons of potential, but at the moment it is very overgrown and blown out in spots from horse usage. It is useful for linking up to Taylor Ridge Trail #2025, Bartee Branch Trail #2022, Low Gap Trail #2024, Hinkle Branch Trail, and FS Road 5081.

From Panhandle Road 202/FS Road 56, the trail is a doubletrack for 1.7 miles. At a small clearing, turn right onto overgrown singletrack. For the next mile, the trail is overgrown and rocky, with several boggy horse pits. At 3.2 miles, pass Low Gap Trail on the right. At 3.3 miles, turn right to stay on Rye Patch. Hinkle Branch splits off to the left.

At this point, the trail turns back into doubletrack. At 3.5 miles, cross Hinkle Branch Creek. The creek is usually shallow and can be crossed on rocks. Continue through the powerline clearing onto singletrack. At 4.2 miles, turn left to stay on the lower part of Rye Patch doubletrack, or turn right onto FS Road 5081 towards Griffith Branch Trailhead.