Hidden Valley Loop

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Fishing · Lake

This loop can start/finish at either the first parking lot at the top of the hill or the parking area near the dam and can be done in either direction. One half uses the Brumley Mountain Trail before turning downhill on the Hidden Valley Dam spur trail. The remainder of the hike is on a gravel road bed.

This area is managed by VA DWR and requires a valid use permit, hunting permit, or fishing permit. It is an active hunting area during the winter months so wear blaze orange and be careful.

Starting at the first parking area when cresting the hill, enter the woods on the Brumley Mountain Trail. The trail climbs to the ridge and is marked by signs every 0.5 miles.

The ridge drops off sharply to the left of the trail and a number of views are available of the Lebanon, VA area, especially in the winter with no leaves. At approximately one mile from the parking area there is a spur trail to the left that leads to a rocky overlook with a view over Hansonville.

The trail can be hard to follow at times but there are a mix of blazes and small plastic arrows nailed to trees that help guide the way.

Just after the 3.5 mile marker, there will be a small wooden sign nailed to a tree: "DAM ->". If you see a sign for The Channels you have gone too far.

The dam spur trail is to the right and is about 0.5 downhill. At the bottom of the hill follow the arrows to the right and emerge at the Hidden Valley dam parking area. Cross the dam and follow the gravel road around the back side of the lake. The road winds in and out with a few views of the lake eventually re-entering the main lake road about a half a mile downhill from the starting point.